City ponders use of search firm for hiring new manager

Published 12:00 am Sunday, October 26, 2003

The Brimeyer Group, a search firm located in the Twin Cities, presented an initial introduction to city council members at the Thursday pre-agenda meeting.

James Brimeyer, president of the company, explained why his firm should head the hiring of Albert Lea’s city manager. The city manager &uot;is the most important job in the city at this time,&uot; he said. &uot;You can’t make any mistakes. Why should you hire us? Because it’s all we do.&uot;

An alternate option is for the city council or other city officials to conduct the search.

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Brimeyer implied that the search is time-consuming. &uot;Do you have time to look at 50-60 resumes?&uot; he rhetorically asked the councilors.

Councilor Jeff Fjelstad asked how much the Brimeyer Group would charge.

Brimeyer said that it depended mainly upon the extent of the search. For example, a pool of applicants from anywhere in the nation will cost more than a pool of applicants from Minnesota.

The atmosphere of Albert Lea citizens is also a factor. &uot;This may need to be extensive due to the controversy&uot; in Albert Lea, Brimeyer said.

To help alleviate some of the controversy, Brimeyer recommended discussion with other groups within the community. &uot;My preference is to talk to anyone,&uot; he said. &uot;The public wants to know what’s going on &045; and they should.&uot;

Mayor Jean Eaton concurred. She suggested talking with groups such as the school board and the group of residents who have labeled themselves the Think Tank.

Brimeyer said that his group would be able to explain the process to the community.

He said that costs usually range from $12,000 to $16,000 but could go up to $20,000.

City Manager Paul Sparks, who was recently instated as full-time port-authority director, said that once he starts getting paid by the port authority the city could save the money they would normally pay him as city manager.

The firm outlines seven steps that it takes during the search, including developing a position profile, providing a report of the candidates, conducting background checks, and interviewing.

The firm has conducted searches for city administrators, finance directors and police chiefs.

Eaton said that there was a possibility of the firm providing a proposal for the council to discuss at next Monday’s city council meeting.

Sparks said the city council wants to get started on the project soon.

(Contact Benjamin Dipman at ben.dipman@albertleatribune.com or 379-3439.)