City Administrator KEOKUK, IOWA
COMMUNITY & POSITION PROFILE
Apply by May 22, 2018
Date Prepared – April 23, 2018
Contact: Brent Hinson
Hinson Consulting, LLC
641-373-2535 CITY OF KEOKUK, IOWA CITY ADMINISTRATOR
Community and Position Profile
City Administrator Position Announcement The City of Keokuk, Iowa is currently accepting applications for the position of City Administrator. Persons interested in this position should submit a cover letter, resume, five work-related references, and salary history by May 22, 2018 by email to [email protected]. Additional information regarding the City of Keokuk can be obtained by visiting the City’s website at www.CityofKeokuk.org.
Keokuk’s Historic Grand Theatre Keokuk, Iowa- A Scenic and Historic Beauty Along the Mississippi River Midwestern living at its best. This is how life is supposed to be. From the houses on the bluff overlooking the Mississippi River to the beautiful and historic homes along Grand Avenue, life in Keokuk is full of beauty and promise. The City of Keokuk is one of the two county-seat communities in Lee County and has a population of 10,780 residents, located in beautiful southeastern Iowa. Keokuk’s historic downtown stretches for 14 blocks with everything from great Italian food at Angelini’s Restaurant to Joystix vintage arcade and pinball. The community has been a long time member of the Main Street program and contains a vibrant cultural and entertainment district. Keokuk’s amazing lock and dam makes it one of Iowa’s premier recreational destinations. The slow leisurely water above the dam is some of the best water on the Mississippi River for boating and swimming while the river below the dam contains some of the best fishing in Iowa.
Keokuk is a regional retail and employment center and is proud to serve the needs of the populations of Illinois, Missouri and Iowa. The Tri-state community provides for a diverse set of workforce skills and creates an environment akin to a city twice Keokuk’s size.
Keokuk’s Recent Progress
Keokuk has recently started on a path of progressive economic and community development policies. Through community collaboration, the organizations of the city have found success in removal of blight, redevelopment of downtown, securing grants from EDA, EPA, HUD, CDBG, and more. The City Council and Mayor, and the broader community, seek to keep Volunteers at the Keokuk Public Library this momentum and collaboration moving
2 forward with the next city administrator. Several sites are being developed and many initiatives are just getting started. Progress has been made in nearly every area working towards best practices and innovation including housing, development, quality of life amenities, youth programs, storm water management, and nuisance enforcement. An eager team of energetic community leaders of all ages are driving the tri-state area to new levels of success and will be standing by to work with the next city administrator.
Keokuk’s History
Keokuk was incorporated in 1847 and is named for Chief Keokuck, a chief of the Sac and Fox Indians. His bones were brought here in 1883 from Franklin County, Kansas, and reinterred in Rand Park beneath a massive stone pedestal which is surrounded by a life sized statute of the chieftain.
Prior to the construction of the dam across the South Lee County Courthouse Mississippi River, the first and largest of its kind when erected, Keokuk was the shipping headquarters on the river. Just above the city were a series of rapids and channels, and further water traffic involved heavy lightening charges and transshipment. Keokuk has always been a natural shipping point due to its excellent location and has also been a significant location with respect to train traffic.
The city was the location of numerous hospitals that treated wounded during the Civil War, whom were brought to the city by steamboat. Due to this important role in history, the City of Keokuk is also the location of the only National Cemetery in Iowa, which is still active today. This history is a large draw for tourists from across the nation.
City Government Keokuk’s City government is led by Keokuk’s mayor and city council which employs a City Administrator. City leaders work closely with the Keokuk Area Chamber of Commerce and Keokuk Economic Development Corporation, as well as the Lee County Economic Development Corporation to secure a strong future for the community.
The close network of city personnel, including administrative, police, fire and public works, strive to provide services that go well beyond the average, working toward the betterment of the community. The results are apparent through the high quality public services provided by the City of Keokuk’s dedicated employees.
The city has 19 firefighters, 24-full time police officers (plus 3 civilians, such as records clerks, etc.) and 51 public works employees. The mayor is elected to two-year terms and city council members are elected to four-year term. The council membership includes 7 ward representatives and 2 at-large positions.
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A breakdown of major budgeted FY2018-19 city expenditures are as follows:
1. Public Safety ………………………………………..………………………………………… $ 5,613,936 2. Public Works- Streets, Lighting & Snow Removal……………………………. $ 1,834,506 3. Culture & Recreations- Library, Parks & Cemetery………………………….. $ 1,542,994 4. Community & Economic Development……………………………………………. $ 129,716 5. General Government………………………………………………………………………. $ 803,783 6. Debt Service……………………………………………………………………………………. $ 1,603,246 7. Capital Projects……………………………………………………………………………….. $ 2,477,500 8. Sewer Utility……………………………………………………………………………………. $ 3,065,139 9. Sanitation ………………………………………………………………………………………. $ 1,107,417 10. Bridge …………………………………………………………………………………………….. $ 586,974 11. Enterprise Debt Service…………………………………………………………………… $ 985,106 Total Major Expenditures……………………….……………………………………….. $ 19,750,317
The major sources of city revenues include the following:
1. Property Taxes…………………………………………………………………………………. $ 4,712,918 2. TIF Revenues…………..……………………………………………………………………….. $ 1,269,916 3. Hotel/Motel, Gaming and Local Option Sales Tax……………………………… $ 3,142,403 4. Licenses & Permits……………………………………………………………………………. $ 150,600 5. Use of Money & Property…………………………………………………………………. $ 189,400 6. Intergovernmental including Road Use Tax………………………………………. $ 3,649,012 7. Sewer Utility User Fees…………………………………………………………………….. $4,698,000 8. Sanitation User Fees………………………………………………….…………………….. $ 785,600 9. Bridge………………………………..…………………………………………………………….. $ 370,000 Total Major Revenues………………………………………………………………………. $ 18,967,849
The City’s FY18-19 tax rate is $17.34 per $1,000 valuation and the City’s current tax rate is $16.86 per $1,000 valuation, with a consolidated levy of $46.13/ $1,000. Total fund balances estimates as of 6/30/19 are $11,688,613. The City has a total of $29,078,000 in outstanding general obligation and revenue debt.
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City Services Beyond the normal public safety work of the Keokuk Police and Fire Departments, the city has animal control services and Keokuk Volunteer Emergency Corps (KVEC). Animal Control assists in the enforcement of the city code related to animals and KVEC primarily assists in the search and rescue operations on the Mississippi River.
The community is home to a wonderful aquatic center and numerous parks including Rand Park. Rand Park is 57 acres in the middle of town and is host to numerous events throughout the Rand Park Pavilion year such as: City of Christmas, countless bands at the pavilion, and the 4th of July fireworks and carnival. Additionally, the park features a statue of Chief Keokuk, the Rand Park flower gardens and gazebo, a disc golf course and the most amazing overlook of the Mississippi River.
The city works closely with the community to encourage growth through the Community Development Department and works to ensure quality neighborhoods through nuisance enforcement and abatement. The city is owner of several structures which have commissions providing guidance and oversight such as: the Grand Theatre, Keokuk Union Depot, Verity Museum, Riverfront Barge, and the Rand Park Pavilion. The city also provides for the operation and maintenance of Oakland Cemetery and operates a swing span railroad bridge over the Mississippi River that is used primarily by the Keokuk Junction Railroad.
City and Local Utilities
The Water Pollution Control Department is responsible for the Wastewater Treatment Plant and the Sewer Department is responsible for the collection system. The City of Keokuk treatment plant treats a large industrial flow and has capacity for future development. The Keokuk Municipal Waterworks is a separate entity that is governed by its own board. The Waterworks also has significant capacity for future development.
Electric service is provided by Alliant Energy and natural gas is provided by Liberty Utilities.
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Mayor & City Council Goal Setting
The Mayor and City Council conducted a goal setting session on February 28, 2018, which was facilitated by the University of Iowa Institute of Public Affairs. The goal-setting session identified the following on-going priorities/commitments: CSO separation requirements – consent agreement o Sponsored projects – Phase III o Rand Park tunnel o Sewer point repair program – Phase I Develop and implement Capital Improvements Program Develop and implement Street Improvement Program River Road/Indian Hills, Soap Creek lift station replacements Move forward with planning/financial plan for new Public Safety Building Shooting range Comprehensive Plan update Update Zoning Code Continue current economic development programs o Define current programs Mississippi River at Sunset Continue to promote riverfront improvements – barge project Continue demolition of dilapidated buildings and promote building rehabilitations Improvements to Roquette Building Continue to provide city resources and collaboration with Main Street to promote downtown revitalization Continued effort on updating and enforcing Municipal Code and City Handbook Continue employee safety program –encourage safety culture Flood wall certification Develop improvement plan for cemetery roads, other cemetery infrastructure and other cemetery maintenance issues Partner with Chamber and KEDC to focus on quality of life to attract young professionals
The session also identified the following new priorities:
Provide additional funding for street repairs Charge fees to cover apartment inspections Tax abatement incentives such as 3 – 5-year rebate on rental property
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Employment Sectors
Education System and Life Long Learning Opportunities
Keokuk Community School District The residents of the city are served by the Keokuk Community School District. The district has administration and Preschool at Torrence, one K-3 grade at Hawthorne Elementary, 4-5 grade at George Washington Elementary, one junior high, and high school. All facilities are located in Keokuk. The district has approximately 1,933 students and 310 employees. Numerous extracurricular programs as well as an outstanding fine arts program are available. For more information, visit www.keokukschools.org. The Keokuk Rand Park Flower Gardens Community School District ensures that students are engaged in learning that will prepare them to be life-long learners and successful future citizens of the community. The community also has St. Vincent’s Catholic School and the Keokuk Christian Academy which are also both excellent academic institutions.
Higher Education Opportunities Post-secondary educational opportunities are available locally at the Keokuk Campus of Southeastern Community College. Additionally, Western Illinois University in Macomb, Illinois, Iowa Wesleyan University in Mount Pleasant, Iowa, Southeastern Community College’s main campus in Burlington, Iowa, Quincy University in Quincy, Illinois and Culver-Stockton College in Canton, Missouri are all within 1 hour of Keokuk and offer a diversity of programs.
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Health Care UnityPoint Health - Keokuk, is a 49- bed hospital that is fully accredited by the Joint Commission. The hospital provides primary and specialty medical care as well as community health care services to all ages of the Tri-State region. The experienced and highly skilled staff are dedicated to bringing the best medical care to the people they serve. The hospital prides itself on offering the latest in technology with compassionate, personalized patient and family care. Bald Eagles make Keokuk their home during winter due to the open water below the Dam.
Duties and Responsibilities of the Position of City Administrator
The general duties of the office shall be to coordinate the activities, policies and procedures of the city government. The city administrator shall be directly responsible to the city council for the administration of municipal affairs as directed by the city council. The department heads of the city shall report and coordinate with the city administrator. All departmental activity requiring the attention of the city council shall be brought before the city administrator, and all city council involvement in administration initiated by the city council shall be coordinated through the city administrator. This does not preclude department heads or city employees from bringing matters to the attention of the mayor, city council or committees. Without limiting the foregoing, the duties of the city administrator shall include the following:
1. Coordinates interdepartmental activities including administrative direction and oversight of personnel, budget, operation and special projects. 2. Works with department heads to develop programs and operational efficiencies. 3. Analyzes current or potential municipal operation and provides recommendations to the City Council, Boards or Commissions. 4. Assists with strategic planning and attainment of City goals. 5. Assists in development and administration of City policies. 6. Provides follow-up on, and coordinates City Council referrals and special projects. 7. Assists in development and presentation of written and oral staff reports to the City Council. 8. Represents the City employees, citizens and customers. 9. Responds to written and verbal inquiries and requests from citizens. 10. Appears before groups and organizations as the City representative to explain activities, programs and policies.
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11. Analyzes, communicates and advises on state and federal issues. 12. Assists in departmental budget preparation. 13. Analyzes, develops, prepares and monitors the City budget. 14. Attends seminars and workshops related to the City Administrator’s duties and responsibilities. 15. Assists in the preparation of ordinances and resolutions as directed. 16. Prepares and plans for the budget amendment process. 17. Identifies areas of variance between appropriations and actual expenditures and/or revenues. 18. Performs all other duties as stated in the City Code. 19. Performs other duties as assigned.
Personality Traits
The City of Keokuk is seeking candidates with the following personality traits: Solid communication skills An ability to build strong professional relationships Trustworthy and honest Energetic and enthused about the city and the community Open minded and transparent Good listener and approachable Confident and measured in public interactions Organized and detail oriented Tactful and respectful Professional and ethical
Management Style
The City would prefer to work with candidates who exemplify the following management style attributes: Strong leader, who is willing to “lead by example.” Leader who can motivate employees, but not micro manage them Visionary who can provide guidance on future goals Facilitator and problem solver Person who uses a collaborative approach with elected officials and citizens Skillful with budget, finance, code enforcement, and obtaining grants Ability to foster and encourage community pride
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Future City Projects and Programs
The next city administrator will be expected to guide and assist the city with the following projects, programs, studies, and initiatives: A. Short Term & Immediate Needs Construction of the Rand Park Rock Tunnel for the Sewer Separation Construction of improvements at the Keokuk Business Development Center (Old Roquette Building) Redevelopment of the Elkem brownfield site Development of an overall street improvement program Development of the Riverfront Barge Implementation of the new Comprehensive Plan Construction of a shooting range
B. Long Term Plans and Objectives Continued monitoring and implementation of the Sewer Separation Project Reevaluate reduced revenues and find cost savings to accommodate for loss of backfill Research ways to increase revenue through franchise agreements or potential municipalization of utilities Construction of a new Police and Fire Building Reorganization of city departments for greater efficiency Facilitate rewrite of outdated zoning code
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Announcement/Advertisement Keokuk (pop. 10,780), located on the majestic Mississippi River at the hub of the Iowa-Illinois- Missouri tri-state area is seeking an energetic and visionary leader to serve as its next City Administrator. The community hosts the largest hydroelectric power plant on the Mississippi, and is known for its scenic beauty. Keokuk has been a Main Street community since 1986.
Salary range is $120,000 +/-, depending upon qualifications and experience, with full range of benefits. The City Administrator reports to a Mayor and nine-member City Council. The City organization includes 98 full time employees and an annual operating budget of $14.7 million. The Fiscal Year 2018-19 city budget also includes $18.1 million in capital projects.
Preferred qualifications include a master’s degree in public administration and five or more years of experience in a highly responsible city administration position. Potential candidates can view a community/position profile on the City’s website (www.cityofkeokuk.org).
Application materials requested include: a cover letter, resume, salary history, and five work related references. Submit application materials to: [email protected] by May 22, 2018 at 5pm.
Contact: Brent Hinson, Hinson Consulting, LLC; [email protected], 641-373-2535
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Tentative Time Table
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 June 14. Therefore, candidates are urged to tentatively mark the following dates on their schedules:
1. Deadline for applications …………………………………………….….. May 22, 2018
2. Notification of finalists for the position ………….………………… May 25, 2018
3. Candidates’ day to tour the community and meet City Employees, Mayor, and Council Members ..……………………………….…………. June 8, 2018
4. Mayor & City Council conducts interviews of candidates …... June 9, 2018
5. City Council approval of Offer of Employment …………………. June 14, 2018
6. Proposed starting date of employment …….………………….…… July 30, 2018
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