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stated the Commission talked to the League of Minnesota Cities regazding the duties and <br />qualifications for what is expected from administrator or manager positions. There was not a <br />thajor difference, and the qualifications seemed to be the same. The Commission thought the <br />2008 date would allow for transition time to evaluate the applicant to see whether the individual <br />would be a good manager level candidate versus an administrator. <br />Councilmember Elvig stated he appreciates the Charter Commission coming forwazd and taking <br />the initiative to bring this to the Council, and the wisdom they have put into this. The <br />Commission has been working on this for a while. Knowing the growth is there and that Council <br />is not too involved with staff members is a concern for all of them. The Commission is correct <br />in that there is the opportunity; they have brought this recommendation forwazd when a major <br />change is happening, and this may be the best time to take this on. He is also mindful of <br />Councilmember-Elect Dehen's comments; this Charter amendment takes a seven member vote <br />and the Commission is coming 4o the Council saying the time is now. Those currently on the <br />Council know the issues and dynamics between Council and staff. <br />Motion by Councilmember Cook, seconded by Councilmember Pearson, to close the public <br />hearing. <br />Motion carried. Voting Yes: Mayor Gamec, Councihnembers Cook, Peazson, Elvig, Jeffrey, <br />Olson, and Strommen. Voting No: None. <br />The public hearing was closed at 5:26 p.m. <br />Council Business <br />Mayor Gamec called the regulaz City Council meeting back to order at 5:26 p.m. <br />Mayor Gamec stated this issue goes back quite a few yeazs, and is more an issue of the right <br />timing. He appreciates the effort the Charter Commission has put into this. <br />Councilmember Stremmen indicated her only concern is having the effective date such that the <br />City can still go out in a single search and advertise for a city manager. She understands Ms. <br />LeMere's comments about a transition period; but would not want to hire an administrator and <br />assume it may be a different person than the manager. <br />Mayor Gamec stated he is not in favor of the motion that has been presented to the Council at <br />this time, although he believes the City will need to go to a City Manager Form of Government <br />at some time. The Council has discussed the timing, and the short time period that has been <br />presented creates problems. He expressed concern regarding an individual being hired as an <br />administrator and within six months or so being promoted to a city manager position, without <br />having completed the probationary period. Mayor Gamec indicated he would like a review of <br />the Council's discussion regarding the timing. The Council had looked at a population of 35,000 <br />or the yeaz 2017, whichever came first, and some of those discussions may not have been <br />explained to the Commission. At this time he would not likely vote in favor of this amendment. <br />City Council /December 28, 2006 <br />Page 7 of 26 <br />-31- <br />