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Captain Katers noted the consensus of the department survey showed very positive outlooks. He <br />said he thinks it is a very positive department. If it was not, he would not have stayed with the <br />City this long. He added that we have to be creative in keeping employees engaged. Some of <br />them have dedicated their careers to working for Ramsey. Every officer he has had said it is not <br />about the money, the title, but about doing the job. He said helping people in their greatest time <br />of need is a reward. <br />Captain Katers left the meeting at 7:38 p.m. <br />Human Resources Manager Lasher commented that her observation is the camaraderie is the best <br />in the Department that it has been. She said she has confidence in Captain Katers. She noted it <br />came through in the survey that he is very well respected in the department. <br />Police Chief Way stated Captain Katers is designed to be a leader. From the time Captain Katers <br />started with the department, he was always mature, and confident. He suggested Captain Katers <br />would be a great fit as Chief of Police. <br />Anoka Police Chief Phil Johanson noted Captain Katers is very well respected among his peers <br />and the administration of the County. He said Captain Katers attends the monthly Chief of <br />Police meeting, many other meetings, and is part of the Records Management Committee. He <br />underestimates his knowledge of technology. He said Captain Katers is skilled, genuine, sincere <br />and intelligent. He is well spoken no matter what he says and a man of high character. He noted <br />Captain Katers is concerned with what his officers see on the job, and this is a good quality to <br />have as a leader. He understands and is aware that everyone has an opinion. He is aware of his <br />weaknesses. He is very talented as an administrator. <br />City Administrator Ulrich stated Ramsey's Police Department is very well respected. He said <br />from his perspective, this department is well run. He acknowledged there have been differences, <br />but staff has come out as a cohesive group. He said he thinks Police Chief Way has prepared <br />Captain Katers for this position, and put him in appropriate trainings. He said he would be <br />happy with how Captain Katers would represent the city and he would recommend Captain <br />Katers personally as the next Chief of Police. <br />Councilmember Riley asked if any of the surveys were pointing toward the direction of asking <br />about Captain Katers. <br />City Administrator Ulrich answered there were no specific questions about Captain Katers. <br />There was . a question asking if there was anything else the employee may want to add. A <br />number of officers wrote down that they would like to see Captain Katers as the next Police <br />Chief. There were a couple of surveys that said they would like to see someone from the outside <br />become the new Police Chief, to provide new insight. City Administrator Ulrich pointed out <br />Captain Katers did mention he would listen to new ideas and be open to changes. <br />Councilmember Kuzma stated he prefers to hire from within. If the department had a lot of <br />problems, he may be more inclined to hire from the outside, but since this is a good department, <br />hiring from within may help show that employees are appreciated. He said Captain Katers did an <br />City Council Work Session / October 7, 2014 <br />Page 8 of 10 <br />