Agenda - Charter Commission - 08/15/2002 - Joint with CC

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Th e League o f Minn~ota Cities llesearcl~ and lnfm'matinn Services curt be reached at (651) 281- 1200 or (800) 925~1122. cities require advanced degrees in one or more of these areas. A master's degree in public administration'.is a common qualification preferred by many city councils. Experience is also an important aspect to consider. Generally, cities will look for experience in city finances-and budgeting, but it is also common to see requirements for experience with specific areas such as land use, municipal liquor stores, Economic Development Authorities (EDAs), and Housing Redevelopment Agencies (HRAs). Experience in running a well-organized office can also be an asset. Previous experience as a clerk, administrator, or manager can speak to a candidate's abilities. Serving as a deputy clerk or an assistant to a city administrator or manager can also be a desired qualification, as can administrative experience in a smaller city. Likewise, an internship with a city can provide valuable municipal experience. The candidate' personality and style is another important consideration. The council will obviously want a person whose style is compatible with the council. Depending upon the current situation in the city, a stronger personality can sometimes offer much needed leadership. Under different situations, a "softer hand" may be more appropriate. A city council must also carefully consider how much control it wishes to delegate to the person hired. C. Pros and cons of employment contracts It is common to see individual employment agreements between cities and their administrators or managers. Cities should consider both :the strengths and weaknesses of using these types of contracts. The League of Minnesota Cities has several examples of employ- ment contracts, which can be sent upon request; The Minnesota City/County Management Association also has a model contract available. A city council should have its city attorney reView any employment contract before entering into the agreement. t. Pros The following are some of the benefits of using an employment contract for a city administrator or manager: Clarification of wages and benefits. A written employment contract allows all of the wages and benefits that are negotiated during a job offer to be clarified and written in one document. This can help to avoid the possibility of miscommunication about verbal offers and terms. City Admininstvatar 29 -46-