Minutes - Council - 05/29/2012 - Special

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Councilmember Elvig stated he understands the point of more communication. He stated he would propose to Tim Himmer — are there ever times you had a great idea with engineering and the Public Works Director said — did you think about this ... etc. Councilmember Backous stated he has a real problem with this. We are taking a big step backwards if we eliminate this position. We have many internal candidates — he would advocate to keep the Public Works Department as it is. We need to look at the whole pool of talent. We are on the cusp of something big and this is a step back. Councilmember McGlone stated he disagrees with that. We have a parking ramp out there that is 18 inches short. We have drainage issues all over The COR — we did not lose the creme de la creme'. We have had a lot of screw ups — now we are looking at making it work better. Councilmember Backous stated he made the argument we need someone top notch in that department. City Administrator Ulrich stated it does not do any good to throw stones about making mistakes. We will always make misstates — it will not matter with how this is structured. There is more value to focus on what you want as structure. Mayor Ramsey stated this is not just about Public Works and Engineering. We have been told we need someone more technical. If we go with a director, we still need the technical staff - where will we get the money. Councilmember Wise stated that things change and all we are doing is changing some basic structure. You have to adapt to the work plan — either system could work but Mayor Ramsey makes a good point about adding more labor. Councilmember Strommen commented that she understood what is being said and that everyone is amenable to change. She stated she is all in favor of creating an opportunity for folks we have to move up. She is concerned this is giving work load and responsibility that doesn't come with the pay. She understands about communication. But we have added a ton more to the City Administrator's plate and she appreciates that he wants to step up and do it but at some time it will split. We need sustainability in our organization. Mayor Ramsey stated this is an opportunity and if it doesn't work, we could always look at hiring a Public Works Director. Councilmember Tossey stated he agrees with Councilmember Strommen He added he is glad Council is getting to talk about this. He is concerned Mr. Ulrich may be overextending himself and, if that's the case, we as a City Council need to know. As much as we sometimes harp on our employees, we have folks here that do a good job. He would like to give them an opportunity to shine. He stated he anticipates that both the Finance and the Planning Departments have to work together — he would expect the Public Works Committee and the Engineering Department to communicate and do the same. He supported Mr. Ulrich's scenario. Special City Council/May 29, 2012 Page 6 of 8