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David Drown - Example Profile POSITION: CITY ADMINISTRATOR LOCATION: FERGUS FALLS, MINNESOTA POPULATION: 13,280 SALARY RANGE: $90,000 TO $125,000 COMMUNITY INFORMATION Fergus Falls is located in the beautiful West Central Minnesota lakes country near the Red River Valley. Sitting approximately 180 miles northwest of Minneapolis, 25 miles east of the North Dakota border, and 55 miles from the Fargo/Moorhead area, this City is home to 13,280 residents who enjoy a high quality of life. Fergus Falls has five exits off of Interstate 94 which makes this City extremely accessible to its residents and travelers alike. In 1854, Little Falls land speculator James B. Fergus hired Joseph Whitford to travel northwest to take up a townsite along the Red River. He encountered a band of Native Americans who told him of a site where there was a big falls, or rapids. Whitford staked the site and named it Fergus Falls after the man who sent him on this expedition. The first permanent settler, Ernest Buse, arrived in 1865, and he and his family remained alone there for two years before any others arrived. Fergus Falls developed into a bustling village in 1870 when real estate agent George Burdick Wright and Minneapolis banker R.J. Mendenhall bought land along the Otter Tail River. They built the first wooden frame saw mill and the first dam and bridge across the Otter Tail River. Wright enticed people to settle in Fergus Falls by offering free business lots to anyone that was willing to put up a building, and he earned his investment back by selling lumber to the new landowners. The railroad came through in 1879, ensuring the success of Fergus Falls. The City would become a regional trade center as businesses had a guaranteed route into town, and locally produced goods had a route out of town. Fergus Falls is the county seat of Otter Tail County, the number one County in North America for having the most lakes. It has also been recognized as a “Tree City USA” since 1978, which makes Fergus Falls not only the first, but the longest standing “Tree City” in Minnesota. The City has received recognition from the Governor’s office as a Fit City and has also just been named a Bicycle Friendly Community at the bronze level by the League of American Bicyclists. The City is also now participating in the Green Steps Cities Program. Fergus Falls is a very family-oriented community that offers an excellent school system, affordable housing, a strong job market, and recreation that the whole family can enjoy. EDUCATION Fergus Falls shows its commitment to providing exceptional educational opportunities by offering a number of both public and private education options. Public education is provided by Independent School District 544. The mission of the Fergus Falls Public Schools is to prepare productive citizens through academic excellence in partnership with families and the community. In this District, there are three elementary schools: McKinley School, Adams School, and Cleveland School. Kennedy Secondary School offers both a middle school and a high school. The community recently showed its support of the District by approving a $2.73 million Facilities Improvement Project Referendum which included upgrades to the football field, the pool and auditorium at Kennedy Secondary School, resurfacing of the tennis courts, and expanding the track from six to eight lanes. There are five private school facilities in Fergus Falls that offer an alternative to public learning. Hillcrest Academy is a Christian college-preparatory high school that serves students in grades 7-12. The school offers both boarding and day school opportunities for local, domestic, and international students. Morning Son Christian School serves students in grades K-6, Our Lady of Victory is a Pre-K-6 grade Catholic school, Trinity Lutheran School provides preschool education, and Twin Oaks Private School serves students in grades 9-12. There are two institutions of higher learning available in Fergus Falls. Lutheran Brethren Seminary shares its campus with Hillcrest Academy and its mission is to train and equip pastors, missionaries, and Christian lay workers for ministry in the Church. Minnesota State Community and Technical College-Fergus Falls campus provides academic programs in liberal arts and health services. It is a member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system. ECONOMIC VITALITY Because Fergus Falls is located right off of Interstate 94, the City has been very successful in attracting new businesses, strengthening the community. According the U.S. Census Bureau, Fergus Falls is a newly- dubbed Micropolitan Statistical Area which is an economic hub that draws workers and shoppers from many miles around. For businesses looking to move, establish, or expand, these micropolitans can be lucrative, relatively untapped markets. Fergus Falls offers a diverse economy and is home to several major, successful companies. Its retail trade area includes approximately 100,000 people. The City is well positioned for further economic development, and is a regional center for shopping, education, recreation, medical facilities, and entertainment. HEALTHCARE Fergus Falls is home to an award winning healthcare facility with a reputation of being one of Minnesota’s most successful rural health care organizations. Lake Region Healthcare’s main campus in Fergus Falls houses:  A primary and specialty care clinic  Walk-In Clinic  108-bed hospital  12-bed level 3 trauma center  Cancer Care & Research Center  Orthopedic Joint Care Center  Surgical, lab, and radiology services  Acute rehabilitation and therapy services Construction is nearing completion on a new $30 million clinic which will allow for new patient- centered processes and state of the art technology to improve patient care. RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES When it comes to opportunity for indoor and outdoor activities, Fergus Falls is overflowing. The City offers beautiful scenery throughout its 22 parks, river walks, and hiking/biking trails. Water activity is in no short supply as there are five lakes within the City limits and over 1000 lakes in the surrounding area. Just six miles north of Fergus Falls, you can also find the Red Horse Ranch Arena which is a full-amenities horse boarding, horse training, and event facility. The arena hosts events from rodeos and riding seminars, to auctions and meetings. The City of Fergus Falls also offers a number of great visual and performing arts opportunities with its rotating exhibits, gallery crawls, and festivals. A Center for the Arts, a performing arts theatre, provides year-round music, dance, theater, and visual arts programs. The City is also home to the Otter Tail County Historical Museum which is recognized as one of the best local history museums in Minnesota. If you are looking for shopping and dining, you can walk the tree-lined streets of downtown where you can find unique retail shops, coffee houses, and eateries. You can also find many national retailers right in the City. THE ORGANIZATION The City of Fergus Falls is a full service City that employs approximately 115 full time employees and 100 additional seasonal, temporary, and paid on call employees. The departments are fortunate to be led by competent, experienced department heads who understand the needs of the City. The Government Finance Officers Association has awarded a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting to the City of Fergus Falls for 21 consecutive years, and Moody’s Investor Service has assigned Fergus Falls an Aa3 bond rating. The Administration Department provides the administrative direction for the City. The City Administrator serves as the Chief Administrative Officer for the City and reports to the Mayor and City Council. There are three full time firefighters along with 36 part time volunteers that serve the residents of Fergus Falls, as well as the citizens of Orwell, Buse, Aurdal, and Fergus Falls townships. The Fergus Falls Police Department is a full service agency made up of administration, patrol, investigations, a school resource officer, records, and a drug task force agent. There are 23 officers and six support staff. The Library, Public Works, Community Development, and Engineering departments all provide services that keep the community moving forward. The City also operates two liquor stores as authorized by Minnesota state law and the Fergus Falls City Council. Profits from liquor store operations go back into community projects which would otherwise have to be paid for with increased property taxes. MISSION AND VISION Building on our heritage and planning for the future of our citizens, the mission of the City of Fergus Falls is to provide the resources, opportunities, and environment to assure the best possible quality of life. Our vision is to be a model community in Greater Minnesota. We will:  Promote our All-American City as the preferable place to live, work, and visit  Provide a friendly, safe, and supportive atmosphere  Encourage individual involvement and community partnerships  Preserve and expand on our naturally beautiful environment  Provide quality services to the citizens of our community  Promote and encourage new and existing business and industry  Plan for continued growth and development ORGANIZATIONAL CHART BUDGET 2015 2016 GENERAL FUND GENERAL GOVERNMENT 1,963,799 2,319,111 PUBLIC SAFETY 3,684,299 3,962,616 ENGINEERING/PUBLIC WORKS 2,447,324 2,504,635 PARKS & RECREATION 1,834,256 1,900,422 COMMUNITY/ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 342,764 420,938 TRANSFERS OUT 4,385 0 SPECIAL REVENUE FUNDS PORT AUTHORITY 711,613 417,500 PUBLIC LIBRARY 756,790 781,624 COMMUNITY ICE ARENA 1,269,962 1,614,886 OTHER 264,628 472,101 DEBT SERVICE FUNDS TOTAL 3,429,912 2,942,687 CAPITAL PROJECT FUNDS CAPITAL PROJECTS OPERATIONS 7,497,092 8,216,783 OTHER 2,204,313 1,532,350 ENTERPRISE FUNDS LIQUOR STORE 5,591,793 5,769,732 REFUSE DISPOSAL 2,638,934 2,718,176 SEWAGE TREATMENT 2,338,570 2,424,287 WATER DEPARTMENT 2,105,343 2,032,504 STORM WATER 475,316 564,720 INTERNAL SERVICE FUND EQUIPMENT 1,787,480 1,861,718 TOTAL BUDGET 41,348,573 42,456,790 Mayor & City Council City Attorney CITY ADMINISTRATOR Human Resources Community Development Finance Public Library Fire Public Safety Engineering Public Works Port Authority Building/ Zoning Liquor Store Information Systems GIS/CAD Water, Sewer, Solid Waste Park & Rec Facilities Accounting ADMINISTRATOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES  Assists the City Council in determining the scope and overall direction of the City of Fergus Falls.  Exercises managerial authority and supervision over all municipal employees either directly or through subordinate supervisors.  Oversees and actively manages the activities of the departments and special projects ensuring they are in concert with policies and goals of the City Council and that they further the City’s long range goals and objectives.  Administers and enforces the City Charter and is responsible for the operations of the City.  Meets with and advises the City Council on matters related to City operations and policies.  Provides leadership and direction in the development of short and long range plans; gathers, interprets, and prepares data for studies, reports, and recommendations, and coordinates department activities with other departments and agencies as needed.  Provides professional advice to the City Council, Mayor, and department heads; makes presentations to councils, boards, commissions, civic groups, and the general public.  Communicates official plans, policies, and procedures of the Council and Mayor to staff and the general public.  Develops, maintains, interprets, and enforces administrative policies and procedures.  Assures that assigned areas of responsibility are performed within budget; performs cost control activities, monitors revenues and expenditures in assigned area to assure sound fiscal control, assures effective and efficient use of budgeted funds, personnel materials, facilities, and time.  Issues written and oral instructions; assigns duties and examines work for exactness, neatness, and conformance to policies and procedures.  Maintains harmony among workers and resolves grievances; performs or assists subordinates in performing duties, and adjusts errors and complaints.  Prepares a variety of studies, reports, and related information for decision making purposes.  Plans, coordinates, and directs the operation of City departments and programs; evaluates organizational issues and problems, and facilitates strategies to address issues and problems.  Appoints and removes all employees; directs and supervises the administration of all departments, offices, and agencies of the City, except as otherwise provided by Charter or law.  Sees that all laws, ordinances, and charters are adhered to in all operations within the City.  Prepares and submits, with assistance from others, a preliminary annual City budget; administers the adopted budget, and advises the City Council and Mayor of financial conditions and current and future City needs.  Serves as a member of the City’s investment committee and implements the policies of the committee.  Attends all meetings of the Council and various other local, regional, and state meetings and conventions.  Performs other duties and assumes additional responsibilities as directed by the City Council to ensure efficient and effective City operation. PRIORITIES AND GOALS  Assist the Council with developing a progressive five year strategic plan that will guide decision making and investment.  Implement a river front development process aimed at commercial and recreational activities.  Establish a long term plan for residential and business growth by working with community, regional, and state partners.  Assist with the development of affordable housing options.  Assist the Council and community leaders with planning for the upcoming closure of the Ottertail Power electric generation facility.  Work closely and enthusiastically with the Economic Development Authority on the implementation of strategies that will lead to economic growth in the community and the establishment of Fergus Falls as a regional destination.  Assist the Council in developing a long term plan for the former Regional Treatment Center Campus.  Enhance relationships with County and School District officials.  Enhance information content provided to Council so that all the necessary information is received in advance of decision making.  Refine the City Council committee structure to increase functionality and flexibility.  Assist City departments in achieving maximum potential.  Maximize the use of technology to increase City communication and responsiveness.  Facilitate the proposed Library expansion project.  Identify and pursue alternative funding sources for infrastructure enhancements. DESIRED ADMINISTRATOR ATTRIBUTES  Entrepreneurial spirit  Can-do attitude  Self-motivated  Well-developed communication skills  Passion for the Fergus Falls community  Demonstrated commitment to community involvement  Skilled delegator who knows how, and what, to delegate  Organizational management skills  Possess a sense of humor  Be diplomatic, but willing to challenge as warranted  Connect well with citizens from all walks of life  Be a uniter POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT City Administrator: City of Fergus Falls, Minnesota Salary Range: $90,000 to $125,000 Fergus Falls is located in the beautiful West Central Minnesota lakes country near the Red River Valley. The City, with a population of 13,280, boasts limitless recreational opportunity, high quality education, a strong economy, and a friendly, close-knit community. Desired qualifications for the position of City Administrator include: graduation from an accredited four-year college or university, and a master’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Political Science, or a closely related field. The preferred candidate would have a minimum of five years of experience as a municipal administrator, or a department head, with strong financial background. Any equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience will be considered. The position profile is available at http://www.daviddrown.com/#!cv/c1c80. To apply, go to http://dda.catsone.com/careers/, and complete the process by January 7, 2016. Finalists will be selected by the City Council on February 1, 2016. Finalist interviews are tentatively scheduled for February 17 and 18, 2016. Please direct questions to Gary Weiers at gary@daviddrown.com or 612-920-3320 extension 109. Faribault Office 1327 Merrywood Court Faribault, MN 55021 Phone: (612)920-3320 x109 Fax: (612)605-2375 gary@daviddrown.com