Agenda - Charter Commission - 12/05/2006

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Commissioner Ebel stated we need a strong CEO manager type. She stated she has watched the City Council meetings and knows of some of Ramsey' s history and that causes her to be concerned. She wanted to make sure Ramsey gets the best person for this job. She referred to page 51 — E. Effective council relations — it states it is important that the working relationship be a good one. Both must keep in mind they are working as a team to serve the community. Commissioner Deemer stated we are just dealing with "thoughts of change" of City Manager versus City Administrator. It's totally up to the City Council - they should not be a part of our key thought process. Our deal is "would it be better for our City to have a manager versus an administrator ". Commissioner Simenson stated that the thought process is this would protect staff and staff would do a better job for the City. The City Council is responsible but, in the end, potentially this could be better for employees and they do a better job. Commissioner Fischer stated we as residents have a responsibility of voting on City Council. Commissioner Deemer suggested having Mr. Norman make this presentation to us — he has to know what a manager should be doing - the agenda should be different. We would see the differences in black and white. Commissioner Vogt stated we do not know how long this will take. We could say we want to be done with this in 18 months or so. We need to give the City Council time to look at this piece. If we want to take this on, it would be good to bring in people who do that role. Have Jim Norman come in and take time to have discussions — have the Council come in. Commissioner Ebel stated she comes from a City that has a City Manager and it works. She added that she asked Mr. Norman if as a City Manager versus an Administrator would the salary increase. He reported it would be a slight increase if any. Ms. Retzer stated that the Minnesota salary surveys are available for review. Motion by Commissioner Simenson and seconded by Commissioner Frederick to invite Bob Kirchner from the City of Anoka to our next meeting and make this the first item on the agenda. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Chair Vogt, Commissioners Simenson, Frederick Bertzyk, Deemer, Ebel, Fischer and LaMere. Voting No: None. Absent: Commissioner Swanson. Case #6: Plan for Training Budget Dollars Requested Motion by Commissioner Bertzyk and seconded by Commissioner Ebel to ask for a $750 budget line item for the Charter Commission. Charter Commission — January 20, 2005 Page 5 of 6