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concerned whether this is really doable. She wanted to make sure "we are not setting Kurt up to be unsuccessful". Chairperson Tossey stated that if staff is telling him they think it's doable — then obviously staff is saying they need help right away. City Administrator Ulrich stated he thinks it's a solution that would be in a longer term plan as well. He felt this job would be a good assistant too if we decide to hire a management position. This position can step up and fill this piece. He stated it's a lot of work and he's not sure staff can get all that work done the way Council is used to. Councilmember McGlone stated we have a great professional here and he felt inclined to approve this. Motion by Councilmember McGlone, seconded by Chairperson Tossey to recommend Council adopt the Resolution to eliminate the Planning/Management Intern and to conduct a recruitment process for a full-time regular Management Analyst position. Further discussion: Chairperson Tossey stated he has been wanting to have a discussion on who will fill the role of Heidi Nelson and Aaron Backman. He stated he has heard that Mr. Brama has really stepped up but if this does not work, the Council needs to know. Mr. Ulrich added this will not be at the same level as Council was used to with the two experienced professionals on staff. We want to be effective and we feel we can be with this position and if it doesn't work, he would keep Council informed. Mr. Ulrich continued that we will check on how we will utilize consultants more. He wants to have a conversation with the EDA to see where they are at with their work plan. He added he can "keep us going and out of trouble but the City Council has to prioritize. A lot can be done with the existing staff we have and he will do his best to manage that with the resources we currently have. Councilmember Strommen stated her concern with this, moving forward, is it may foreclose a future. Why create a new position at this point - maybe look at it shorter term. Her concern is, once we are there, we are there and we are locked in — we may not have flexibility. Mr. Ulrich felt it has value — the position can work in different areas. Councilmember Strommen wondered how difficult that would be for an intern. Mr. Ulrich stated that he was not sure we can keep this person in place in an intern position and he felt there was value in keeping continuity. Councilmember Strommen noted in the organizational chart, consulting services are tied to Mayor/Council. She was curious about why that is and felt that Council really didn't know enough about that. Mr. Ulrich suggested that we can draw a "box" tying the consultants to the City Administrator. Chairperson Tossey stated he does not see Mayor and Council dealing with those types of things on a day to day basis. It does not make sense for them to direct the City Attorney — the consultants, etc. Councilmember McGlone did not know if he agreed with that. He felt Council has to get deeper in to who we are talking about — the City Attorney — project manager . . . because the Council ultimately awards the contracts. Councilmember Tossey stated he still feels they report to the City Administrator and that's where the lines should be. City Administrator Ulrich stated it's a pass -through authority. Councilmember Strommen stated she did not know if she is really for or against — so she will vote against this. She feels there's a larger discussion with the City Council that needs to happen. This is a core function and operation of our City and she wants to make sure the City Personnel Committee / April 3, 2012 Page 3 of 5