Plain City council members spent their most recent work session discussing how they feel the village’s staff should expand to accommodate continued growth in the area.
Village Administrator Haley Lupton highlighted two positions that she feels will need to be filled in the near future: economic development coordinator and management analyst.
Lupton said the economic development coordinator is the highest priority, vacant position.
She noted that the job description for the position was previously created, in anticipation for a staff member to be added in that role.
According to a position description provided by Lupton, the individual hired will be responsible for “negotiating economic development agreements, working with individuals and companies to establish, relocate or expand their businesses within the community.” She noted that the description is subject to change.
Several council members asked Lupton what qualifications she would look for when hiring an economic development coordinator. She noted that there are state and national certifications for economic development, which would be preferred qualifications.
Council President Michael Terry suggested asking economic developers from other municipalities to sit in on the hiring process.
Council member Kerri Ferguson said she wants to ensure that whoever is hired will be ready to “hit the ground running,” as Plain City is “in a unique position” for growth.
“Agreed,” Lupton responded. “We’ve got people knocking on the door.”
Council needs to consider “what the target is” for economic development before the position is filled, said Council member Frank Reed.
Terry agreed with Reed, adding that he feels the development coordinator should base his or her work on the Plain City Comprehensive Plan, along with discussions with council.
He said he feels like development is currently pushed onto council, whereas a development manager could pull the types of businesses council desires.
Aside from seeking new potential companies, Ferguson, who owns a Plain City business, said she feels the development coordinator needs to build relationships with existing businesses.
“That has never happened,” she said, adding that she feels the village has “lost some great businesses to Hilliard and Industrial Parkway.”
Council members supported Lupton’s recommendation to prioritize hiring an economic development coordinator.
On the other hand, Lupton said she will likely wait to advertise the management analyst position until three to six months in the future.
The individual hired to the position will be responsible for “maintaining liaison with various village departments and performing staff work which may involve administrative and operational analysis, policy research, fiscal services support, project coordination and other related administrative duties.”
Terry said he feels the bulk of new employees hired over the past several years have been “tactical” staff members who are doing boots-on-the-ground work. Moving forward, he said he would like to plan for the addition of more “strategic” positions.
For instance, he said a communications director or human resources manager could be valuable as the village staff grows.
Council member Jim Eudaily agreed, adding that current progress is laying the groundwork for future positions. As an example, he said the recent creation of a Marketing and Communications Advisory Committee could eventually “build up” to the hiring of a communications director.
Lupton also noted that a consulting firm is finalizing a compensation study, which will lay out the pay scale for each village staff member, including those within the police department.
In other business:
– Council determined that its regular July work session, July 6 at 6:30 in council chambers, will revolve around council goals. Along with reviewing progress on their 2022 goals, council members will begin to formulate their goals for next year.
“I think we’re always behind the 8-ball when we do it in January,” Mayor Jody Carney said of determining annual goals.