HomeMy WebLinkAboutX-E-02 Appoint Public Works Director
City Council Memorandum
To: Mayor Fasbender & City Councilmembers
From: City Administrator Dan Wietecha
Date: March 20, 2023
Item: Public Works Director
Council Action Requested:
Approve appointment of Ryan Stempski as Public Works Director
Background Information:
Following the resignation of Public Works Director Nick Egger in summer 2021, we advertised
the position, conducted direct recruiting, and performed initial interviews of 5 candidates
meeting the qualifications. Unfortunately, those candidates did not pan out. In speaking with
several other municipalities recently/currently hiring for similar positions, it is a very difficult
hiring environment for a specialized position.
Thereafter, we amended our contract with Focus Engineering to name Ryan Stempski as Interim
Public Works Director through December 2022. This was later extended through March 2023.
One concern of the Operations Committee and the City Council at that time was whether rolling
the City Engineer and Public Works Director duties into a single person might be too great a
workload. Throughout 2022, experience has proven this to be manageable. Additionally, we have
deliberately maintained budget capacity to supplement the department with contract engineering
support (for example: CAD, GIS, research, and construction oversight) as needed. We utilized
services of Focus and WSB in this manner last year.
The City has contracted with Focus for City Engineer service for 6 years. This has been an
“embedded” position with Mr. Stempski part of the Department’s hierarchy and operations to the
point that some may not even realize that he is not actually a City employee. He has experience
with our Department, with several ongoing and major projects (for example: PFAS, Hwy 61,
WWTP, several housing developments), and with our partner organizations (for example: Met
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Council, MNDOT, Dakota County). He is respected for his expertise and has built strong
professional relationships.
Naming his as Public Works Director will maintain stability to the Department. And it enables
continued staff development following recent promotions and hiring. Mr. Stempski has staff
support in the Department and from our Management Team.
Under our Charter and City Code, the City Council approves/authorizes the appointment of the
Public Works Director (and other Department Heads) by the City Administrator. With City
Council approval, I intend to appoint Ryan Stempski as Public Works Director.
Financial Impact:
Within budget
Committee Discussion:
Operations Committee met March 15 and supported the appointment
Attachments:
None
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