Council hears updates on city administrator search, hires and possible retirement of Class A water operator

City staff provided several personnel and administration updates during the meeting, including the status of the city administrator recruitment, other hiring, water-meter replacements and a potential retirement in the utilities division.

City Administrator Tony Graff said the city is accepting final applications for the city administrator search and scheduled a special city council meeting for April 8 at 7 p.m. for an executive-session review of applicants and presentation of an “electronic book” from MGT/GovHR. Graff said the search consultant’s materials would be provided to council members a week in advance for review.

Graff also reported ongoing hiring activity: another interview for a building inspector, a new part‑time hire expected to start within days, and that recruitment for HR director and public works director remains on hold while the administrator search takes priority.

Graff and Public Works Director Julius Hansen reported the city is replacing water meters and has about 65 remaining to change out. Graff said staff are working on outreach to property owners to explain the advantages of new meters.

During the mayor and council exchange, members raised that the city’s Class A water operator (who also signs EPA permits) had indicated plans to retire in June. Staff said they had not received a formal resignation letter in writing yet but were preparing contingency plans and would present options to the council once official documents are in hand. The council asked for timely notice so staffing and plant operations would not be left at risk. No formal personnel action was taken at the meeting; council later entered executive session for a personnel matter.