Personnel Committee Meeting — Agenda Packet
Village of Jackson · Washington County · Personnel Committee · meeting of May 12, 2026 · Agenda packets
Open the original document More from Village of Jackson
Text
Extracted automatically from the original. Tables and formatting may not survive; the original document is authoritative.
May 12, 2026 Village of Jackson - Personnel Committee Meeting Agenda
VILLAGE OF JACKSON
PERSONNEL COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA
Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at 5:30 PM
Jackson Municipal Complex
Village Board Room
N168W19851 Main Street
Jackson, WI 53037
1. Call to Order and Roll Call
2. Citizens/Village Staff to Address the Personnel Committee (Please sign-in with the Clerk
prior to speaking. Please note this is a business meeting, not a public hearing. People
wishing to speak on an item on the agenda should present their comments under this agenda
item. Each commenter will be limited to a total of 2 minutes.)
3. Approval of Minutes for the Personnel Committee Meeting of February 10, 2026
4. Proposal for Village Clerk Executive Recruitment Services - Innovative Public Advisors
5. Closed Session Pursuant to Wis. Stats. § 19.85(1)(c) “considering employment, promotion,
compensation or performance evaluation data of any public employee over which the
governmental body has jurisdiction or exercises responsibility.” and Wis. Stats. §
19.85(1)(g) "conferring with legal counsel for the governmental body who is rendering oral
or written advice concerning strategy to be adopted by the body with respect to litigation in
which it is likely to become involved."
The closed session is for the purpose of:
1. To Discuss Pending Employment Matters with Specific Employees
2. To Discuss Candidates for Village Clerk
6. Reconvene in Open Session with Possible Action Related to the Subject of the Preceding
Closed Session
7. Adjourn
Persons with disabilities requiring special accommodations for attendance at the meeting should contact the
Administration Department at the Jackson Municipal Complex at least one (1) business day prior to the
meeting.
It is possible that members of the Village Board may attend the above meeting. No action will be taken by any
governmental body at this meeting other than the governmental body specifically referred to in this meeting
notice. This notice is given so that members of the Village Board may attend the meeting without violating the
open meeting law.
Page 1 of 15
February 10, 2026 Village of Jackson - Personnel Committee Meeting Minutes
Page 1 of 3
VILLAGE OF JACKSON
PERSONNEL COMMITTEE MEETING
Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at 6:00 PM
Minutes
1. Call to Order and Roll Call
The meeting was called to order at 6:00 PM by Pres. Heckendorf.
Members Present: Pres. Heckendorf, Tr. Emmrich, Tr. Kruepke
Members Excused: None
Members Absent: None
Staff Present: Administrator Jen Heidtke, Parks and Recreation Director Tyler Mentzel,
Treasurer Darlene Smith, Fire Chief Aaron Swaney and Deputy Clerk Pamela Wolf
2. Approval of Minutes for the Personnel Committee Meeting of December 9, 2025
The motion to approve Minutes for the Personnel Committee Meeting of December 9, 2025,
was made by Tr. Emmrich and seconded by Tr. Kruepke.
Vote: 3 ayes, 0 nays. Motion carried.
3. Discussion and Possible Action – Operations Manager Reclassification and Operations
Manager Internship Proposal
Director Mentzel provided background. The commission discussed different scenarios and
costs, confirming the estimated net impact was truly correct.
The motion to recommend the Village Board approve the Operations Manager Role
reclassification as either a permanent part-time position or an intern position, and approve the
associated job descriptions, was made by Pres. Heckendorf and seconded by Tr. Emmrich.
Vote: 3 ayes, 0 nays. Motion carried.
The motion to recommend the Village Board authorize staff to recruit for a permanent, part-
time Operation Manager position for a net impact not to exceed $24,000.00 in 2026 was
made by Pres. Heckendorf and seconded by Tr. Kruepke.
Tr. Emmrich does not want to see the estimated $24,000.00 come from the fund balance, he'd
like for that to be revisited to find another option for funding.
Vote: 3 ayes, 0 nays. Motion carried.
4. Review Revisions to Section 1 of the Employee Handbook - General Personnel Policies
Administrator Heidtke provided background to the changes requested and noted that this was
inadvertently not included in the upcoming Village Board Meeting agenda, so will need to be
deferred to the March 10, 2026, meeting for approval from the Village Board and will not
DRAFT
ee
ecreation Director Tyler Mentzel, ecreation Director Tyler Mentz
y and Deputy Clerk Pamela Wolfy and Deputy Clerk Pamela Wolf
mittee Meeting of December 9, 2025ttee Meeting of Dece
Personnel Committee Meeting of Deceommittee M
nded by Tr. Kruepke.nded by Tr. Kruepke.
arried.d.
Action – Operations Manager Reclassirations Manager Reclassi
roposalroposal
l provided background. The commissiol provided background. The co
ming the estimated net impact was truly ming the estimated net impact was t
tion to recommend the Village Board apto recommend the Village Board ap
ssification as either a permanent part-timas either a permanent part-tim
sociated job descriptions, was made byociated job description
Vote: 3 ayes, 0 nays. Motion carriedVote: 3 ayes, 0 nays. Motion ca
The motion to recommend theThe motion to recomm
time Operation Manager potime Operation Manag
made by Pres. Heckendomade by Pres. Hecken
Emmrich doesEmmrich does
that to bthat to b
Page 2 of 15
February 10, 2026 Village of Jackson - Personnel Committee Meeting Minutes
Page 2 of 3
take effect until then.
The motion to recommend the Village Board authorize the Village Attorney and Village
Administrator to review, revise, and distribute to employees the updated Section 1 of the
Employee Handbook, effective March 10, 2026, was made by Pres. Heckendorf and
seconded by Tr. Kruepke.
Vote: 3 ayes, 0 nays. Motion carried.
5. Closed Session Pursuant to Wis. Stats. §19.85(1)(f) "Considering financial, medical, social
or personal histories or disciplinary data of specific persons, preliminary consideration of
specific personnel problems or the investigation of charges against specific persons except
where par. (b) applies which, if discussed in public, would be likely to have a substantial
adverse effect upon the reputation of any person referred to in such histories or data, or
involved in such problems or investigations."
The closed session is for the purpose of:
1. To Discuss a Personnel Matter
The motion to proceed into closed session pursuant to Wis. Stats. §19.85(1)(f) "Considering
financial, medical, social or personal histories or disciplinary data of specific persons,
preliminary consideration of specific personnel problems or the investigation of charges
against specific persons except where par. (b) applies which, if discussed in public, would be
likely to have a substantial adverse effect upon the reputation of any person referred to in
such histories or data, or involved in such problems or investigations" was made by Pres.
Heckendorf and seconded by Tr. Kruepke. A roll call vote was taken:
Pres. Heckendorf: Aye
Tr. Emmrich: Aye
Tr. Kruepke: Aye
Vote: 3 ayes, 0 nays. Motion carried. The meeting proceeded into closed session at 6:27 PM.
Those present in the closed session were the Committee members, Administrator Heidtke
and Fire Chief Swaney.
6. Reconvene in Open Session with Possible Action Related to the Subject of the Preceding
Closed Session
The motion to reconvene in open session was made by Pres. Heckendorf and seconded by Tr.
Emmrich.
Vote: 3 ayes, 0 nays. Motion carried. The meeting proceeded into open session at 7:00 PM.
No action was taken on the closed session item.
7. Citizens/Village Staff to Address the Personnel Committee
None.
DRAFT
ancial, medicancial, m
minary consideratiminary c
nst specific persons excnst specific
e likely to have a substantial e likely to have a
to in such histories or data, or to in such histories or d
ession pursuant to Wis. Stats. §19.85(1)ession pursuant to Wis. Sta
onal histories or disciplinary data of spenal histories or disciplinary data
pecific personnel problems or the invesc personnel problems or the inve
ept where par. (b) applies which, if dise par. (b) applies which, if dis
al adverse effect upon the reputation offect upon the reputation o
or involved in such problems or investor involved in such problems or invest
conded by Tr. Kruepke. A roll call voteconded by Tr. Kruepke. A ro
dorf: Ayedorf: A
ch: Ayeh: Aye
epke: AyeAye
ote: 3 ayes, 0 nays. Motion carried. Thote: 3 ayes, 0 nays. Moti
Those present in the closed session weThose present in the closed se
and Fire Chief Swaney.and Fire Chief Swan
DR
Reconvene in Open Session Reconvene in Open Se
Closed SessionClos
he motion to reconvhe motion to recon
rich.rich.
Page 3 of 15
February 10, 2026 Village of Jackson - Personnel Committee Meeting Minutes
Page 3 of 3
8. Adjourn
The motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Tr. Emmrich and seconded by Tr. Kruepke.
Vote: 3 ayes, 0 nays. Motion carried. The meeting adjourned at 7:01 PM.
Respectfully Submitted,
Pamela Wolf
Deputy Clerk
Village of Jackson
Page 4 of 15
Page 1
Proposal for Village Clerk
Executive Recruitment Services
April 30, 2026
Page 5 of 15
Page 2
April 30, 2026
Dear Village President Brian Heckendorf and Village Administrator Jen Heidtke,
Innovative Public Advisors (IPA) is pleased to submit this proposal to provide executive recruitment
services for the Village Clerk position for the Village of Jackson. We recognize the importance of this
role in supporting daily operations, ensuring accurate records and elections administration, and
maintaining strong organizational coordination. Our team is prepared to assist the Village in identifying
a highly qualified and detail-oriented municipal clerk who aligns with Jackson’s operational needs and
community values.
IPA is a premier Wisconsin-based public-sector executive recruitment and strategic advisory firm
dedicated to supporting municipalities with tailored solutions that strengthen leadership capacity
and organizational performance. Founded by experienced municipal administrators, our team delivers
a modern, efficient, and highly personalized approach to recruitment—balancing urgency with a
commitment to quality, best-fit outcomes.
The Village of Jackson recruitment will be led by IPA’s principals, Jess Wildes and Jay Shambeau (resumes
on pages 8 and 9). Together, they bring complementary expertise in executive recruitment, municipal
operations, strategic communications, and governance. IPA has successfully conducted more than 35
executive and senior-level recruitments in the past year, including roles such as City/Village Clerk, Clerk/
Treasurer, Finance Director, and other key municipal staff positions across Wisconsin.
IPA will work closely with Village leadership to define the ideal candidate profile and implement a
targeted recruitment strategy that includes proactive outreach, recruitment marketing, and intentional
communication. We understand the importance of identifying a candidate with strong organizational
skills, attention to detail, and the ability to effectively support elected officials, staff, and the public.
We appreciate the opportunity to partner with the Village of Jackson and look forward to assisting in
identifying its next Village Clerk.
Sincerely,
Jess Wildes, MPA, MS
Partner, Innovative Public Advisors
jess@public-advisors.com | 262-339-5658
Jay Shambeau, ICMA-CM, MPA
Partner, Innovative Public Advisors
jay@public-advisors.com | 262-355-6102
Page 6 of 15
Page 3
Scope of Work
Executive Recruitment Services for Village Clerk
• Recruitment Marketing
• Conduct kickoff meeting with Village leadership, review salary comparables, and discuss
the recruitment process.
• Create position announcement, profile brochure, custom landing page, and marketing
materials.
• Advertise position on Wisconsin Municipal Clerks Association (WMCA), League of Wisconsin
Municipalities, LinkedIn, and other professional networks.
• Promote the position to IPA’s network and extensive LinkedIn (12,000+) connections
with targeted outreach to dynamic municipal clerk professionals.
• Application and Interview Process
• Actively recruit applicants, collect application materials, review/screen candidates, and
make recommendations to the hiring team.
• Coordinate community tours and in-person interviews with Village leadership and key staff.
IPA staff will be present to facilitate the entire process.
• Candidate Selection and Offer Negotiation
• Facilitate offer terms and negotiations.
• Prepare press release and announcement timeline.
Interim Village Clerk Services (optional and by separate hourly rate agreement)
• IPA is able to provide steady municipal clerk leadership services to ensure a smooth and
timely organizational transition.
• Foster stabilization and continuity across daily operations.
Page 3Page 3
Page 7 of 15
Page 4
Timeline
• Week 1: Recruitment kick-off meeting and position assessment.
• Weeks 2-5: Post the Village Clerk position, recruit and review/screen candidates.
• Week 6: Initial applicant reviews, schedule interviews.
• Weeks 7-8: Interviews and candidate selection.
• Interim services are available at the Village’s request and billed at an hourly rate.
Dates to be determined based on the Village’s preferences.
Cost Proposal
Executive Recruitment Services for Village Clerk: $10,750 (flat fee)
The total project cost includes all professional services outlined in this proposal. IPA will be onsite as
needed to facilitate an engaging recruitment and interview process. Upon project award, IPA will work
with the Village to complete a Professional Services Agreement and will bill in two installments: 50% of
project cost upfront and the remaining 50% after an employment agreement is signed by the candidate.
Page 8 of 15
Page 5
City of Beaver Dam
Interim City Administrator & City Administrator Executive Recruitment
The City of Beaver Dam engaged IPA to provide Interim City
Administrator services (30 hours/week) and to lead the executive
recruitment for its next permanent City Administrator. IPA
supported the City through a key leadership transition by
delivering experienced interim management, ensuring continuity
of operations, and collaborating closely with elected officials and
department heads. In addition to managing a professional and
inclusive recruitment process, IPA Partner Jay Shambeau facilitated
a strategic workshop with the Common Council to help guide the
transition and lay a foundation for long-term leadership success.
Mayor Bobbi Marck, mayor@ci.beaverdam.wi.gov | 920-382-1356
Recent Recruitments
IPA successfully conducted more than 35 executive searches in the past year—representing a significant
majority share of municipal recruitments across Wisconsin in 2025 and 2026.
We are happy to connect you
with any of our clients!
Sampling of 2025-2026 Executive Recruitments:
City of Beaver Dam, City Administrator (Population 16,700)
City of Fond du Lac, Community Development Director (Population 44,678)
City of Lake Mills, Public Works Director (Population 6,400)
City of Lake Mills, Director of Utilities (Population 6,400)
City of Oshkosh, City Clerk (Population 67,242)
City of Oshkosh, Communications Manager (Population 67,242)
City of Oshkosh, Public Works Director (Population 67,242)
City of South Milwaukee, City Administrator (Population 20,795)
City of Washburn, Public Works Director (Population 2,051)
City of Waupaca, City Administrator (Population 6,400)
City of Waupaca, Community Development Director (Population 6,400)
City of Whitehall, City Administrator (Population 1,645)
Village of Campbellsport, Village Administrator (Population 1,907)
Village of Dane, Village Administrator (Population 1,100)
Village of Dane, Clerk/Treasurer (Population 1,100)
Village of Fox Point, Village Manager (Population 6,934)
Village of Mukwonago, Finance Director (Population 8,262)
Village of New Glarus, Village Administrator (Population 2,266)
Village of Salem Lakes, Village Administrator (Population 14,600)
Village of Sister Bay, Village Administrator (Population 1,148)
Village of Sussex, Building Inspector (Population 11,795)
Village of Sussex, Public Works Director/Village Engineer (Population 11,795)
Village of Waunakee, Deputy Administrator/CD Director (Population 14,879)
Page 9 of 15
Page 6
City of Oshkosh
Executive Recruitment Services for City Clerk, Communications
and Engagement Manager, Public Works Director, Assistant
Finance Director, and City Attorney
The City of Oshkosh engaged IPA for several key recruitments,
including the City Clerk position. IPA led outreach, screening,
interview coordination, and candidate communications—
allowing staff to stay focused on daily operations while
ensuring a thorough, professional process that delivered
strong candidate outcomes.
Reference: City Manager Rebecca Grill
rgrill@oshkoshwi.gov | 920-236-5002
Village of Dane
Village Administrator and Clerk/Treasurer Executive
Recruitments, and Governance/Position Development
The Village of Dane partnered with IPA to support its transition
to a Board/Administrator form of government. IPA developed
the new ordinance, created the first Village Administrator
position description, and updated the employee handbook.
IPA led the recruitments for both the Village Administrator and
Clerk/Treasurer—developing marketing materials, promoting
the roles, and guiding interviews, selection, and contract
negotiations—culminating in the successful hiring of
both positions.
Reference: Village Board President Donald Postler
DPostler@vi.dane.wi.gov | 608-849-5422
Village of New Glarus
Village Administrator and Clerk/Treasurer Executive Recruitments
The Village of New Glarus hired IPA to lead the recruitment
of its Village Administrator and Clerk/Treasurer positions.
Through structured and proactive processes, IPA guided
the Village through interviews, selection, and contract
negotiations—resulting in the successful hiring of both
positions while allowing staff to remain focused on
daily operations.
Reference: Village Board President Roger Truttmann
rtruttmann@newglarusvillage.com | 608-212-6785
References for City and Village Clerk Executive Searches
IPA has worked with municipalities across the state to recruit qualified, dynamic municipal clerk leaders.
Clerk/Treasurer
Executive Recruitment
Clerk/Treasurer
Executive Recruitment
Page 10 of 15
Page 7
Advancing local government a different way—the IPA way.
Innovative Public Advisors (IPA) is a premier public sector executive recruitment and strategy
firm dedicated to empowering municipalities with tailored solutions that enhance leadership,
optimize operations, and drive positive community impact.
Founded by experienced municipal professionals Jay Shambeau, ICMA-CM, MPA, and Jess
Wildes, MPA, IPA offers a wide range of services. With a focus on delivering innovative,
sustainable solutions, IPA is committed to helping local governments navigate complex
challenges and strengthen their capacity to serve their communities effectively.
Services
Executive Recruitment
and Interim Services
Economic Development
and Grant Writing
Strategic and Specialty
Plan Development
Professional Coaching
and Mentorship
Communications and
Marketing Strategies
Governance Training
and Facilitated Workshops
IPA Team
Innovative Public Advisors is led by partners Jess Wildes and Jay Shambeau, two seasoned
professionals with extensive experience in public sector management and strategic consulting.
Together, they bring a wealth of expertise in government administration,
operations, communications, and leadership development—offering innovative
solutions to help local governments thrive.
Page 11 of 15
Page 8
MPA, MS
ASSISTANT CITY ADMINISTRATOR
City of West Bend, West Bend, Wisconsin, 2020–2025
Also served as Communications and Economic Development Director
• Performed economic development activities to promote business
development, retention, and job creation.
• Coordinated with all departments to increase the quality and
consistency of the city organization's messaging and content.
• Acquired alternative revenue sources through grants
($6.5+ million), fundraising and partnerships.
• Set strategy and managed a talented team of professionals
responsible for community television programming, social media,
public relations, internal and external communications, brand
management, and tourism promotion.
• Built meaningful relationships with constituents, community
leaders, business owners, state-level officials, and economic
developers.
• Managed five city departments: Assessors, Communications,
City Clerk, Human Resources, and Information Technology.
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS & MARKETING
Museum of Wisconsin Art, West Bend, Wisconsin, 2017–2020
SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
Trefoil Group, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 2016–2017
DIRECTOR OF RECRUITMENT MARKETING
Mount Mary University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 2013–2016
Northland College, Ashland, WI, 2009–2013
EDUCATION
MASTER OF PUBLIC
ADMINISTRATION
University of Wisconsin
Oshkosh
MASTER OF SCIENCE
Integrated Marketing
Communications
Eastern Michigan University
BACHELOR OF ARTS
College of Saint Benedict &
Saint John’s University
SERVICE EXPERIENCE
Rotary International
West Bend Sunrise Rotary Club
International City/County
Management Association
(ICMA) Assistant Chief
Administrative Officer (ACAO)
Committee Member
Wisconsin Economic
Development Association
(WEDA) Board Member
Mid-Moraine Municipal
Court Board Member
Downtown West Bend Business
Improvement District (BID)
Board Executive Director
Visit Washington County Board
Member and Vice President
Honored as one of ELGL ’s
“Top 100 Influencers in
Local Government”
jess@public-advisors.com | 262-339-5658
INNOVATIVE PUBLIC ADVISORS, PARTNER
Jess is a seasoned strategist specializing in local government communications,
public relations, and grant acquisition. With a proven track record of securing
significant local, state, and federal funding, Jess has helped municipalities
access critical resources to support community development, infrastructure,
and essential services. Her work also includes crafting effective communication
strategies, enhancing public engagement, and building transparent, trust-
based relationships between local governments and their communities. With
her expertise in both strategic messaging and grant writing, Jess is committed
to helping local governments secure the resources they need while fostering
strong, effective communication.
Page 12 of 15
Page 9
CITY ADMINISTRATOR
City of West Bend, West Bend, Wisconsin, 2016–2025
• Responsible for the administration of daily city operations and
implementing policies established by the City Council.
• Oversaw a $30M budget, led economic development activities,
managed department head team, fostered community engagement,
ensured efficient delivery of services, and promoted the city’s growth
and development.
ASSOCIATE
Public Administration Associates, LLC, Wisconsin, 2024
PLANNING AND PARKS ADMINISTRATOR
Washington County, Wisconsin, 2014-2016
COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR
Calumet County, Wisconsin, 2008-2014
• Responsible for the daily operations of county government, ensuring
efficient delivery of services and adherence to budgetary guidelines.
• Collaborated with elected officials, managed staff, and facilitated
communication between departments to promote effective
governance and community engagement.
VILLAGE ADMINISTRATOR
Village of Kewaskum, Wisconsin, 2006-2008
• Responsible for the management of municipal operations, including
implementing policies set by the Village Board and managing all
departments.
• This position involved budgeting, community planning, economic
development, and fostering relationships to ensure effective service
delivery and enhance community development.
PLANNING DIRECTOR
Clark County, Wisconsin, 1993-2006
EDUCATION
MASTER OF PUBLIC
ADMINISTRATION
UW - Oshkosh
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE
Regional Analysis and
Geography, UW - Green Bay
LEADERSHIP WISCONSIN
UW-Madison, 2014
ACCOLADES
Credentialed Manager
International City/County
Management Association, 2024
Recipient of ICMA’s prestigious
30 Years of Service Award
SERVICE
Rotary International
West Bend Sunrise Rotary Club
Boys and Girls Club of
Washington County
Board Member
United Way of Washington
County, Campaign Co-Chair
West Bend Area Chamber of
Commerce, Board Member
West Bend Tourism
Commission, Chairman
Kettle Moraine Lutheran High
School, Board Member and
President
jay@public-advisors.com | 262-355-6102
INNOVATIVE PUBLIC ADVISORS, PARTNER
Jay is a public sector professional with 32 years of expertise in village, city,
and county government management, strategic planning, and public
policy. Jay has worked with municipalities of all sizes to drive organizational
efficiency, enhance governance, and secure funding. His background includes
leading complex projects, facilitating collaborative planning efforts, and
providing executive coaching to local government leaders. Jay is known for
his relationship skills and practical approach, blending deep knowledge of
governmental processes with a commitment to delivering impactful results.
Jay has helped numerous local governments achieve their goals and navigate
the challenges of an ever-evolving public sector landscape.
Page 13 of 15
Page 10
Additional Materials
Innovative Public Advisors (IPA) customizes recruitment marketing materials for each search,
highlighting the unique character and strengths of the municipality. Led by Partner Jess Wildes, who
brings a strong communications and design background, IPA develops a suite of branded marketing
materials in-house and without subcontractors—including recruitment brochures, a responsive
landing page, and compelling social media content—that are visually appealing and strategically
crafted. This tailored approach ensures candidates gain an authentic understanding of the position
and community.
Position Profile
Stylized Position Description
Position Landing Page
Social Media Posts
View IPA’s current executive
recruitment positions at
www.public-advisors.com/jobs
Page 14 of 15
Page 11
Innovative Public Advisors, LLC
public-advisors.com
Page 15 of 15
Source: Village of Jackson website. First collected Oct 7, 2026.