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TIPTON, IOWA
City Manager
COMMUNITY & POSITION PROFILE
Date Prepared – February 6, 2017
Apply by March 2, 2017
Contact: Patrick Callahan
Callahan Municipal Consultants, LLC
417 Kaitlynn Avenue
Anamosa, IA 52205
Phone: 563-599-3708
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CITY OF TIPTON, IOWA
CITY MANAGER
Community and Position Profile
City Manager Position Announcement The City of Tipton, Iowa is currently accepting applications for the position of City Manager. Persons interested in this position should submit a cover letter, resume, five work-related references, and salary history by March 2, 2017 to Callahan Municipal Consultants, LLC, 417 Kaitlynn Avenue, Anamosa, Iowa 52205 or by email to [email protected]. Additional information regarding the City of Tipton can be obtained by visiting the City’s website at www.tiptoniowa.org.
Tipton, Iowa- Exceeding Expectations – An Introduction Tipton is a community of approximately 3,200 residents nestled in the heart of Eastern Iowa and conveniently located among the metropolitan areas of Iowa City, Cedar Rapids and the Quad Cities. As the county seat, Tipton is the center of the area with a busy downtown, a growing Business Park and plenty of amenities to make it an enjoyable place to stay, work and play. The quality of life for Tipton residents is exceptional with a highly regarded K-12 school system, quality child care, senior living options and safe neighborhoods. There are two medical clinics located in Tipton, as well as a variety of other health care providers including dental clinics, an eye care center, chiropractors and physical therapists. Tipton is abundant with retailers, professional service businesses and dining options. Tipton offers discount retail stores, a full service grocery store and a weekly newspaper. Add to that list, art galleries, pharmacy, flowers, coffee, clothing, furniture, baked goods, gifts and much more that serve the daily needs of Tipton residents. The City of Tipton has continually invested in the community’s local infrastructure. The most notable accomplishments in recent years include a new state-of-the-art fire station, downtown streetscape project, downtown façade project, revolving loan fund program, new youth recreation fields, municipal airport expansion and many street and utility improvements.
Tipton’s History Tipton was platted in 1840 and was named for General John Tipton, a personal friend of founder, Henry W. Higgins. The City was incorporated on January 27, 1857. Tipton’s 175th Celebration was held on July 2-5, 2015.
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Tipton’s Great Location Tipton is a great location for resident to travel to nearby metropolitan areas for excellent employment opportunities, entertainment, sporting events, and shopping trips. The distances to these many cities are as follows: City………………………............ Miles to Tipton Iowa City, IA………………………………. 30 Cedar Rapids, IA………………………… 40 Davenport, IA……………………………. 40 Dubuque, IA………………………………. 75 Des Moines, IA………………………….. 150 Chicago, IL…………………………………… 200 Omaha, NE…………………………………… 280 St. Louis, MO……………………………….. 300 Minneapolis, MN…………………………. 315 Kansas City, MO…………………………… 325
City Government The City of Tipton has a mayor-council with appointed city manager form of local government. The mayor is elected every four years and the five city council members serve four year overlapping terms. The mayor does not vote and the city council appoints the city manager. The council has 3 members representing wards and 2 at-large members. The city council meets in regular session on the 1st and 3rd Mondays of the month at 5:30 p.m. at the Fire Station. The City employs 27-28 full-time employees. The City’s annual budget for Fiscal Year 2016-17 is $13.8 million, not including transfers between funds. A breakdown of budgeted FY2016-17 City expenditures is as follows: 1. Public Safety – Police, Fire & Inspections………………………………………… $ 1,037,625. 2. Public Works- Streets, Lighting & Snow Removal……………………………. $ 656,999. 3. Culture & Recreations- Library, Parks & Cemetery………………………….. $ 854,855. 4. Community & Economic Development……………………………………………. $ 178,631. 5. General Government………………………………………………………………………. $ 241,796. 6. Debt Service……………………………………………………………………………………. $ 1,148,760. 7. Capital Projects……………………………………………………………………………….. $ 787,855. 8. Water Utility……………………………………………………………………………………. $ 525,127. 9. Sewer Utility……………………………………………………………………………………. $ 365,972. 10. Electric Utility…………………………………………………………………………………. $ 3,642,624. 11. Gas Utility………………………………………………………………………………………… $ 1,994,950. 12. Airport…………………………………………………………………………………………….. $ 386,512. 13. Landfill / Garbage……………………………………………………………………………. $ 497,321. 14. Stormwater Utility…………………………………………………………………………… $ 81,973. 15. Enterprise Debt Service…………………………………………………………………… $ 762,204.
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Total Expenditures………………………………………………………………………….. $ 13,864,961. The major sources of city revenues include the following: 1. Property Taxes…………………………………………………………………………………. $ 1,409,653. 2. TIF Revenue…………………………………………………………………………………….. $ 162,676. 3. Utility Franchise Fees……………………………………………………………………….. $ 18,030. 4. Local Option Sales Tax………………………………………………………………..…… $ 220,000. 5. Licenses & Permits……………………………………………………………………………. $ 27,895. 6. Use of Money & Property…………………………………………………………………. $ 347,428. 7. Intergovernmental, including Road Use Tax……………………………………. $ 397,415. 8. Other State Grant…………………………………………………………………………….. $ 48,657. 9. Local Grant………………………………………………………………………………………. $ 43,000. 10. Water Utility User Fees…………………………………………………………………….. $ 644,200. 11. Sewer Utility User Fees…………………………………………………………………….. $ 642,800. 12. Electric Utility…………………………………………………………………………………. $ 4,457,000. 13. Gas Utility………………………………………………………………………………………. $ 1,931,950. 14. Airport Fees & Income…………………………………………………………………….. $ 20,700. 15. Garage Fees……………………………………………………………………………………. $ 537,124. 16. Stormwater Utility User Fees……………………………………………………………. $ 103,100. 17. Other Revenue, Fees & Charges…………………………………………………..….. $ 460,610. 18. Special Assessments………………………………………………………………………… $ 23,000. 19. Miscellaneous Revenue………………………………………………………………….. $ 1,732,168. 20. Loan Proceeds………………………………………………………………………………… $ 396,355.
Total Revenues…………………………………………………………………………………. $ 16,794,783. The City’s current tax rate is $13.36 per $1,000 valuation, with a consolidated levy of $22.74658 per $1,000 valuation. Total fund balances estimated on 6/30/17 will be $8,328,844. The City has a total of $4.5 million in outstanding general obligation debt, against a State of Iowa constitutional debt limitation of $8.5 million as of 6/30/16.
City Services The City of Tipton is truly a “full service” operation that provides a wide range of services to its residents. The following is a brief summary of the City’s departments and services. Police Department The Tipton Police Department is a well trained and equipped police department that is composed of a Chief of Police and five Iowa Law Enforcement Academy (ILEA) certified officers that provide “24/7” police protection for the residents of Tipton. The Department has five certified reserve officers, two-part time certified patrol officers and K-9 dog. The Police department provides the following:
Certified School Resource Officer and DARE Program
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Gun Safety Program
STEP Program
Free vehicle unlock assistance
Tobacco compliance checks
Business door checks
Homeland Security Investigations – Victims Notification Program
Community Oriented Policing to engage and address specific issues
Presentations to community organizations
Security during parades, street dances, and other community events Fire Department The Tipton Fire Department provides emergency services to the City of Tipton and 6 townships in Cedar County with the dedicated assistance of 33 volunteer fire fighters. Tipton Fire Department covers roughly 110 square miles and population totaling more than 4,700 people. The territory includes a six-mile section of Interstate 80 and a large section of the Cedar River. A new state of the art fire station was built in 2013, which allows the Department to provide the following services:
Fire suppression
Vehicle Extrication
HAZ MAT response at an operations level
Water rescue/recovery Fire/Rescue
Speedway coverage for the Speedway
Local storm spotting team
Fire prevention education
EMS Assistance
Creating landing zones for medical helicopters The Fire Department has two primary pumper trucks, one back up pumper truck, one tanker truck, one rescue truck and two pickup trucks. Ambulance Service The Tipton Ambulance Service (TAS) is a volunteer driven, minimum staffed paramedic level service. The Department provides advanced emergency, pre-hospital care and transport services to over 9,500 residents and over 180 square miles in Cedar County, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The service has two ambulances, with sufficient personnel and equipment to run both ambulances at once.
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The ambulance service has certified paramedics, registered nurses, advanced EMT’s, EMT’s, emergency responders and drivers. The ambulance personnel are able to assist in a wide variety of emergencies including medical calls, traumas, burns, motor vehicle accidents, farm accidents, on-the-job injuries, fires, hazardous waste accidents, sports injuries, and disasters. TAS is involved with the Emergency Management Disaster Planning at the local, county, regional, and state levels, which involves pre-planning for natural disasters, mass casualty incidents, and any other large scale disasters. Public Works Department The Tipton Public Works Department is responsible for street maintenance, snow removal, storm sewer cleaning and maintenance, sanitary sewer collection system maintenance, water distribution system maintenance, commercial solid waste and recycling collection and seasonal leaf and brush collections. The Department provides all of these services with a staff of 7 full time employees and 1 part- time employee. The City has approximately 15 miles of city streets, 3 municipal parking lots, 61,000 linear feet of storm sewers and approximately 13,000 feet open drainage/stream channels and 1,600 residential refuse collection accounts. Public Library The Tipton Carnegie Public Library was established in 1903. The library has on display 17 original Grant Wood lithographs, along with works by Marvin Cone and local artist Polly Kemp. The Soldiers Monument honoring Cedar County residents, who have given their lives serving our country in times of conflict, adorns the front lawn of the library grounds. The Tipton Public Library provides a complete spectrum of information to the community through a variety of materials, appropriate technology, and a well-trained staff. These many programs include:
Story times
Summer reading Program for ages 3 thru adult
Preschool outreach visits
Homebound Delivery Program
National Library Week
Children’s Book and Teen Read Week
Adult Book Chat
Renewals or requests by phone or email
Free internet access
Free computer usage
Daily newspapers
Interlibrary loans from other Iowa Libraries
Copy machine
Ongoing used book sale
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Grant Wood Lithograph collection
Proctoring for college exams Parks and Recreation Department Residents have a number of excellent recreational opportunities in Tipton. The 33-acre City Park is home to the Tipton High School football field and track, a lighted softball diamond, tennis courts, horseshoe courts, playground equipment, a disc golf course, youth ball diamonds, Skateboard Park, basketball courts and three pavilions. The James Kennedy Family Aquatic Center is a recreation complex and is the only indoor/outdoor aquatic facility in the area. It consists of a zero- depth-entry outdoor pool complete with a speed slide, double flume slide, a lazy river, a six-lane competition-size indoor pool and an impressive concession area complete with grassy areas and many umbrella tables for poolside enjoyment. Tipton’s Recreation Department has a wide range of youth recreation programs including baseball, softball, volleyball, flag football and soccer. The James Kennedy Aquatic Center offers swimming lessons, water aerobics, parent tot swimming classes and scuba diving class. This level of recreation service is exceptional for a community the size of Tipton, and is a testament to the City’s commitment to enhancing its residents’ quality of life. The Heartland Sports Complex was built in 2014 and has been a great addition to Tipton. The facility has basketball courts, volleyball courts, batting cages, golf nets, an indoor walking track, fitness classes as well as a kitchen for concessions and parties. Leagues and tournaments can also be held in the facility. Mathews Memorial Airport The Mathews Memorial Airport is Tipton’s municipal airport. The airport caters to all small aircraft needs; including on-site 24-hour self-service fueling, a 60’ x 3,000’ concrete runway, passenger terminal and lounge, public restroom and telephone.
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City Utilities Water Utility The City of Tipton water utility includes two wells and a water treatment plant built in 2002 that produces about 467,000 gallons per day. The plant removes iron, treats with fluoride, and overall maintains a very high standard for water quality and safety. Tipton maintains over 24 miles of water mains ranging from 4 inches to 12 inches in diameter. The current elevated storage capacity is 500,000 gallons. Wastewater and Sanitary Sewer System The west side of Tipton has a three-cell aerated lagoon (one million gallons per day capacity) and a lift station. There is also another three-cell aerated lagoon (570,000 gallons per day capacity) on the east side of Tipton. The City maintains 19 miles of sanitary sewer main and has capital improvements programs in place to construct sewer service for development areas throughout the City. Municipal Electric Utility The Tipton Electric Utility is the oldest in Iowa, having been established in 1880. A Corliss steam engine, located in the old Tipton Town Hall, provided power to light the downtown business district in 1882. The City currently purchases electrical power from Ameren Energy, which is transmitted over transmission lines owned by Alliant Energy. The City also maintains 0.5% ownership of generation at the Louisa Generation Plant South of Muscatine. The City Generation Plant has five engines for standby power and can produce up to 8 KW of electrical power. The City’s highest peak was 7.92 KW in 2010. The Department maintains 22 miles of electric lines (20% underground) with a staff of five full time employees. The Department operates with a new line truck, two pick-up trucks, and a bucket truck. The City is part of the Iowa Association Municipal Utilities (IAMU) Mutual Aid program. The City has a close working relationship with the nearby municipal electric utilities in Wilton, Durant, and Muscatine. Natural Gas Utility The City of Tipton owns and operates a natural gas utility with 2 full time employees. The natural gas system consists of 25 miles of underground line. The City purchases natural gas from the Northern Natural Gas Pipeline and Northern transports the gas. The City takes ownership at a transfer point in Kansas and pays for pipeline transportation from that point to
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the border station north of town. From there the gas enters the City’s distribution system, pressures are reduced and meters measure the gas used at the border station and at each residential and commercial meter.
Mayor & City Council Goal Setting - 2014 The Mayor and City Council conducted a goal setting session on August 18, 2014, which was facilitated by the University of Iowa Institute of Public Affairs. The goal-setting session identified the following new priorities/commitments:
1. Council Chambers – location, handicap accessibility, etc. 2. Review utility and other rates on a regular basis –
Garbage/recycling rates
Ambulance rates 3. Implement wage and benefit study recommendations 4. Establish sewer cleaning/inspection regimen and develop sewer improvement plan
COMMUNITY ATTRACTIONS AND OPPORTUNITIES There is no shortage of things to do and see for people of all ages and interests in Tipton. These many attractions include the following:
Carnegie Library & Grant Wood Art Collection – The 1903 Carnegie Library has been carefully preserved over the years and houses a stunning display of original Grant Wood art, including 17 lithographs and 2 oils.
Cedar County Attic – The Cedar County Attic was once home to the Grand Army of the Republic from the 1880’s, until it was closed in the 1920s. Now it is used to house some of Cedar County’s historical treasures.
Cedar County Historical Museum& Prairie Village – Cedar County’s Historical Society is the guardian of Cedar County’s heritage and ancestors. Visitors can experience the Pioneer Village which has an 1842 log cabin, blacksmith shop, general store, church, country school and hardware store with an original tin shop.
Old Cedar County Jail – Visitors can become an “inmate” on a tour at the Old Cedar County Jail, which was used continuously from 1892 until 2001. It is probably the last “Mom and Pop” jail still
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standing in Iowa and possibly the nation. The facility was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2003.
Tipton Golf & Country Club- This beautiful 9-hole, semi-private golf course is located on the southwest side of Tipton. It is a small club that combines both excellent golfing, as well as outstanding dining. The clubhouse is open to the public.
Cedar Valley Golf Course – An 18-hole golf course is located southeast of Tipton. There are banquet facilities that can accommodate events up to 300 and golf outings up to 144.
Cedar Valley Stables, Inc. – Visitors can enjoy horseback riding at its finest on well cared for horses matched to people’s ability. Friendly and knowledgeable trail guides will take riders over 200 acres of woods, meadows and riverside trails.
Chamber of Commerce The Tipton Area Chamber of Commerce is a very active organization with 90 members. The Tipton Chamber of Commerce plays a vital role in the community. The Chamber promotes various community events as well as supports the local economy. Some of the ongoing projects of the Chamber include: Passports for Christmas, Small Business Saturday, Ridiculous Day, Annual Membership Dinner, Painted Ladies Brochure and ribbon cutting for new businesses. The Chamber of Commerce coordinated the activities when Tipton was an overnight stop in 2008 for the Register’s Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa (RAGBRAI), when over 20,000 guests spent the evening in the community.
Community Events and Activities The Tipton community sponsors many events and activities that help to unify and promote the “feeling of community” and hometown pride. These events provide ample opportunity to volunteer, to meet new friends, and become a part of the community. The following is a brief overview of the events and activities in Tipton.
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Major Fourth of July Celebration with patriotic parade, dance, entertainment, and fireworks show.
Old Fashioned Christmas and Tour of Lights with carriage rides, community supper, and shopping.
Annual Cedar County Fair with a midway, great food, and local youth displaying their projects and animals.
Tipton Farmers Market every Thursday from May to December
Thursdays Downtown Tipton is an expansion of the Farmers market and features music, dances, taekwondo demonstrations, education programs, and many enjoyable activities.
Annual Ridiculous Day with great bargains and fun activities in the Courthouse Square.
Tipton Business Job Fair in May at the High School.
Small Business Saturday held every Saturday after Thanksgiving to promote small business and features book signings, wine tasting, vendor fairs, music, refreshments, and more.
Downtown Tipton The downtown area features some beautiful and historic buildings and a typical business mix. There are several core businesses such as a grocery store, pharmacy, bakery, and specialty shops. The Cedar County Courthouse is located in the “heart” of the downtown area and is a “draw” for people from all over the County. The City recently participated in the Downtown Walk Around Program through the Iowa Downtown Resources Center. The Summary report generated by this exercise has provided the
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City and the Tipton business community with some great suggestions that will take Tipton’s downtown area to that next level of excellence. Tipton has a number of great restaurants featuring many locally owned eateries and numerous “chain” restaurants. The City has a grocery store to serve the community and surrounding area. There is a bed & breakfast business and motel for our overnight guests.
Multi-Facet Economic Development Program
The Tipton Economic Development Corporation (TEDCO) is a non-profit organization focused on improving the overall business climate in Tipton by promoting economic growth and prosperity within the community. The TEDCO Board of Directors is comprised of 14 volunteer members, who coordinate with the City of Tipton and other local organizations to promote and support community based economic development initiatives. TEDCO owns the 85 acre Tipton Business Park, as well as options on an adjoining 158 acres, that is available for large development projects. The Tipton Business Park was the first industrial site in the state to receive “Shovel Ready Iowa” Certification.
The seven-member Tipton Development Commission was established to facilitate a partnership between the Tipton Chamber of Commerce, Tipton Economic Development Corporation and the City of Tipton. The commission is comprised of two delegates from each entity and one at-large member. Tipton’s Economic Development Director carries out the priorities and initiatives of the Tipton Development Commission, as well as facilitates further community minded programs. The City of Tipton has incentives available for new or existing business owners. Tax Increment Financing (TIF) districts have been established for economic development purposes, a USDA Revolving Loan Fund Program, and Downtown Revitalization Incentive Program are also in place to aid business owners.
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Tipton is part of Iowa’s Creative Corridor which is home to a half million creative residents and covers 4,400 square miles in eastern Iowa including Benton, Cedar, Iowa, Johnson, Jones, Linn and Washington Counties. The Creative Corridor is a shared identity that represents the people, places, and ideals of the 7-county region which encompasses the entire Kirkwood Community College service area. It also pays homage to the region’s historical strengths in art, science and technology, and captures aspirations for an even more collaborative, innovative and imaginative region.
Opportunities for Employment in Tipton Tipton is a regional center for retail and manufacturing. Major employers include:
Employer/ Company Business Field Employees
1. GCS Global Publishing/Fulfillment 125
2. Tipton Community Schools Education 100
3. Cedar Manor Nursing Home Health Care 70
4. Family Foods Grocery Store 70
5. Wal-Mart Retail 65
6. Xerxes Manufacturing 55
7. Prairie Hills Health Care 45
8. Cedar Poly Recycling 44
9. Cedar County Co-op Agriculture 40
10. Cummings Manufacturing Manufacturing 16
Tipton Community School District The residents of the City are served by the Tipton Community School District. The district has one K-4 grade building, one middle school and one high school. Additionally, the District offers preschool and an alternative high school. All facilities are located in Tipton. The district has approximately 900 students and 100 employees. The class sizes are small, the educators are top-notch, and the students are high-achieving. Tipton High School offers class-based and extracurricular programs normally only found in larger districts.
Some of the many extracurricular activities include:
*Football * Swimming *Cross Country *Track *Volleyball *Wrestling *Boys Basketball *Girls Basketball *Cheerleading *Golf *Baseball *Softball
High School Middle School Elementary School
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There is a very active Athletic Booster Club that supports these many activities. The high school has gone through extensive renovations on the weight room and auditorium. The K-8 facility includes a recently constructed middle school with a 1,300 seat competition gym that adjoins the middle school and elementary buildings.
Higher Education Opportunities For those interested in pursuing a post-secondary education, Kirkwood Community College’s Cedar County Center presents quality, affordable education that’s close to home. Kirkwood offers continuing education, personal and professional development, college credit classes, Career Edge Academies for high school students and high school/GED completion. In addition, there are approximately 20 educational institutions located within 45 miles of Tipton including the University of Iowa, Saint Ambrose University, Kirkwood Community College, Cornell College and many more. Churches and Service Clubs Tipton is home to eight houses of worship which represent a variety of denominations, traditions and services. The local churches are active in serving the needs of the community through youth groups, educational events, support groups, and outreach services. In addition to faith based services, there are many service organizations that meet the needs of the community. The Lions Club, Rotary and other local organizations and non-profits sponsor activities and out-reach in the community. Various local groups, non- profit organizations, and individuals alternate hosting the community service, known as Shared Blessings, which offers free meals.
Housing – Numerous Options Tipton offers a wide array of houses from turn-of-the-century historic Victorian homes to newly-built modern homes. Tipton housing is much more affordable than in the larger metropolitan areas with moderate home prices, lower utility costs and lower real estate taxes than some of the surrounding counties. According to a recent study by Smart Assets, Cedar County is ranked as the fourth best in Iowa to secure a home mortgage. The Tipton community is full of historic gems from the mid to late 1800’s and into the early 20th Century. Founded in 1840, the community of Tipton began in the Victorian era with many of the original homes still standing today. Varying in style from Eastlake to Tudor, Tipton’s Victorian homes were built using everything from imported marble and tile to whatever spindle style could be found at the local lumber company. There are some excellent new residential housing developments on the southwest and northeast corners of Tipton for high-quality new construction and available lots. Tipton has several realtors who can help guide homeowners through the buying process. View local real
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estate listings at www.realtor.com. Tipton also offers high-quality senior living for its mature population, including Cedar Manor Continuing Care Retirement Community, Prairie Hills Senior Living, and Tipton Senior Park.
Health Care – Tipton’s Medical Facilities Tipton has the resources to address all healthcare needs. Two well-staffed medical clinics are located in Tipton, providing top notch care. A number of excellent hospitals are located in close proximity to Tipton including the revered University of Iowa Hospital & Clinics, VA Health Care System, Genesis Health Systems, Unity Point Health/St. Luke’s Hospital, and Mercy Hospital. The Cedar County Public Health Department, located in the County Courthouse, is a multifaceted agency that provides intermittent skilled nursing care, home care aide/homemaking services and public health service such as, immunizations, disease surveillance, health education, rehabilitation, health promotion and public health education.
Duties and Responsibilities of the Position of City Manager The city manager is appointed by a majority vote of the city council and serves at the direction of the city council. The general duties of the office are to coordinate the activities, policies and procedures of the city government. The city manager is directly responsible to the city council for the administration of municipal affairs, as directed by the city council. The department heads coordinate the council requests with the city manager. All departmental activities requiring the attention of the city council are brought to the city manager and all city council involvement in administration that is initiated by the city council is coordinated through the city manager. The duties of the city manager include:
1. Supervise enforcement and execution of the City laws. 2. Prepare the annual budget, in collaboration with the Finance Director, present it to the
Council, and administer the Council-approved budget. 3. Attend all meetings of the Council, unless excused by a majority of the Council. 4. Recommend to the Council such measures as may be necessary or expedient for the
good government and welfare of the City. 5. Have the general supervision and direction of the administration of the City
government. 6. Supervise and direct the official conduct of all officers, departments and employees of
the City and appoint and, when necessary, suspend or remove all officers and employees of the City, except those officers and employees whose appointment, suspension or removal is otherwise provided for by law or ordinance.
7. Supervise the performance of all contracts for work to be done for the City, supervise all purchases of materials and supplies and see that such material and supplies are received and are of the quality and character called for by the contract.
8. Working collaboratively with the respective department heads and consultants, supervise the construction, improvement, repair, maintenance, and management of all City property, capital improvements and undertakings of the City, including the making
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and preservation of all surveys, maps, plans drawings, specifications, and estimates for capital improvements.
9. Investigate the affairs and conduct of any department, agency, officer or employee under the supervision of the city manager.
10. Provide for and cause records to be kept of the issuance and revocation of businesses and permits authorized by City law.
11. Keep the Council fully advised of the financial and other conditions of the City and of its future needs.
12. Conduct the business affairs of the City and cause accurate records to be kept by modern and efficient accounting methods.
13. Formulate policy with the approval of the City Council, within the framework of the ordinances of the City of Tipton and the laws of the State of Iowa.
14. Manage the operations of all city departments, with the exception of public safety. 15. Working collaboratively with the department heads, prepare plans, specifications and
estimates on work projects where the law and best practices do not require the retention of a consulting engineer.
16. Serve as a liaison between the City Council and independent commissions, and other public bodies.
17. Serve as a member representing the City of Tipton with the other seven cities in Cedar County.
18. Serve as a member of relevant boards and commissions (Chamber of Commerce, ECIA, TEDCO) as a representative of the city.
19. Supervises assigned personnel including, but not limited, to planning and preparing work, interviewing, evaluating, instructing, disciplining, hiring and discharging employees.
20. Act at all times in a prudent manner, applying generally accepted good business procedures, and bearing in mind that the City is a public body operating on the principal of the greatest good for the greatest number.
21. Perform other duties as the Mayor and Council may direct.
Skills and Abilities The Mayor and City Council Members recently ranked the most desirable skills and abilities of the next city manager in this order of importance:
1. Financial and budgeting 2. Supervision and direction of employees 3. Communication skills with elected officials, city employees and citizens 4. Possess a good working knowledge of city government operations 5. Grant writing and administration 6. Economic development and TIF oversight 7. Infrastructure repairs and improvements 8. Collective bargaining and negotiation skills 9. Water and sewer utility operations 10. Electric and natural gas utility operations
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Personality Traits The City of Tipton is seeking candidates with the following personality traits:
Good communicator and personable Trustworthy, honest, and straight forward Open minded and transparent Good listener and approachable Tactful and respectful Professional and ethical Energetic and involved in the city and the community Treats everyone equally and with respect Possess a sense of humor, when appropriate Presents a positive image in the community Focused, ambitious, and hard working Someone who consistently returns calls and responds to emails
Management Style The City would prefer to work with candidates who exemplify the following management style attributes:
Visionary and confident leader, who can build trust and provide clear direction. Self-motivated and organized manager who can follow through on Council’s directives. Someone who can set a good “tone” for the City and the community. Person who can see the “big picture” and make changes or adjustments, when needed. Leader and Team Player who facilities weekly team meetings and monthly department
head meetings. Person who is accessible and open minded. Confident enough to be able to admit mistakes, recognize their weakness, and a desire
to improve. A leader who can show empathy and respect when supervising employees with the
ability to plan and delegate. Strong leader, who is willing to “lead by example” and be firm, when needed. Leader who can motivate employees, but not micro manage them. Facilitator and problem solver who brings a “common sense” approach to the job. Person who uses a collaborative approach with elected officials and citizens. Person who has good communication skills – verbal and written. Ability to maintain his/her composure during difficult situations. Someone who is professional and tactful when working with citizens and community
leaders.
Future City Capital Projects and Infrastructure Repairs While much has been accomplished in the way of infrastructure improvements in Tipton in recent years, the City has ongoing list of capital improvements that the next city manager will be asked to coordinate. These projects include:
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1. Storm water, sanitary sewer and drainage improvements per the McClure study 2. Street improvement projects in conjunction with storm and sewer improvements 3. Aquatic Center repairs and renovation 4. Wastewater treatment facilities upgrade per Iowa DNR requirements 5. Library Building repairs – boiler, parking lot, and front steps 6. Analysis of “smart” electrical and remote utilities metering, utilities infrastructure
modernization 7. Library Building front steps repair or replacement 8. Possible remodeling of the Legion Building as a City Hall Annex facility 9. Ambulance building repairs 10. Airport runway maintenance and terminal repairs 11. Replacement of Trucks and Equipment, as needed
Future Programs, Policies & Initiatives The next city manager will be given the opportunity to spear head and guide some exciting programs, policies, studies, analyses, and initiatives that will help guide Tipton’s long term growth and development for many years. These programs include:
1. Preparation of a new comprehensive plan. 2. Development of a Five Year Capital Improvements Plan (CIP) and Equipment
Replacement Plan. 3. Electric Utility Distribution System Update Plan. 4. Financial analysis of the Electric Utility’s Capacity to Subsidize City Operations 5. Study the Long Term Viability of the Ambulance Service. 6. Investigate Ways to Enhance and Improve Telecommunication and Internet Services in
Tipton. 7. Preparation of a long- term plan for street and storm sewer improvements. 8. Conduct a City long term debt analysis to determine the City’s financial capacity to do
capital projects and pay down debt. 9. Pursue ways to continue to implement the recommendations in the Verisight Wage
Survey completed in 2015. 10. Conduct a park system analysis to determine the need for a new west side park. 11. Continue the mapping system update. 12. Study the feasibility and need for codes to encourage and promote building repairs. 13. Review and develop a plan to implement the Downtown Walk Around Report and
encourage commercial development. 14. Identification of programs and policies to promote residential development. 15. Conduct an analysis of the feasibility of renovating the Legion Building. 16. Foster and encourage regional cooperation and service sharing initiatives with other
cities and governmental entities. 17. Schedule and coordinate an annual goal setting and team building retreat for the
Mayor, Council Members, and City Department heads.
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18. “Get Acquainted Plan” – Early in Employment – Schedule one on one meetings with Mayor, Council Members, Department Heads, and City Hall Staff members.
Announcement/Advertisement City Manager, Tipton, Iowa. (Population 3,221). Progressive community in east central Iowa is seeking an energetic leader for the position of city manager. Salary range is $80,000 to $100,000 depending upon qualifications, with full range of benefits. The city manager directly oversees all municipal departments, including city hall, police, fire, water utility, electric utility, gas utility, wastewater utility, streets, sanitation, parks & recreation, library, building, zoning, and finance, which includes 27-28 full time employees and an annual operating budget of $13.8 million. The city manager is also responsible for supervision of contracts, oversight of city property, management of capital improvement projects, and keeping the five-member city council and mayor fully advised of the city’s financial condition and overall future needs. Qualifications include a college degree in public or business administration or related field and five or more years of experience in a public sector management position. Residency requirement is in effect. Potential candidates can view a community/position profile on the City’s website (www.tiptoniowa.org), after it has been posted on February 6th. Application materials requested include: cover letter, resume, salary history, and five work related references. Applications will be accepted until the position has been filled with the first review of applications on March 2, 2017. Confidential applications should be sent to Patrick Callahan, c/o Callahan Municipal Consultants, LLC 417 Kaitlynn Avenue, Anamosa, Iowa 52205 or send to [email protected]
Tentative Time Table For Search Process It is the City’s intent to conclude the search process as expediently as possible with the goal of offering the position to a candidate by April 8th. Therefore, candidates are urged to tentatively mark the following dates on their schedules:
1. Deadline for applications…………………………………………………………….. March 2
2. Telephone/Skype interviews of selected candidates…………………… March 23
3. Notification of finalists for the position………………………………………… March 24
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4. Candidates’ day to tour the community and meet City Employees, Mayor, and Council Members………………………………………………………. April 7
5. Mayor & City Council conducts interviews of candidates…………….. April 8 6. City Council approval of Offer of Employment………………………………. April 11
7. Proposed starting date of employment, if mutually agreeable…… May 1-15
Attachments 1. City of Tipton Table of Organization 2. City of Tipton Street Map
