Agenda - Charter Commission - 12/05/2006

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asked Ms. Retzer to look up some other language to deal with this. Mr. Goodrich added that there are a few options to deal with this — we could take the language out completely, come up with better, clearer language, or completely draft our own. With regard to 4.5.5 — this will be on the next agenda also. Case #5: Consider City Manager Form of Government Chair Vogt noted that a while back, the Charter Commission had a lot of discussion with regard to Manager versus Administrator form of government. We talked about personnel issues and the fact that this is a key issue — Council being involved in all personnel issues. Commissioner LaMere stated there is a lot of history with this. She would like to caution the Commission on placing this on the person in the position — this cannot be a personal issue — this is a position issue. Chair Vogt stated this item will take a lot of discussion. Commissioner Simenson stated that Bob Kirchner of Anoka City Staff has written a lot of articles pertaining to manager versus administrator and he suggested that Mr. Kirchner would come to talk with the Commission. Commissioner Ebel stated that the City Council said they did not have much to do with performance reviews. Chair Vogt stated there would be more an autonomy with staff — there is always the opportunity for a City Councilmember to come in and give direction and another one come with a different direction. If there is a manager, it would go though that person and they would give out direction versus an employee having to end up in the middle. Commissioner Ebel inquired if the Charter would be proposing having a City Manager position. Chair Vogt stated that the Commission will be discussing it and then pass on a suggestion to the City Council. They may decide a City Manager is a good idea and then they may decide that the City Administrator position is a good fit and keep it status quo. Commissioner Ebel stated the Charter Commission wants to do what's best for the residents of Ramsey and taking personalities out of it is a good idea. How can we assure residents it's best making this change. Commissioner Frederick stated that just because you go to a manager form of government, it doesn't mean the City Council does not have control. The City Council still controls the budget, etc. — they still have control. Commissioner Fischer stated that she worked for a company that was run by a management group. It was chaos — there was no consensus. If you do not have a CEO type person you will not get things done. Charter Commission — January 20, 2005 Page4of6