Item 3.13 Approve Hiring for the Public Works Manager Position
Request for
City Council Action
DEPARTMENT INFORMATION
ORIGINATING DEPARTMENT REQUESTOR: MEETING DATE:
Human Resources Assistant City Administrator/ Human Resources Hille August 24, 2026
PRESENTER(s) REVIEWED BY: ITEM #:
Consent City Administrator/Finance Director Flaherty 3.13 – Hiring Approval
STRATEGIC VISION
MEETS: THE CITY OF OTSEGO:
Is a strong organization that is committed to leading the community through innovative communication.
X 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 recommend the City Council approve the hiring of the Public Works Manager.
ARE YOU SEEKING APPROVAL OF A CONTRACT? IS A PUBLIC HEARING REQUIRED?
No No
BACKGROUND/JUSTIFICATION:
The City conducted a recruitment for the position of Public Works Manager, which was a revised position of the
previous Streets Operations Manager. The Street Operations Manager role functioned as a working manager position,
focused on primarily streets and fleet maintenance functions. While effective in the past, the change in demands of the
position have realigned it to be a broader focus of Public Works, which would encompass Streets, Fleet Maintenance,
Storm Water Maintenance, Facility Maintenance, and multi-department coordination.
After two rounds of interviews, City Staff are recommending the City Council approve the hiring of Ethan Kellner for the
position of Public Works Manager. Ethan has successfully completed the pre-employment screenings.
Staff are recommending Ethan be hired at Grade 14, Step 2 and at year 2 for Paid Time Off (PTO) accrual.
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 Ethan Kellner to the position of Public Works Manager at Grade 14, Step 2; and PTO
accruals at year 2.
BUDGET INFORMATION
FUNDING: BUDGETED:
Fund 101 – General – Street Maintenance Yes