by John McLoone

The Hastings City Council on Monday night accepted the resignation of Administrative Services Director Julie Flaten, who is leaving the city after 13 years.

Flaten has overseen a full gamut of things for Hastings. She has accepted a job in another community and submitted her resignation Jan. 22.

Her last day with Hastings will be Friday, Feb. 12.

“Julie has worked dutifully for the city for 13 years,” said City Administrator Dan Wietecha. “In her current position, she oversees human resources, finance, information technology, communications and City Clerk9 Including elections). These are important functions that touch all city departments, and her dedication and experience will be greatly missed.”

The council accepted her resignation and set the process in motion for filling the position, which is being renamed as Assistant City Administrator.

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Julie Flaten Flaten

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“The intent is to advertise it promptly, but it will be several months before a new hire is on board,” said Wietecha. “As has been the city’s practice, this is a rigorous vetting process and will include several rounds of interviews as well as reference and background checks. I firmly believe it important to be diligent and hire right, not hire fast.”

The criteria to qualify for the job includes a Bachelor’s Degree in public administration, business administration, human resources or a related field; at least eight years “regressively responsible experience in human resources, public administration or related fields; minimum of five years of experience as a supervisor; and human resources experience.

The hiring timeline includes a Feb. 8-28 recruitment period, staff review by March 5 and panel interviews March 8-12. Finalist interviews with the City Council Administrative Committee and Wietecha would take place the week of April 5. City council approval is scheduled for May 3, and an anticipated start date of mid-late May.