CITYMANAGER

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Recruitment ProfileColby, Kansas

Qualified persons invited to apply by preferred deadline of

June 20, 2012.Send resume, cover letter and salary

history in one integrated file to:

Recruitment AdvisorMarla Flentje

mflentje@austinpeters.com

For additional information, please call:

The Austin Peters Group, Inc.City of Colby Recruitment Advisor

(316) 250-1344

THE CITY OF COLBY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Local EconomyDespite the national recession, Colby’s local economy remains healthy, and local leaders see indicators of strong economic growth in coming months. Productive farm and range land in the County as well as businesses such as farm implement dealers, grain terminals and a sunflower confection producer make agriculture the mainstay of the economy. Manufacturing, tourism and retail sales are important secondary anchors. The City has approximately 350 businesses, including its largest employers: Citizens Medical Center (250 jobs)Unified School District 315 (200 jobs)Wal-Mart (160 jobs)Colby Community College (150 jobs)Woofter Construction and Irrigation (112 jobs)WWS Restaurants (112 jobs) and WWS Motels (108 jobs)

Colby’s Industrial Park is important to the local economy, and its tenants include Stephens Construction, Golden Plains Garden Center, Roofmasters, L & M Steel, Overhead Door, Lang Diesel and Butch’s Body Shop.

Community leaders anticipate the opening of a new manufacturing business and new fertilizer business within the next year as well as a major expansion of an existing business. Colby is also a NetWork Kansas Entrepreneurship Community, which has a focus on targeting a $300,000 loan fund to help local entrepreneurs with capital and connections to expertise.

The depth of the commercial and retail sector is exceptional for a community of Colby’s size. Within the City’s limits, residents can purchase clothing, furniture, computers, lumber and hardware, automobiles, farm implements, pharmaceuticals and home repair services. Choices exist for commercial services including banking, legal, accounting, insurance, real estate and telecommunications. Residents enjoy a wide array of restaurants and entertainment options, including a cinema, and can even purchase an espresso beverage at Starbucks! Visitors can find lodging choices at numerous hotels along the I-70 exit.

Four highways at or near Colby represent a significant asset for commerce and tourism: Interstate 70, State Highways 24 and 25, and U.S. Highway 83 (nine miles to the east). Two rail lines serve the community: Kyle Railroad operates via the former Rock Island Railroad that runs east-west, and a Union Pacific branch line terminates in Colby. The Colby Municipal Airport is a 473-acre airport with a 5,000-foot concrete runway and two shorter turf runways. The City currently is acquiring land for expansion of a runway to accommodate business jets.

The City seeks to appoint a City Manager who can help shape the City’s vision and serve the community in progressive and cost-effective ways.

Located on the soaring, high plains of Northwest Kansas, Colby is aptly self described as an “oasis on the plains.” This prosperous, forward-thinking community is exceptional among its regional peers in the strength of the local economy and the quality of its education, health care, cultural arts, retail and municipal services. Residents continue to embrace Colby’s historic identity as a progressive community and boast its “distinctively livable” lifestyle.

Prospective candidates will find that this city of 5,387 people combines the best features of a family-friendly way of life with the benefits of a good regional economy and spirited civic involvement. This profile describes: the community and municipal organization; the City Manager’s duties; preferred candidate qualifications and qualities; and projects faced by the new City Manager in coming months.

I. Colby CommunityColby, county seat of Thomas County, is strategically located on Interstate Highway 70 and Kansas Highways 24 and 25. The City’s location, combined with its forward-looking investments over many years, have led to Colby’s economic and social prominence in the tri-state region. As a result, Colby has escaped the economic decline of many rural communities in Kansas and maintained a stable population and healthy economy.

Strong ties to family and neighbors, high-performing schools, excellent local services and a moderate cost of living make Colby attractive for residents, businesses and visitors. (See video at www.oasisontheplains.com.)

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EducationColby is rich in educational resources, with quality learning opportunities for preschool children through adults.

Colby Public Schools offer programs at four attendance centers. In the 2010-11 school year, the Kansas Department of Education designated individual centers for Standards of Excellence awards in reading, math and science. The City is also home to two parochial schools.

Colby Community College plays a prominent role in community life. Over 60 academic programs prepare students for immediate employment or advanced college studies. Accredited programs include: veterinary technology,

physical therapy, nursing and dental hygiene. The college has a main campus of 105 acres and a separate 60-acre agricultural center for teaching and research.

High-achieving high school students also may concurrently take courses at the college. The Thomas County Tuition Grant provides a scholarship opportunity to every graduating senior by funding full tuition costs to attend Colby Community College.

Parks, Recreation and Leisure AmenitiesThe community features a nine-hole golf course and eight public parks that include several 20-acre parks with playground, picnic, fishing and disc golf facilities. Young Memorial Park is another large park with recently improved baseball, softball, and soccer fields.

Historic Fike Park, the City’s most popular park for gatherings, weddings and receptions, features mature trees, gazebos, a volleyball area and tennis courts. Recent improvements were realized through a public/private partnership in which over $100,000 was raised for colorful new playground equipment. Volunteers erected the equipment, and City crews beautified the surrounding area.

The City’s premier new facility is the Colby Aquatic Park. Financed with a dedicated sales tax, the park features a lazy river, multiple slides and a separate swimming pool. Exceeding the City’s predictions, attendance at the park topped 31,000 in its first summer! In addition, construction of a walking trail and playground near this park will begin in coming months.

The Northwest Kansas Extension-Research Center with its 720 acres of trees, flowers and grains all labeled for easy identification, is a favorite spot for relaxing in nature.

Recreation amenities also include Colby Bowl and Fun Center, a public-access indoor pool at the college and twin-

theater cinema. The Colby Recreation Department provides swimming lessons, aerobics, summer youth programs, and competitive sports leagues for children and adults.

Health CareColby residents have local access to quality health-care services: • fourlocaldoctorswiththreeadditionaldoctors

expected soon• twophysicianassistantsandfivenursepractitioners• twohealthclinicsandmultiplepharmacies,physical

therapists, optometrists, dentists Citizens Medical Center is a community-based, nonprofit, 40-bed hospital that operates without local tax subsidies. The hospital, with recently remodeled facilities, is believed to have the best state-of-the-art technology and equipment between Denver, Colorado and Hays, Kansas. Services include a CT scanner, MRI, nuclear medicine, and orthopedic and general surgery. The hospital has the largest obstetrics department in Northwest Kansas. Thirty-five specialty physicians visit the hospital’s clinic regularly, usually on a monthly basis.

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Cultural ArtsThe Prairie Museum of Art and History is the region’s premier museum and has permanent and traveling exhibits that pay tribute to the area’s prairie heritage. The museum’s 24 acres feature the largest barn in Kansas. Art exhibits are displayed at the Cultural Arts Center, and the Western Plains Arts Association offers ballet, musical groups, opera, theater and acrobatics. Each year, the College sponsors a walking art show that showcases the work of students and other area artists.

Colby has several notable buildings on the National Register of Historic Places including the Romanesque Thomas County Courthouse constructed in 1907, Colby High School (now used as an elementary/junior high school), and the 1930s, art-deco style City Hall.

Other Features of Community LifeA strong sense of community is impossible to miss, evidenced by numerous voluntary associations. Over 60 nonprofit organizations showcase community heritage, host celebrations, enable charitable giving and sponsor civic projects. Notable among these is the Thomas County Community Foundation that builds endowed funds for community enhancement. The Foundation awards grants for community betterment and also provides tuition scholarships to Colby Community College for any local graduating high school senior. Community organizations include 23 churches representing a wide array of denominations.

Annual events that bring residents together for fun and celebration include: • Pickin’onthePlainsBlueGrassFestival• ThomasCountyAnnualFair• Numerousgolftournaments• ChristmasParadeandSantaCity

Numerous competitive sporting events at the high school and college give residents a chance to cheer local teams to victory.

A local daily newspaper, The Colby Free Press, keeps residents updated on local government and community news. This paper also has an on-line edition. The Salina Journal and Hays Daily News are among other daily newspapers available. Five local radio stations, including a public radio channel, broadcast from Colby.

II. Colby City Government The City is governed by a directly-elected Mayor and eight-member City Council elected from four districts on a non-partisan ballot to staggered four-year terms. The Mayor presides over Council meetings, votes to break tie votes, exercises veto authority and serves as spokesperson for the City. Elections are held every two years, with the next election in April, 2013, when four Council seats are on the ballot.

The City Manager form of government was adopted by voters in 1947. Two City Managers have served the community over the past 30 years, both of whom retired from the position.

The City’s annual general fund budget (2012) is $2,873,155. Special funds include: electric utility: $7,318,104; water utility: $1,172,153; sewer utility: $1,250,770; solid waste disposal: $690,572 and water treatment (EPA Superfund): $951,126. The 2012 capital improvement budget is $459,904.

2011 total assessed valuation was $42,409,803, a 3.5 percent increase over 2010. In 2011, the City levied 32.28 mills in property taxes, a slight decrease from the 2010 levy. Total sales tax rate is 8.05 percent, which in addition to a 6.3 percent state tax includes a one-cent County tax and 3/4 cent municipal tax, the latter dedicated for repayment of fire station and aquatic park bonds. In 2011, the City received $901,099 from the County sales tax.

General indebtedness is $9.26 million (approximately $1,800 per capita), which financed construction of the new aquatic park and improvements for the airport, streets, fire station and ball fields. The City also has lease-purchase agreements for utility meter replacements and a facility conservation project.

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The City provides a full range of services including:• policeandCounty-widedispatchservices• streetmaintenance• waterproductionanddistributionandwastewater• electricproductionanddistribution• planning• buildingandenvironmentalcodes• parksandrecreation• municipalcourt• airport• sanitation

Services are organized and delivered by seven departments: finance, public works, police; fire, technology, municipal power, and building, code enforcement and zoning.The City fire department is a combination paid/volunteer operation staffed by six full-time and 29 volunteer firefighters, with the latter compensated for runs and drills.

Economic development is provided by the Thomas County Economic Development Alliance, a nonprofit entity created by a city/county partnership. The Alliance’s Board, jointly appointed by the City and County, hires a full-time Director.

Pioneer Memorial Library is funded by the City through annual allocation of five mills. The Library Board, appointed by the City Council, oversees library services.

The City Council also appoints four of five members of the Recreation Commission and funds services with an annual three-mill allocation. The Commission appoints a Recreation Director who is supervised by the City Manager.

Recent or soon-to-be completed City improvements include:

• constructionoffirestationandsewerplantwithreuseofeffluent water for ball fields

• ColbyAquaticParkwithnearby,soon-to-be-completedwalking trails and playground

• 120newLEDstreetslights

• replacementofallelectricandwatermeters,andinstallation of water leak detection and automated meter reading systems

The City’s workforce, comprised of 72 full-time employees, is notable for its stability and experience. Twenty-one employees have a combined experience of 536 years.

Employee benefits include group health insurance provided through Blue Cross-Blue Shield. The City pays 70 percent of the health insurance premiums, and the employee’s share under a $1,000 deductible plan is:• employeeonly $131.95• employee/children: $262.16• employee/spouse: $283.42• fullfamily: $410.24

The employee’s share of the premium is lower than these figures under an optional $2,000 deductible plan. Employee health insurance coverage includes a prescription drug card. Optional coverage for dental also is available.

Upon hire, employees are eligible for retirement benefits through the Kansas Public Employees Retirement System (KPERS). Currently the state mandates employees contribute six percent of their gross earnings. Employees are vested after five years of service. Employer contributions remain with the retirement system and go toward the cost of life insurance, long-term disability insurance, and death and retirement benefits.

Employees receive ten days of vacation annually through five years of service and 15 days for each year thereafter. Sick leave accumulates at one day per month for up to 120 days. Employees also have eight paid holidays and two additional personal leave days per year.

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III. City Government Opportunities and ChallengesThe Mayor and City Council have identified immediate projects and issues that will require the next City Manager’s attention and resourcefulness:

1. Municipal Airport Expansion. The City is in the process of securing land for runway expansion to accommodate business jets. The new Manager will be involved in seeking federal funds for the project.

2. Project management for community improvements. Several planned improvements will require oversight and coordination by the new Manager, including construction of walking trails and a new playground near the new Aquatic Park.

3. Policy guidance for City growth. The Mayor and City Council will look to the next Manager for expertise in promoting economic growth, addressing the community’s housing needs and guiding effective implementation of the City’s annexation plan.

4. Electric plant improvements. The City must meet federal requirements for spill containment at its production facility and is currently soliciting bids for the project. New regulations also require installation of catalytic converters by 2013. The new Manager will be expected to oversee planning and construction of both projects.

5. Managing transition of Superfund project oversight. As a result of past chromium pollution at an industrial site, the property was declared a Superfund site. In 2013, oversight of site remediation will transfer from the Environmental Protection Agency to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. The new Manager must help assure a seamless transition of oversight responsibility.

IV. Powers and Duties of City ManagerAs authorized by ordinance, the City Manager is the Chief Administrative Officer for the City of Colby and works under the guidance and direction of the Governing Body. The City Manager is responsible for the efficient, effective, ethical and responsive administration of City services and programs. Duties are as follows:

1. Responsible for the enforcement of the laws and ordinances and for the proper discharge of the duties of the City department heads and employees.

2. Serves as human resource manager as follows:

a. Appoints and removes all non-elected heads of departments, officers and employees of the City.

b. May perform duties of head of any City department for which duties he or she is qualified.

c. May designate one person to be the head of one or more departments or offices of the City except where the duties of such offices would be incompatible.

d. Provides day-to-day supervision of all City employees.

e. Responsible for discipline of all appointive officers and may, without notice, cause the affairs of any department or the conduct or accounts of any officer or employee to be examined.

f. Conducts annual performance evaluations for all department heads and reviews evaluations of all other employees.

3. Manages the Administrative Departments of the City including Finance, Technology, Police, Fire, Public Works, Municipal Power, Building and Code Enforcement and Zoning.

4. Manages the preparation and administration of the City’s budget; submits budget and capital improvement programs to the Governing Body; monitors overall fiscal activity of the City to assure compliance with established budgets; apprises the Governing Body of the ongoing financial status of the City.

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5. Makes recommendations to the Governing Body on all matters concerning the welfare of the City and shall have a seat, but not a vote, in all public meetings of the Governing Body.

6. Attends meetings of the Airport Board, Planning Commission, Recreation Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals and other boards as required; advises City boards and commissions and reports recommendations/actions to the Governing Body.

7. Solicits legal responses and positions from the City Attorney. Oversees the execution of contracts, interlocal agreements, and other actions approved by the Governing Body.

8. Performs the duties of purchasing officer and exercises general supervision over City purchases in accordance with the budget, and the purchasing and procurement policy of the City.

9. Represents the City as directed by the Governing Body; works cooperatively with and participates in interagency, intergovernmental and private enterprise programs and projects as needed.

10. Develops, in consultation with the Mayor, the agendas for Council meetings; and prepares agenda packets that are distributed in advance of meetings.

11. Maintains up-to-date knowledge of intergovernmental grants and prepares, submits and monitors grant applications as authorized by the Governing Body.

12. Countersigns all warrants and checks issued by the City Clerk.

13. Authorizes and directs all payroll deductions for the cost of group health, accident and/or life insurance plans and other community or united funds as directed by the Governing Body with the written consent of the employee.

14. Performs such other duties as requested by law or Governing Body consistent with other job duties.

An additional expectation of the City Manager is that he or she will establish residency within the Colby City limits no later than three months after assuming the position.

V.QualificationsforthePosition of City ManagerMinimum qualifications: 1) three years experience in a state or local government management position that includes supervisory and budget responsibility; 2) bachelors degree in business or public administration or related field from an accredited university; 3) evidence of a stable and progressive career advancement; and 4) unblemished record of ethical conduct. Preferred qualifications: 1) five years experience in local government management as a manager/administrator or assistant manager/administrator; 2) masters degree in public administration or related field from an accredited university; 3) previous personal or professional experience with a rural community; 4) successful experience in securing outside grants; and 5) current ICMA (International City and County Management Association) membership.

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VI. Qualities Desired in a City ManagerThe Mayor and City Council have identified preferred leadership qualities and practices of the next City Manager, and will look for evidence of these in interviews and background reviews.

• Expertiseinpublicpolicyandpublicmanagement. The Mayor and Council depend on the Manager’s knowledge to provide education and advice on complex issues and options to address them. City departments look to the Manager for direction on personnel issues and service challenges, and ways to enhance productivity. The next Manager needs extensive knowledge of public finance and budgeting, utility management, human resource management, information technology, municipal law and intergovernmental relations.

• Strategicthinker. Colby has a decades-long history of leaders who have been forward-looking and progressive in addressing community needs. Consistent with this legacy, City leaders will look to the next Manager to help shape the community’s vision, anticipate issues and propose new ideas to advance the community’s long-term interests.

• LeadershipforaresponsiveCityHall.The most important set of relationships that City government has is with the citizens it serves. The governing body believes that all citizens should be treated like the “paying” customers they are. The next Manager should have skills to model, teach and sustain a welcoming, customer-friendly response for all citizen interactions, including City web services.

• Excellentskillsinnetworkingandrelationshipbuilding. The new Manager should develop positive relationships with community leaders and civic organizations. He or she also should practice diplomacy to maintain constructive relationships with Thomas County, the College, the School District and other local governments. The governing body also expects the Manager to participate in professional networks in the region and beyond for the benefit of the City.

VII. Parameters of Compensation The Mayor and City Council are committed to providing a base salary, benefits and an employment agreement competitive with similar Kansas cities and commensurate with the experience and education of a preferred candidate. Accordingly, the low end of the salary range for the City Manager position is $80,000.

The City provides employee benefits that include group health insurance through Blue Cross-Blue Shield and retirement benefits through the Kansas Public Employees Retirement System. The City Manager also has use of a City automobile. Deferred compensation, support for professional development and association memberships may be negotiated as part of total compensation. Other benefits include life insurance, paid vacation, and holiday and sick leave.

VIII. Estimated Timetable for CityManagerRecruitmentMay 22: Approval of recruitment profile

May 24: Placement of position announcement ads

June 20: Preferred deadline for resume submission

June 26: Receive report from Recruitment Advisor recommending finalists for position

June 29 Announce finalists for position

July 9: Interview finalists; convene meetings(week of) between finalists and department heads

July 16: Select preferred candidate and extend (week of) conditional employment offer

July 31: Approve employment agreement and announce new City Manager

Sept. 1: New City Manager begins work (or as soon thereafter as possible)

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More information about Colby can be found at:www.cityofcolby.com

www.oasisontheplains.com

ALL PHOTOS USED IN THIS BROCHURE ARE COURTESY OF THE COLBY/THOMAS COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.