Agenda - Council - 07/10/2001 - Laserfiche WebLink

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concern discussed was if the interviews are televised would there be as many applicants for the vacancy. Councilmember Anderson stated that since she has been in the City of Ramsey they have handled the filling of the Planning Commission vacancies six different ways. She would like to see a standard be put into place. She also noted that the City Charter states that all Commission vacancies must be published in the City legal newspaper as well as the City's newsletter. She inquired if the vacancy was advertised in the City newsletter. Human Resources Manager Heryla replied that she was not sure because she had not handled the commission vacancies. Councilmember Anderson stated that she wants to make sure that they get quality applicants and she felt that televising the interviews might limit th°se number of applicants. She felt the process shoUld be kept open', but did not necessarily think the interviews would have to be televised. Councilmember Hendfiksen stated that whether or not an interview is televised the City has the same legal obligations to meet. Secondly if there are concerns that someone might not respond well on television then they should not be applying for the job. He strongly recommended that the Commission interviews continue to be televised. Councilmember Anderson stated that she did not think it would be right to potentially put citizens of Ramsey through the "meat grinder" on television. -54- Councilmember Zimmerman replied that the candidates would all be asked the same questions. Mayor Gamec stated that he did not think that the interviews should be televised. Motion by Mayor Gamec, seconded by Councilmember Kurak, to interview all candidates in a public interview, but not a televised interview. Further discussion: Councilmember Kurak stated that she agreed that it is not necessary to televise the interviews. She did not feel that being a good interviewer on television was part of the job description and it might deter some candidates. She definitely felt that the interviews should be held in an open forum. Councitmember Hendriksen replied that he felt that the City would benefit by having as open a process as they possibly can, because there is always the suspicion from residents that Commission vacancies are being filled for political reasons rather than for qualifications. Councilmember Kurak stated that if residents have concerns about political agendas they could come down and see for themselves how the interviews are conducted. She noted that she would not personally appoint someone for political agendas. Councilmember Zimmerman stated that Councilmember Kurak ran a campaign regarding wanting more open meetings and thinks it would be an "about face" by her not encouraging that the interviews be televised. Councilmember Kurak replied that she was not doing an "about face". She stated that she does think that all meetings should be open to the public and Personnel Committee/June 12, 2001 Page 2 of 3 I I I I I I' I i