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

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than h/ring and firing. In neither instance can the City Council delegate its authority to the City Administrator or the City Manager. He stated that Councilmember Hendriksen had asked him earlier if the City Manager could be making zoning decisions for the City - that would not be allowed. He reiterated that the City Council cannot delegate everything to the Manager. The primary difference boils down to the time available and the willingness of the City Council to handle the City's administrative functions in addition to its policy making function. The City manager form of government streamlines the government structure by allowing the City Council to focus on policy issues while the City Manager is responsible for the administrative affairs of the City. He added that this appears not to be a burning issue with the citizenry, noting the attendance, or lack of, in the audience. He pointed out that this meeting was extensively advertised. Mr. Goodrich stated that another difference stated in State Statute 412.691 talks about the Chief Major Purchasing Agent for the City. Now all major purchases are approved by the City Council - this difference would be up to $1,500. Chairperson Vogt summarized that personnel and the purchasing agent are the major differences. Commissioner Deemer stated that the City now has a selective code enforcement policy - the City reacts to complaints. Mr. Goodrich believed there is no difference concerning code enforcement. The City Administrator is also obligated to see that City Codes and Ordinances are enforced. Code enforcement, the way it is handled, is a City Council decision. It is based on how much money we have to deal with code enforcement. Council can determine how we handle code enforcement. Commissioner Deemer stated he feels there is selective code enforcement by the City Council. Commissioner Ebel inquired about zoning issues. Attorney Goodrich reiterated that a City Manager is not able to make zoning decisions. The City Council cannot authorize anyone else to do that. It is possible the City Charter could give that authority to a City Manager, but he was not certain of that. Commissioner Ebel expressed concern that it could be a possibility that zoning could become the decision of the City Manager. Commissioner Henke stated that was a concern of hers also. Councilmember Kurak inquired what if the City Manager hires an employee and that employee was not working out and the Manager refused to fire that employee, what would the recourse be for the City Council. Mr. Goodrich replied that the City Council can fire the City Manager and hire a new one and direct the new one to get rid of the problem employee. Charter Commission/August 15, 2002 Page 5 of 10