Agenda - Charter Commission - 04/27/2006

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APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioner LaMere noted that her name was not listed as members present and asked that it be corrected. Motion by Commissioner Deemer and seconded by Commissioner Bertzyk to approve the regular Charter Commission meeting minutes dated January 20, 2005, as amended. Motion carried. COMMISSION BUSINESS: Case #2: Consider City Manager Form of Government City Clerk Thieling introduced Kevin Frazell Of the League of Minnesota Cities. Chairperson Vogt stated the reason for this case is to review the possibility of going from a City Administrator form of City Government to a City Manager. He talked about the reporting structure stating that currently the City Administrator reports to the City Council but a City Manager does that as well. It appears that a City Manager would have more authority over staff. Once the Charter Commission has thoroughly reviewed this item, if they suggest a change, it would then be sent to the City Council. Kevin Frazell thanked the Commission for inviting him. He stated that he was in City government for 20 years and has been with the League of Minnesota Cities for the past 8 years. He disseminated a hand out to the Commission and walked them through it. He noted four plans of City Government and summarized each one. He gave a history of the City Manager form of Government and noted that the preferred is the Council/Manager. He explained that the adoption of a City Manager position does not have to go to an election. Powers of a City Administrator can vary substantially. Some City Councils have given the power of appointment and removal of employees to their Administrator. The qualifications for an Administrator and Manager are pretty much the same - professional competence, at least a Bachelor's Degree, experience, non- partisan, non-political, code of ethics, continuing education, etc. He explained how the City Manager form of government really operates. He commented that a good City Manager has to know how to deal with the community and the City Council. With regard to communication - the Manager is the link. It appears appointment and removal of employees is the key issue. Mr. Frazell stated that this can be taken to the voters or the Charter Commission can send it to the City Council and they could pass it unanimously. With regard to salaries, they are basically the same. Mr. Frazell was asked if there is a model City Manager Organizational Chart to which Mr. Frazell replied that the organizational chart is usually structured to something that works best for the City. He added that the best reference for job descriptions, etc. for the City Manager position is the State Statutes. Charter Commission - April 21, 2005 Page 2 of 10