by April Scheinoha
Reporter
In a split vote, the Thief River Falls City Council approved opening the newly-created position of lead public works maintenance worker. The matter was approved at the council meeting Tuesday, Oct. 1.
Mayor Brian Holmer, and council members Michele McCraw, Steve Narverud and J. Scott Pream voted in favor. Council members Anthony Bolduc and Mike Lorenson voted in opposition. Council member Jason Aarestad abstained from voting. Council member Megan Arlt was absent from the meeting.
As part of the same motion, the council also approved the job description for the position and grading it. The position will only be open for employees represented by the Teamsters union.
Fifteen permanent employees currently work in the Public Works Department. Public Works Director Travis Giffen said there will not be a change in the number of employees, but this position will give current employees an opportunity to move into the lead position. He indicated that the department is being reorganized to support staff in the event an employee is gone or a position is vacant. Giffen noted the position will have different responsibilities than the public works foreman.
Saying it’s a budget year, Holmer said he would like more discussion on the position and its impact on the budget before considering it.
Aarestad voiced concerns about the schedule. He said the council doesn’t normally open a position the same time that it is approving the job description and grade.
City Administrator Angie Philipp replied that the council can do so and has done so in the past.
Holmer reiterated his concerns. “I have a little bit of difficulty with this position since we’re in a budget era right now,” said Holmer, who noted some retirements are coming up and the council may not hire to fill those vacant positions.
Narverud pointed out that one employee, Blair Gustafson, was having his retirement party two days later.
Holmer said the council will need to look at the budget if the matter were approved.
For his part, Lorenson asked about the grading of the current public works maintenance workers and the lead position.
Philipp replied that the current positions are at Grade 3 while the lead position is a Grade 5 position. However, she indicated that the chosen applicant’s experience will determine the step at which that person would be placed.
The council approved opening the position of public works foreman. Mike Olson retired from the position Aug. 30. The position will be open to Teamsters employees for 10 days. After that time, the position would then be opened to the public if the position weren’t filled. The position is a Grade 7 position.