Agenda - Charter Commission - 01/18/2007

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Ms. LeMere explained the Commission looked at several options for an effective date. They looked at a date further into the future, a population threshold, and a staffing level threshold... 2008 was selected based on the current' vacancy. The immediate option fora 2007. date was considered, but the Commission wanted to allow time for a transition from administrator to manager; she would defer to staff regarding the possible Hurnan Resources rules. Ms. LeMere stated the Commission talked to the League of Minnesota Cities. regarding .the duties and qualifications for. what is expected from administrator or manager positions. There was not a major .difference, -and the qualifications seemed to be the same. The Commission thought the 2008 date would allow for transition time to evaluate the applicant to see whether the individual would be a good manager level candidate versus an administrator. Councilmember Elvig stated he appreciates the Charter Commission coming forward and taking the initiative to bring this to the Council, and :the ..wisdom they have put into this. The Commission has been working on this for a while. Knowing the growth is there and that Council is not too involved with staff members is a concern for all of them. The Commission is correct in that there is the opportunity; they have brought this recommendation forward when a major change is happening, and this may be the best time to take this on. He is also mindful of Councilmember-Elect Dehen's comments; this Charter amendment takes a seven member vote and the Commission is coming to the Council saying the time is now. Those of them currently on the Council know the issues and dynamics between Council and staff. Motion by Councilmember Cook, seconded by Councilmember Pearson, to ,close the public hearing. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Mayor Gamec, Councilmembers Cook, Pearson, Elvig, Jeffrey, Olson, and Strommen. Voting No: None. The public hearing-was closed at 5:26 p.m. Council Business Mayor Gamec called the regular City Council meeting back to order at 5:26 p.m. Mayor Gamec stated this issue goes back quite a few years, and is more an issue of the right timing. He appreciates the effort the Charter Commission has put into this. Councilmember Strommen indicated her only concern is having the effective date such that the City can still go out in a single search and advertise for a city manager. She understands Ms. LeMere's comments about a transition period, but would not want to hire an administrator and assume it may be a different person than the manager. Mayor Gamec stated he is not in favor of the motion that has been presented to the Council at this time, although he believes the City will need to go to a City Manager Form of Government at some time. The Council has discussed the timing, and the short time period that has been presented creates problems. He expressed concern regarding an individual being hired as an administrator and within six months or so being .promoted to a city manager position, without City Council !December 28, 2006. Page 7 of 27