Minutes - Council - 12/12/2006 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Case #12A: Consider Appointment of an Interim City Administrator and Direct Staff to Issue and RFP for an Executive Search Firm Human Resources Manager Reed Kone stated Councilmembers Strommen, Elvig and Olson met with department heads and the City Administrator to assess the City's needs during the transition period given the resignation of City Administrator, Jim Norman. The department heads feel they have a good working relationship with each other and the Council, and would like to continue to keep the communication lines open with the Council and the department heads during this transition period. Human Resources Manager Reed Kone advised the Transition Team is recommending that the City Council appoint Assistant City Administrator, Heidi Nelson, as Interim City Administrator. It is anticipated that the Assistant City Administrator would serve as Interim City Administrator until a new city administrator is hired. Staff recommends that "working out of classification pay" be set at 5.5%. This represents an increase of approximately $2,600 for a six month period. Ms. Reed Kone indicated the Transition Team further recommends that the City Council direct staff to issue a request for proposals for an executive search firm. It is anticipated that the City Council will select a search firm by mid February. The selected search firm will play a significant role in helping the City recruit and select a new city administrator. Councilmember Elvig stated the Transition Team had a great discussion and debate as to what the recommendation should be to the Council. There was a unanimous decision and the Transition Team is very happy to recommend that Assistant City Administrator Nelson be appointed as the Interim City Administrator. Regarding the idea of going out for a search, the Transition Team feels strongly that Ramsey is in a position to have an opportunity to look nationally at the opportunity for a new administrator or manager. There is also a good internal candidate. The Transition Team feels this is the recommended course of action and feels strongly they have a great staff. Heidi Nelson can step up to the plate and keep this organization running smoothly through this transition period. Councilmember Jeffrey noted the target of city administrator may extend to city manager based upon the discussion earlier tonight. He expressed concern in the effect on the timeframe and in the search being confined by directing that an executive search firm begin the process of recruiting and selecting for a city administrator. City Attorney Goodrich indicated the language is set as far as the term. He suggested the language relating to the search firm be amended to "recruiting and selecting a new city administrator/city manager." Motion by Councilmember Jeffrey, seconded by Councilmember Cook, to adopt Resolution #06- 12-385 appointing Assistant City Administrator Nelson as Interim City Administrator and directing staff to issue an RFP for an executive search firm, with the following amendment to item no. 3: Direct staff to issue a request for proposals for an executive search firm to assist with the process of recruiting and selecting a new city administrator/city manager. City Council / December 12, 2006 Page 23 of 29