Item 3.12 Approve Hiring for the Utility WCD Foreperson Position
Request for
City Council Action
DEPARTMENT INFORMATION
ORIGINATING DEPARTMENT REQUESTOR: MEETING DATE:
Utilities Utility Manager Neidermeier March 23, 2026
PRESENTER(s) REVIEWED BY: ITEM #:
Consent City Administrator/Finance Director Flaherty
Assistant City Administrator/Human Resources Hille
3.12 – Hiring Approval
STRATEGIC VISION
MEETS: THE CITY OF OTSEGO:
Is a strong organization that is committed to leading the community through innovative communication.
Has proactively expanded infrastructure to responsibly provide core services.
Is committed to delivery of quality emergency service responsive to community needs and expectations in a
cost-effective manner.
X Is a social community with diverse housing, service options, and employment opportunities.
Is a distinctive, connected community known for its beauty and natural surroundings.
AGENDA ITEM DETAILS
RECOMMENDATION:
City staff recommends the City Council approve the hiring for the Utility Foreperson - WCD position.
ARE YOU SEEKING APPROVAL OF A CONTRACT? IS A PUBLIC HEARING REQUIRED?
No No
BACKGROUND/JUSTIFICATION:
The 2026 Utility Staffing Plan and budget includes a Foreperson role within the Water Collection Distribution (WCD)
Division. This position aligns as water filtration treatment becomes operational in April concurrent with design and
construction of two additional filtration sites. With these expansions, additional infrastructure, and seasonal dynamic
system require focus, technical knowledge with skills and licensure to guide operational strategies this role can better
support. The position fits the framework within the Otsego Water and Wastewater Utility Staffing Projection technical
memorandum June 2, 2021, by AE2S.
Interviews of 6 qualified candidates were conducted by Utility Department and Public Works leadership providing
recommendations for hiring candidate Brandon Lokken at Pay Grade 9, Step 4 based on licensure. Brandon will be given
a 1-year service credit for PTO accrual. Brandon successfully completed a background check and pre-employment
screening required for this position.
With Council approval Brandon will join the team officed with the Division at the West WWTF site, with a tentative start
date of April 6.
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS ATTACHED:
• None
POSSIBLE MOTION
PLEASE WORD MOTION AS YOU WOULD LIKE IT TO APPEAR IN THE MINUTES:
Motion to approve the hiring of Brandon Lokken for the position of Utility Foreperson – Water, Collection, and
Distribution at Grade 9 Step 4; and PTO accruals at year 2.
BUDGET INFORMATION
FUNDING: BUDGETED:
Fund 601 – Water Utility
Yes