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

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c. Appoint Acting Administrator Miss Ashley explained she was designated as Acting Administrator by the last Council and has acted in that capacity since Mr. Hartley left. She said she is comfortable continuing in that role until an Interim Administrator is hired. She has been signing all documents since Mr. Hartley left. Motion by Councilmember Cich and seconded by Councilmember Hardin to appoint Sandra Ashley as Acting Administrator. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Mayor Gilbertson, Councilmembers Cich, Hardin, Beyer and Peterson. Voting No: None. 2. Confidentiality of Privileged Information Councilmember Peterson cautioned that both Council and Staff need to act professionally and be carefi~l in what is said, to maintain confidentiality where needed, to give information accurately to prevent false rumors, and to act openly and legally. He noted the Work Rules already in place as presented in the agenda packet. In further discussion, Staff pointed out the problems they saw of gossiping, spreading rumors, and poor attitudes with very little guidance or direction, which is detrimental to the City. Ms. McAloney asked if the Work Rules need to be changed. Once the rules are to the Council's satisfaction, she suggested a copy be given to all employees and signed that they have been read with the understanding that they will be enforced. Mayor Gilbertson stated he is open to whatever anyone has to say to him, preferring that to having rumors spread which greatly exaggerate the truth. Miss Ashley felt it is important that the Council communicate to the Staff that this is a new era and that they will be expected to adhere to the Work Rules. In further discussion, Police Chief Auspos suggested the Work Rules are quite vague and ambiguous and that the real key lies with the Administrator. The problems should be dealt with quickly as they occur in each Department, with the supervisors taking the responsibility of "taking the violator to the woodshed!" He felt the Work Rules should become more in the way of guidelines to follow and that they should be amended to be more realistic so they aren't violated by just being a human being. Councilmember Peterson hoped that both the Council and Staff adopt a policy of interacting in a professional way, both publicly and privately. He wanted to see something in the Work Rules which reflects a policy of not admonishing Staff or other Councilmembers in public. Ms. McAloney stated she would discuss Work Rules with the Department Heads, then with the Personnel Committee, and bring recommendations to the Council for their consideration. Council agreed. City Council / January 12, 1991 Page 5 of 13