Minutes - Council - 01/12/1991 - Special Workshop

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Mr. Jankowski stated that many other cities do not allow items to be added to the agenda once it is sent out because the public does not have an opportunity to know about it and it doesn't give the Staff enough time to react to it. If an item is brought up under Citizen Input, he recommended the Council refer it to Staff for further research and/or to place it on the next Council agenda. The Council agreed that every effort should be made to adhere to a policy of not adding items to the agenda after the agenda has been prepared and distributed, noting that in the past the Council often had been willing to add items to the agenda at the meeting and it was not necessarily Staff. Councilmember Peterson suggested that special meetings be held to deal with items that are time sensitive. In discussing the title of the City Administrator position, the Council agreed to leave the title of City Administrator, rather than change it to City Clerk as both the City Code and City Charter refer to the position as Administrator/Clerk. It was also suggested that the City Code be updated to reflect both genders. b. Appoint Interim City Administrator / Discuss Proposal from Tom Gamec Councilmember Peterson felt the Council had four options: 1) appoint no one as Interim Administrator with Staff continuing to operate as they do now; 2) appoint the City Attorney to fill in, which he has done in the past, though he probably would only be able to spend three hours at City Hall on any given day; 3) temporarily hire someone like Mr. Gamec who has experience in the City; or 4) look for a professional manager to fill in. Councilmember Hardin stated that he has talked with James Brimeyer of Sathe and Associates, Inc., an executive search firm for city staff personnel. He has said there are options available but he did not want to proceed until he had some direction from the Council. Mayor Gilbertson stated he would talk with Joe Strauss of the North Metro Mayors' Association on possible recommendations for both the Interim Administrator and for the permanent Administrator. Several Staff members discussed qualities they would like to see in an Interim Administrator. Miss Ashley suggested someone with administrative experience. She stated that she does not know Mr. Gamec, and although it would be a benefit to hire someone familiar with the City of Ramsey, she asked if he has administrative experience. Police Chief Auspos did not feel that the City could function without someone in that position, as someone is needed to make the final decisions. He didn't feel administrative governmental experience was as necessary as someone with the ability to coordinate the lead. Police Chief Auspos was comfortable with Mr. Gamec's ability to coordinate the activities in the City, stating that he is very familiar with Ramsey. Mr. Jankowski was primarily concerned that someone would be able to help them meet the deadlines that are coming up with the Tax Increment Financing (TIF) projects. Ms. Frolik was also concerned about meeting those TIF deadlines, and she was also concerned with having someone who will maintain a professional position in representing Ramsey with developers and at County and State level meetings. City Council / January 12, 1991 Page 3 of 13