City of Oak Creek

Common Council Report

Meeting Date:  April 3, 2006

Item No.:        

Recommendation:  That the Council concur with the recommendation of the Personnel Committee to (a) proceed with the creation and filling of the position of Zoning Administrator/Planner, (b) provide funding from the Engineering Department Personnel budget for 2006, provide 2007 and future funding from the Department of Community Development budget, and (c) establish a job description and salary range for the position.

Background:  On February 16 of this year the Personnel Committee met to consider staffing issues within the Engineering and Community Development departments with respect to zoning code enforcement responsibilities.

Chapter 17.1003 (attached) of the Municipal Code designates the Building Commissioner as the administrative and enforcement officer for Chapter 17 (Zoning) of the Municipal Code.  Prior to his retirement several years ago, Art Biesek served as the Building Commissioner.  Since that time, the position of Building Commissioner, and hence Zoning Administrator, has been held in an acting capacity by the head of the Inspection Department, and most recently, the City Engineer.

Given the turnover in personnel assigned the task of zoning code enforcement, and the decision not to permanently fill the position of Building Commissioner that was vacated upon Art Biesek’s retirement, the enforcement of zoning matters has been selective and inconsistent.

Staff feels that the Zoning Code is most logically enforced by the Department of Community Development.  The Department of Community Development is responsible for monitoring the status of Plan Commission and Common Council approvals for new developments, and is in a better position to enforce those conditions of approval.

In order to provide the resources necessary to transfer this responsibility to the Department of Community Development, staff is requesting that the Council authorize the creation of the position of Zoning Administrator/Planner.  The person filling this position will be responsible for the monitoring and enforcement of Chapter 17 (the Zoning Code).  A copy of the job description approved by the Personnel Committee accompanies this staff report.  The responsibilities of the Building Commissioner with respect to issues other than those specifically identified in Chapter 17 will remain unchanged.

The Personnel Committee is also meeting prior to the Council meeting to consider the salary range for this position, should it be created.  That salary range will likely fall within the current range for the position of Engineering Technician.  Given the level of education and experience expected of the position, the proposed salary range is $41,332 - $49,810.

A separate ordinance will be presented to the Council at a later date to authorize the hiring and salary of an individual to fill this position.  The action of the Council this evening allows staff to begin the process of advertising, interviewing, testing and filling of the position.

Fiscal Impact:  The funding for the position in 2006 uses the unexpended monies from the vacant position of Engineering Technician.  Additional funds for salary and benefits, training, equipment and supplies will also need to be budgeted for subsequent years.

Prepared by: Doug Seymour, AICP Director of Community Development

Respectfully submitted, Patrick DeGrave City Administrator

Fiscal Review by:

Beverly A. Buretta, CMC

City Clerk