Minutes - Council Work Session - 06/08/2021

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Mayor Kuzma asked for details on the past practice. Administrative Services Director Lasher stated that the most recent recruitment process would have been for the Fire Chief. She noted that position is not involved in economic development and therefore no members of the business community were involved but the Fire Chief from Elk River did participate. She stated that prior to that would have been recruitment for the City Engineer and did not believe anyone from the community was involved in that interview process. Councilmember Heineman stated that he also agrees that including three Councilmembers would make sense for the first round of interviews. He also agreed that business or development members should not be included as they could provide a bias opinion. Councilmember Specht stated that if that type of input is desired, perhaps the invitation be provided to that community in a Zoom format with staff taking notes on the concerns and questions that may come forward from that portion of the community. He agreed that those members should not be involved in the interview process. City Administrator Ulrich asked for input on whether members of the Planning Commission and EDA should be included in the interview panel. Councilmember Musgrove commented that she would prefer to have the department heads involved rather than members of the Boards or Commissions. She stated that if Commission members are involved, she would want three in order to break a tie opinion. Councilmember Woestehoff stated that he believes the Planning Commission should have some input because this position would be involved in community development. He suggested using the Chair and Vice Chair. He commented that having Councilmembers in the initial interview process would be valid. He stated that in his experience he has hired about 300 people and typically the CEO in not involved in every round of interviews or hiring. He stated that while it is nice to have early involvement, that a top-down process is not common in the business world. He stated that if opinions from the business community are sought, it should be an open meeting. He referenced the statement that the opinion could be biased but noted that some people are chosen for the EDA simply because they are business owners in Ramsey. He stated that he believes the process should be outlined and begin quickly in order to hire someone as soon as possible, as the tentative schedule outlines October to possibly bring someone on board. Administrative Services Director Lasher estimated that 25 to 50 qualified applicants would be received. Councilmember Heineman commented that if someone were appointed to the EDA strictly because they are a business owner would have been the wrong decision. He stated that while the CEO would not interview every position, they would interview the Vice President and therefore believes the Council should be involved. Councilmember Howell agreed with the comments of Councilmember Heineman. She stated that her goal is not to micromanage, but believes it is important for the Council to be involved. City Council Work Session / June 8, 2021 Page 6 of 8