Council extends city planner's probation by three months to allow additional independent performance time

The East Bethel City Council voted on Sept. 8 to extend the probationary period for Grace (city planner) by three months so staff can evaluate her performance with less consultant support. The item originated as a recommendation to confirm the successful completion of the planner's probation and make her a permanent full-time employee. Several councilmembers said they wanted to see Grace perform more independently before ending probation because the city has used Landform consultants for weekly check-ins and guidance on complex planning work. Councilmember Urkel said he wanted to "see her 6 months on her own" before ending probation, and another member suggested three additional months would be reasonable. City staff described Landform as providing an "phone a friend" backup for complicated matters, including TIF and unusual lot combinations; staff indicated the planner is handling routine day-to-day duties, such as answering zoning and fence questions, on her own. A motion to confirm the successful completion of probation failed on a voice vote. A subsequent motion to extend Grace's probationary period by three months passed on a voice vote. City staff said evaluations and input from supervisors were positive and that the planner had been performing well, but councilmembers cited the desire to confirm sustained independent performance given the ongoing use of consultant support.