Minutes - Council - 12/28/2006 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Motion failed. Mayor Gamec stated he has explained his reasons for voting against this motion. He does not have a problem negotiating about this, other thanthe timing. It may be that the Council should have presented this differently and had a representative at the Charter Commission meeting. He expressed concern that it would be difficult not to promote the individual hired as an administrator to the manager position under this timeframe. He noted if the effective date were to be 2009 rather than 2008, the probation period would be over for the individual serving in the administrator position. Councilmember Strommen noted this would not actually be a promotion of the individual; it would be a transition in the job description that was made before that person was hired. This would not be quite the conflict the Mayor is describing. Mayor Gamec suggested sending the Charter amendment back to the Charter Commission, looking at an effective date of 2009 so that the probation period would be over for the administrator before the effective change to manager. City Attorney Goodrich indicated the Charter Commission will be meeting on January 18, 2006, and would welcome the Mayor's attendance to discuss the Charter amendment. Councilmember Strommen suggested this issue be discussed at a Council work session to determine if there is agreement amongst the councilmembers. She noted part of the concern with timing was that the City is about to go to a recruitment period and it needs to be determined whether they will be recruiting for an administrator or a manager. There will likely be a different pool of candidates depending on the job title. City Attorney Goodrich suggested a joint meeting with the Charter Commission and City Council. Councilmember Elvig suggested the Council adopt a motion approving the Charter amendment effective on a date that can be agreed upon by the Council, contingent on approval by the Charter Commission. City Attorney Goodrich advised the Council could try to reach consensus now and determine if the Charter Commission would make that recommendation. The Charter Commission must initiate the amendment. Councilmember Jeffrey expressed concern regarding the possible need to re-recruit for a manager after a short term by an administrator if the effective date were to be 2009. He stated he does not want to put the City in the box of not moving forward at all with the possibility of changing the position in 1 ~ years. Mayor Gamec noted there have been other structural changes put into effect that have not required individuals to be changed, as long as the change exists through the Charter. He indicated most city administrators he speaks with do not feel if they are looking at a city with the City Council / December 28, 2006 Page 9 of 26