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Item 4F ITEM 4F CITY OF SOUTHLAKI MEMORANDUM January 27, 2016 TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council FROM: Shana K. Yelverton, City Manager SUBJECT: City Council Confirmation of the City Manager's appointment of Robert M. Cohen as the Director of Public Works. Action Requested: City Council confirmation of the City Manager's appointment of Robert M. Cohen as Director of Public Works for the City of Southlake. Background Information: Chapter 4 of the Southlake Charter requires that "The head of each department shall be a chief, director, or superintendent who shall be appointed by the City Manager subject to the approval of the Council and such chief, director or superintendent shall have supervisory authority and financial control over his/her department." Robert M. Cohen recently retired from the United States Navy after 20 years of service. During his tenure with the Navy, Mr. Cohen gained experience in public works operations, capital improvement programs and projects, strategic planning, financial management, workforce development, safety and communications. He served in many capacities including Energy Program Manager, Equipment Program Manager, Project Manager, and Public Works Director. In his role as a Public Works Director, he was responsible for plant-wide infrastructure valued at more than $1 billion across multiple countries. He has led teams of 130 employees and managed budgets up to $40 million. He has coordinated disaster recovery operations including winter weather events. He has experience working with capital and maintenance projects to include the development, award, administration and closeout of those projects. He also has experience negotiating and resolving right of way, easement, encroachment and surplus property issues with utility providers, municipalities and local residents. In addition, he instituted a balanced scorecard framework to direct strategic and global planning and drove plan integration by linking vision, priorities, people and infrastructure. Mr. Cohen has a Master of Engineering in Civil Engineering from Texas A&M University, a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council ITEM 41 January 27, 2016 Page 2 Texas A&M University, and a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management from Texas A&M University. He is also a registered Professional Engineer (PE) in Virginia. As the Director of Public Works, Mr. Cohen will assume full management responsibility for the Department of Public Works. He will manage and supervise all activities related to the administration of the department including administration and engineering services, facilities, engineering inspections, stormwater utility, streets and drainage maintenance, water administration, water utilities and maintenance, wastewater collection and the Capital Improvements Program. He will be responsible for managing the development and implementation of departmental goals, objectives, policies and priorities in alignment with the City's Strategic Management System and Southlake's 2030 Comprehensive Plan elements. The department consists of 65.5 full-time equivalent employees, including the director, and has a FY 2016 General Fund budget of $4,892,016, Utility Fund budget of$15,386,353 and a CIP budget of $12,670,000. Mr. Cohen's appointment brings extensive public works experience to the organization and provides no negative budgetary impact. With your approval, Mr. Cohen will begin work on February 15, 2016. Financial Considerations: An offer of employment has been extended to Mr. Cohen with a monthly salary of $10,833 plus the standard executive benefit package. Strategic Link: Performance Management and Service Delivery: attract, develop and retain a skilled workforce. Citizen Input/ Board Review: N/A Legal Review: N/A Alternatives: N/A Supporting Documents: Mr. Cohen's Resume Staff Recommendation: City Council confirm the City Manager's appointment of Robert M. Cohen as Director of Public Works. Robert M . Cohen Fairfax Station,VA 22039 1 619.857.1509 1 robert.m.cohenl@hotmail.com I www.linkedin.com/in/robmcohen Delivers Municipal Services&Capital Projects....Hands-On Leader Achieving Exceptional Results A public works ambassador -- strategically focused, versatile, results-driven Executive leading teams from the front. Offers a career hallmarked with proven leadership and expertise as a senior leader, manager and engineer in charge of infrastructure management, capital projects, acquisition, planning, real estate, environmental and utility services in the U.S. Navy. A principled decision maker with a passion for service as well as organizational and individual development.A dynamic problem solver with strong program and project management experience. Successful experience developing and managing large budgets. Accomplished leader and change agent delivering client focused services. Committed to the highest levels of professional and personal excellence. International experience stemming from distinguished naval career. Profit&Loss: Budgets to$40M+ • Team Size: Up to 130+, not including contractors UNWAVERING DEDICATION TO EXCELLENCE —ONGOING IMPROVEMENT WITH 3 DEGREES Master of Engineering, Civil Engineering,Texas A&M University Bachelor of Science, Civil Engineering,Texas A&M University Bachelor of Science, Construction Management,Texas A&M University Registered Professional Engineer(Civil),Virginia • Trained as Financial Specialist Member, Department of Defense (DoD) Acquisition Corps • Certified DoD Level II Facility Engineer Procurement/Contracting Quality Assurance&Customer Satisfaction Budget Development& Execution Employee Engagement Resource Management&Stewardship Long Range&Strategic Planning Municipal Operations Executive&Strategic Communication Staff& Risk Management Process Improvement Inter-/Intra-Agency Collaboration Succession Planning Professional Experience & Impact United States Navy 11995-Present Held roles in public works,program, asset and facilities management and capital improvements, achieved rank of Commander. Public Works Operations, Capital Improvements, Collaboration &Customer Service • Handpicked as Public Works Director for municipality rated as having the "highest military value". Responsible for plant- wide infrastructure valued at $1B+, encompassing 11K+ non-contiguous acres across multiple counties. Aligned, directed and coordinated work of various divisions. Provided efficient, quality service, 24/7, 365 days. • Budgeted, monitored, resourced and efficiently executed $12M+ annual public works business volume. Oversaw safe execution of 2.4K+ labor hours for snow removal, 7.2K emergency calls and 71 in-house projects. • Delivered administrative and engineering services. Provided inspections and administration, maintenance and operation of stormwater,water and wastewater utilities. Integrated and supervised in-house and contracted preventive and corrective maintenance for infrastructure and facilities. In-house quality assurance ensured infrastructure supported the safe storage and transportation of 52K+tons of high explosives through densely populated counties. • Directed disaster recovery operations. Crews: used heavy equipment in sub-zero temperatures and freezing rain to clear 90+ fallen trees from rail and roads; restored municipal utility service; repaired 2+ miles of non-contiguous security fence; erected temporary housing for 80+ families. Operations expended 3K+ man-hours without a safety incident. Requested municipal leaders recognize 20+ individuals with letters of appreciation for their work. • Interim program manager for $350M+ Presidential Directive. Managed construction, planning and sustainment activities associated with creating new municipalities overseas. Aligned inclusive and diverse partnerships. Coordinated efforts with 20+ stakeholders across multiple agencies on 2 continents. Quickly moved $20M+ of stalled actions to completion. • Accountable for development, award, administration and closeout of $245M+ capital and maintenance projects and services for multiple tenants and stakeholders in 2 states. Ensured projects and services complied with Federal, State and local laws, codes, ordinances and regulations. • Selected as program manager for $8.2M utility assessment, training and maintenance contract. Coordinated effort among 10+ user groups with competing priorities and projects in Iraq. Set program prioritiel?,ag@v fea7strategic Robert M. Cohen I Page 2 of 2 initiatives, supervised and tracked to completion or turnover. Built vital network to accomplish the must-not-fail infrastructure support mission. Lifecycle improved by 70%within months of program implementation. • Evaluated customer feedback. Transformed project delivery model to boost customer service. U.S. Merchant Marine Academy agreed for organization to continue to be the sole execution agent for the Academy's 10 year, $130M recapitalization program. Strategic Planning, Financial Stewardship & Business Acumen • Instituted a balanced scorecard framework to direct strategic and global planning (long-term bridge between Warfighter Strategic Objectives and the physical infrastructure needed to support them). Drove plan integration linking vision, priorities, people and infrastructure. Developed Capital Asset, Infrastructure, Utilities Master and Space Management Plans. • Utilized a strategic management system to aid in developing, defending and executing a $41M+ global equipment program for national interests. Products became part of the Presidential Budget. Maintained financial reporting on multiple monetary categories over multi-year planning horizons.Achieved annual execution rate of 98%. • Analyzed and streamlined antiquated work processes. Used novel approaches to improve business operations. Instituted changes that saved $240K+ of scarce sustainment dollars. Direct labor revenue outperformed 5 similar sized Public Works Departments. • Generated annual physical plant operations report. Ensured activities aligned with established goals and objectives that supported global and local requirements. Delivered facilities acquisition, installation support and contingency engineering services. Developed and managed rate structures and capital budgets. Income within 6%of projections. Human Resources, Workforce Development, Safety&Communications • Provided vision, care and leadership for municipality's largest department of civilian and military specialists. Supported Affirmative Action and EEO objectives, oversaw personnel management and labor relations, including selection, training, promotions, performance appraisals, discipline,grievances and termination. • Championed employee succession plan. Improved opportunities for upward mobility. Created employee awards and recognition program that improved morale.Turnover decreased by 70%. Grievances slashed by 95%over 36 months. • Instituted Operational Risk Management Program. Emphasized on-site inspections and management's involvement as part of the Department's Safety Program. Improved workforce health, safety and medical monitoring by 5%. Directed 315K+ labor hours of work with zero Loss Time Accidents. Crane/rigging shop completed 37K+ lifts without incident. • Negotiated and resolved tenuous right of way, easement, encroachment and surplus property issues with utility providers, municipalities and local residents. Preserved relationships with stakeholders. Eliminated liability and maintenance costs. Saved $40K+annually. • Represented the Navy at local, region, state and federal meetings. Collaborated with agencies, academia and industry for regulatory compliance, funding opportunities and cooperative partnering initiatives. Authored and entered into mutually beneficial agreements/understandings on the Navy's behalf. • Composed and conveyed information to federal, state and locally elected and appointed officials, agency and institutional leaders, media outlets and concerned citizens at a variety of venues regarding proposals, projects and activities. Navy Experience Energy Program Manager, Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC),Washington, DC 2011-Present Equipment Program Manager, Commander Navy Installations Command (CNIC),Washington, DC 2009-2011 Deputy Division Director/Project Manager, Multi-National Security Transition Command, Baghdad, Iraq 2008-2009 Public Works Director, Naval Weapons Station Earle, Colts Neck, NJ 2005-2008 Graduate School,Texas A&M University, College Station,TX 2004-2005 Director,Waterfront Services& Construction Operations, Naval Base San Diego, San Diego, CA 2002-2004 Public Works Director, Commander in Chief U.S.Atlantic Fleet Headquarters, Norfolk,VA 2000-2002 Other Navy Assignments 1995-2000 COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT, PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS & PUBLICATIONS Military Officer's Association of America • American Public Works Association Mentor, Society of American Military Engineers • Boy Scouts of America • Small Business Owner Published Author of "How the United States Navy is Approaching Renewable Ocean Energy"(Marine Technology)