City Council Meeting Date: August 5, 2024
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Ben Martig, City Administrator
Title
Consideration of Confirmation of City Administrator Nomination of Police Chief.
Body
Action Requested:
The City Council is requested to consider a motion to confirm the City Administrator nomination of Jeffrey Schroepfer as Police Chief.
Summary Report:
City Administrator Martig has nominated Jeffrey Schroepfer as Police Chief to the City Council. City requirements provide for the City Council to consider the nomination subject to a majority approval of those in attendance.
Jeffrey Schroepfer has a life and career of service to the public. Schroepfer currently serves as District Commander with the Minnesota State Patrol and has served for more than 26 years in law enforcement including many leadership roles in the State Patrol and also as a Deputy Sheriff for a Minnesota County and Patrol Officer for a Municipality in Minnesota. In his current role as District Commander, he oversee’s and manages the second largest patrol district of the Minnesota State Patrol. Schroepfer works closely with other law enforcement agencies, large and small and has partnerships with Minnesota Department of Transportation, Minnesota Homeland Security and Emergency Management, Minnesota Department of Commerce and other large agencies. He serves in an Emergency Management role for large scale events, including radiological emergencies. In this professional employment, Schroepfer effectively oversees, leads, manages and motivates personnel to better protect and serve all people in the State of Minnesota.
Schroepfer has is also currently a Firefigher for the Lakeville Fire Department serving for many years, often volunteering his time for the betterment and development of others.
Schroepfer is skilled at relating to team members, leadership, clients, stakeholders, and the public with great interpersonal communication skills. Jeffrey has lead large divisions, both financially and technical. He strives to better his employees, the organization and the service provided.
Process Background
The City of Northfield accepted applications after receiving notice of Police Chief Mark Elliott’s intent to retire on September 27, 2024. Nine applicants applied for the position during the posting period of April 10 - May 17, 2024.
Eight applicants participated in interviews by City Administrator Martig and Communications & Human Reosurces Director Michelle R. Mahowald on May 29, 2024.
Four applicants were interviewed at City Hall by four interview panels representing the community, administration and City Council Personnel Committee representatives, city management staff and members of the police department on July 12, 2024.
A community meet and greet was held at The Grand for community members to meet and give input on two finalists on June 25, 2024. Each candidate answered a set of questions prepared in advance of the event and made a presentation. Thirty-seven community members completed comment cards.
City Administrator Martig made a conditional offer of employment following review and consideration of all background materials, background and experience, and input received through the comprehensive process. Schroepfer has successfully completed an employment background check, reference checks, leadership and management assessment, and pre-employment drug test and physical examination as part of the rigorous backgrounding.
City Administrator Martig has nominated Jeffrey Schroepfer as Police Chief to the City Council. The City Council will consider confirmation of this nomination at the regular City Council meeting on Monday, August 5th.
Alternative Options:
Decline the nomination (required majority approval by the City Council). This would initiate a review by City Administrator Martig on another nomination.
Financial Impacts:
The City Administrator places the position. The funding is within the existing pay structure, follows personnel policy requirements and is within budget.
Tentative Timelines:
A tentative start date of September 23, 2024 has been discussed upon City Council approval.