City of Wayzata

City of Wayzata
City Manager Position Profile
The multifaceted and picturesque City of Wayzata,
Minnesota sits on the shores of Lake Minnetonka, eleven
miles west of Minneapolis. The tight-knit community of
3,688 has a diverse mix of residents with entry-level rental
housing in close proximity to some of the metro area’s most
prestigious addresses. The downtown area is home to a
number of specialty shops, boutiques, professional services
and restaurants that attract visitors near and far. Numerous
civic organizations, community events, and active citizens
help Wayzata keep its small town character while remaining
a viable downtown community.
The name Wayzata is derived from the American Indian
word Waziyata, meaning “north shore.” In 1852, two pioneer
families settled on the present site of Wayzata. Over the next
few years others followed and several establishments
sprang up, among them a general store, a sawmill, a post office, and a log schoolhouse. James J. Hill,
one of the more colorful and controversial characters in Wayzata's history, brought his great
Northern Railroad to the village. Daily runs from Minneapolis left passengers at the gangplank for
the waiting Lady of the Lake, a 50-foot side-wheeler steamer which carried them to other villages
and summer homes on Lake Minnetonka. People from Minneapolis and St. Paul began to make
Wayzata their weekend retreat, a tradition that continues to this day.
Wayzata remains the gateway to Lake Minnetonka and the focal point of lake life for MinneapolisSt. Paul. The Wayzata Depot, with its exceptional view of the lake, still stands as a symbol of the
Village's proud history. It is now home to the Greater Wayzata Area Chamber of Commerce and the
Wayzata Historical Society.
Wayzata is a boutique and shopping stop for all people
along the water. Here one will find the latest in lakeside
fashions, artwork, antiques and collectibles. In addition,
one can find an eclectic assortment of restaurants that
range from casual to elegant, most offer lakefront views,
and none are more than a stone's throw away from the
water. Wayzata residents enjoy a number of community
events year round. The calendar of events begins in
February with the annual Chilly Open Golf Tournament,
played on frozen Lake Minnetonka. The Wayzata Towne
Trolley provides free public transportation around
downtown Wayzata. The Wayzata Art Experience is a funfilled weekend of exclusive art, strolling musicians, and fabulous food. The Summer Concert Series
is one of the most popular events held at the historic Wayzata Depot against the beautiful lake
backdrop. Wayzata merchants gear up every July to host Crazy Days...Crazy Nights...Crazy Deals! –
five fun-filled days of amazing deals and events. The town’s annual celebration, James J. Hill Days, is
held the weekend after Labor Day every year. The year comes to a close with events like the
Halloween, "Boo Blast", annual holiday tree lighting, and skating at Klapprich Park.
Parks and Recreation
Wayzata is the home of many
beautiful city parks, beautiful
gardens, and beaches on the
shores of Lake Minnetonka. The
City is connected to two regional
trail systems. The Luce Line State
Trail is a 63-mile long former
railroad grade which is developed
for biking, hiking, horseback
riding, snowmobiling, and skiing.
The limestone surfaced trail runs
from Plymouth 30 miles west to
Winsted with a parallel tread-way
for horseback riding. The Dakota
Rail Regional Trail is a 13.5-mile paved trail which offers a spectacular view of Lake Minnetonka
and follows the route of the former Dakota Rail Corridor through St. Bonifacius, Minnetrista,
Mound, Spring Park, Minnetonka Beach, Orono and Wayzata.
Changing Landscape of the City
Several redevelopment projects
have provided the community with
new residents, new businesses,
and a new look from time to time.
Now the City is preparing for a
dynamic change with the Bay
Center redevelopment project. The
$250
million
redevelopment
project is a multi-structure, mixeduse residential and commercial
venture now going through final
approvals. It is anticipated that the
project will begin soon and take
several years to construct. Other major redevelopment projects include the rebuilding of Wayzata
Blvd, downtown parking, new metropolitan sewer upgrades, and reconstruction of County Road
101 (Bushaway Road). The City is also committed to retaining the remaining single-family homes
and the small-town character of the community.
Education
The Wayzata Public Schools District serves all or part of Corcoran, Maple
Grove, Medicine Lake, Medina, Minnetonka, Orono, Plymouth and Wayzata.
Highlights of the district include:
 Seven elementary schools (K-5), three middle schools (6-8) and one
high school (9-12)
 The community education department serves the learning needs of
residents of all ages through a variety of programs and offerings
 The projected enrollment for the 2011-12 school year is about 10,200
students - the district's enrollment has been stable or slightly increasing for the past several
years
The Organization: The City Council is comprised of one Mayor and four Council Members. All are
elected at large. Under the City’s Council-Manager form of government, the City Council exercises
the legislative authority of the City. The City Council is responsible for formulating City policy,
enacting legislation, adopting the annual budget, levying local property taxes, and appointing
members to advisory boards and commissions. The City Manager is the chief administrative officer
for the City and is responsible for implementation of City Council direction. 38 full-time and 65
part-time staff are employed by the City of Wayzata. Ten departments report to the Manager,
including the Police, Fire, Administration, Finance, Planning, Engineering, Building Inspections,
Public Works, Liquor Operations (Wine and Spirits and Bar and Grill), and the Motor Vehicle
department. Several consultants also serve the City including, finance, legal counsel, assessing, and
engineering. The 2012 proposed operating budget is $4,923,506.
Citizens
City Council
Consultants
City Attorney
City Manager
Police
Fire
Engineer
Wine
Spirits
Admin
Building
Inspection
Finance
Planning
Motor
Vehicle
City Staff
The downturn in the economy had a significant impact on City operations in Wayzata, as it did in
most cities throughout the country. Several positions have been eliminated over the past few years
due to budget cuts, including several park employees, two police personnel, two
finance/administration positions, and a clerk. Staff is experienced, professional, and knowledgeable
with longevity as one of the strong components of the organization. The loss of staff has been hard
on the organization, and the new Manager will need to assess the service capacity of the
organization and continue to build a strong team.
The following is a brief summary of the City departments and their functions.
Police: Serves the citizens of Wayzata and employs twelve sworn police officers. These include a
Police Chief, Lieutenant (serving as Detective), Sergeant, School Resource Officer, and eight patrol
officers. Non-sworn personnel consist of a full-time police administrative records specialist. The
department also has an active volunteer Police Reserve unit. The department also services the City
of Long Lake.
Administration: Provides overall support for all City operations including interaction with City
Council, Boards, Commissions, daily interaction with residents and coordinates administrative
functions such as human resources, computer resources, elections, permits, licenses, motor vehicle
license tabs/plates, front counter and secretarial service.
Public
Works
Fire: Fire services are provided by 30 volunteer members
through one, centrally located station. The department
provides fire suppression, EMS, rescue operations,
education, fire code enforcement and water rescue to the
cities of Wayzata, and parts of Orono, and Woodland.
Building Inspection Coordinates the enforcement of the
State Building Code and related City Ordinances concerning
the construction of residential and commercial projects.
The department provides this oversight through a plan
check and inspection process.
Engineering: Oversees the design, management, and
construction of the city’s infrastructure, including streets,
drainage, sanitary sewer lines, water lines, street lighting,
and other projects to support residents and businesses.
Finance: Coordinates the preparation of the annual financial report and the annual budget and
administers the fiscal operations of the City including revenue collection, disbursements, payroll,
general accounting, and maintains the City’s investment portfolio and insurance coverage.
Motor Vehicle: Provides services charged through fees collected for motor vehicle, camper,
motorcycle, and trailer registrations; vehicle titling and transfers; duplicate vehicle plates, stickers
and titles; DNR registration and titling; hunting and fishing licenses; passport processing and
pictures; and public notary.
Municipal Liquors Operations: Wayzata has a one of a kind Restaurant and Bar with adjoining
Wine and Spirits store. The newly opened “Muni” is a beautiful, upscale eatery and bar that serves a
wide range of customers from downtown Minneapolis, to boaters on Lake Minnetonka, and locals.
Planning Department: Administers and enforces the City's Zoning Code, Comprehensive Plan, and
Design Standards. The department provides technical assistance to both the Planning Commission
and City Council.
Public Works: Responsible for the day-to-day operation and maintenance of our community's
infrastructure as well as instrumental in the long-term planning needs in the following areas:
Streets, Parks, Water, Sanitary Sewer, Storm Sewer, Forestry, Garbage, Recycling & Organics and 3
City Cemeteries.
City Manager Position
The City Manager is the chief administrative officer of the City. The City Manager is appointed by
the Mayor and City Council and oversees the operation, programs and personnel of all City
departments. The City Manager develops and issues administrative rules and procedures necessary
to ensure proper functions of all departments and all duties and responsibilities granted by law, the
City Charter, and City Ordinances consistent with the Charter.
Essential Functions of the Position
 Coordinate activities of the City Council including preparation of agendas, provision of
analysis, recommendations on legislative matters, preparation of reports, coordination of
public relations and communications
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Work with City Commissions, report on City affairs and present recommendations concerning
policies, objectives and specific actions
Ensures the development of an effective municipal organization, including recommending
changes in organizational structure as appropriate
Establish goals and objectives for department heads, prepares work plans, assignment of
work, and delegation of authority/responsibility
Creates, establishes and monitors City policies and procedures, ordnances and resolutions
Responsible for effective management and use of City assets, including effective investment of
available funds, proper accounting practices to control financial assets, and providing for
financial planning
Prepares and presents the annual operating budget and capital improvement budget
Authorizes purchases and expenditures
Provides professional support to the City Council by attending meetings to report on City
affairs; presents recommendations concerning policies and objectives, as well as specific
actions; participates in discussion, and implements council decisions
Attends all City Council meetings and other public meetings as needed; ensures council
decisions are implemented
Ensures proper public relations by following-up with all departments to ensure public
services are efficiently provided and that all complaints, concerns and public contacts are
effectively handled
Assist with legal activities such as monitoring, drafting legislation and coordinating with the
City Attorney
Stays current with developments in both the public administration and organizational
development fields, and cooperates with other governmental units and municipalities on
matters of mutual interest
Maintains effective relationships with community organizations and members, representing
the City of Wayzata in a positive manner
Other Duties and Responsibilities
 Manage and administer personnel policies and
programs,
including
compensation
practices,
labor/employee relations, contract negotiations and
staff recruitment.
Perform overall employee
management including evaluations systems and
compensation adjustments per City Council approved
budget guidelines
 Responsible for the hiring, directing, development and
discipline of employees
 Resolves employee problems, addresses complaints, and
sets the organization culture
 Ensures the proper execution and oversight of City
contracts
 Performs or assigns statutory requirements of City Clerk
Background and experience
The City desires that candidates for the City Manager position will possess a Master’s
Degree in Public Administration, Business Administration or related field and have a
minimum of 7 years of public sector administrative and managerial experience, with at least
4 years as a City Manager/Administrator or as an assistant in a larger community.
Qualified candidates will have or be able to demonstrate:
 Big-picture budgeting experience with thorough knowledge of financial government
management including public financing techniques (TIF, bonds, grants, CIP)
 Strong experience in strategic planning, thinking and implementation
 Have a record of project management with attention to detail
 Ability to guide and mentor staff while providing clear direction, delegation of duties, and
ensuring accountability
 Thorough knowledge of personnel management principles and practices and experience in
staff development, performance evaluations, and labor unions
 Experience with infrastructure repair and replacement
 Considerable knowledge of governmental processes, services; especially considerable
understanding of planning, zoning, and applicable state laws governing municipalities
 Highly skilled and effective at oral and written communication (including preparing reports
and making formal presentations)
 Strong working knowledge of information technology
 Experience in working with other units of government and creating effective partnerships
 Experience with downtown development/redevelopment
 Experience with a municipal liquor operation or other fund generating city enterprise
 Ability to express and represent a variety of viewpoints and approaches to issues
 Passion and energy for public service
Management Capabilities
The City Council, staff and community look
to the City Manager to be a confident,
transparent, trustworthy, and energetic
leader who is strong, thoughtful, and
approachable. The City Manager should be
an integrated member of the community
who has excellent communication and
analytical skills. The City Manager should
be a team and consensus builder who can
help inspire visionary thinking. The City
Manager should be of the highest ethical
character who demonstrates honesty and
integrity.
Management Characteristics and Capabilities Include:
 Be a person of the highest integrity; able to build a trusting relationship with the Council,
staff, and community
 Embrace the community and engage with the public and community groups while
participating in activities
 Be personable, possessing excellent communication skills with the ability to facilitate
discussions with a diversely rich community
 Be willing to pitch in to help in all tasks whenever needed
 Be a respectful, approachable leader who listens carefully and thoughtfully to others
 Be adaptable to working effectively with a variety of personalities
 Be a pro-active visionary who can assist the Council and lead the staff
 Be able to offer and execute practical ideas while fostering a climate/culture of innovation
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Have the ability to promote and develop positive relations with staff, the Council, and the
community at-large
Have a history of being able to prioritize work, meet deadlines and manage multiple tasks
(project management)
Be able to see the organization from a big picture perspective considering the flow of work,
needs of the community, constraints of resources, and the abilities of staff
Provides department heads and supervisors autonomy while holding staff accountable for
their leadership, development and work quality
Promote staff leadership and development by encouraging creativity, ownership, and skill
development
Be able to work outside of Council meetings (workshops, etc.) to make progress on the
goals, mission, and vision that the Council has established
Community and Position Priorities
 Get to know City Staff, Council, and Community
 Enhance the trust in the role of City Manager with the Community, Council, and Staff
 Start budget process early while learning the financial condition of the organization
 Ensure completion of Phase I of the Bay Center Development; proactively lead the
implementation and completion of Phase II
 Evaluate personnel strengths and alignment and make efforts to retain, hire, and position
staff to help the organization (long-term staffing plan)
 Define City Hall: develop employee policy, personnel manual, review job descriptions,
update codes (make sure they are current) , set policy in place for conflict of interest
 Take a leadership role with lakefront improvements and revitalization
 Recruit volunteer talent to HPB, Planning Commission, HRA and other task forces
 Optimize recently built City Liquor Operations
 Focus energy on serving the public through customer friendly hours, response time, and
reception of citizens at City Hall
 Hold regular, formal, and informal meetings/briefings to keep everyone informed
 Collaborate with businesses, community members, and other governmental entities on
challenges and initiatives facing the City.
 Create a welcoming and supportive atmosphere for economic and commercial development
 Support the small-town feel of the community through the protection of single family
neighborhoods
Announcement
City Manager, City of Wayzata, Minnesota (pop. 3,688). Salary Range low $90’s - $105,000 DOQ.
Located 11 miles west of Minneapolis on beautiful Lake Minnetonka. The City Council, staff and
community are seeking a confident, transparent, trustworthy, and energetic leader to be their next
City Manager. The next City Manager should be a team and consensus builder who can help inspire
visionary thinking, be of the highest ethical character who demonstrates honesty and integrity.
Candidates for the City Manager position will possess a Master’s Degree in Public Administration,
Business Administration or related field and have a minimum of 7 years of public sector
administrative and managerial experience, with at least 4 years as a city manager or administrator
or as an assistant in a larger community. Candidates will also have a strong fiscal background, have
exceptional communication skills, and be citizen focused. Additionally, the City is seeking
candidates who have experience in redevelopment, strategic planning, and enterprise funds.
Position profile is available at www.brimgroup.com. Send letter of interest and electronic resume to
[email protected] by January 13, 2012. Please direct questions to Richard Fursman at
[email protected] or (651) 204-0441. To learn more about the community, please
visit the City website: www.wayzata.org
Timetable:
January 13
February 6
February 24/25
April 16
Deadline for Applications
Progress Report
Interviews/Selection
Start