Agenda - Charter Commission - 01/18/2007

Home

having completed the probationary period. Mayor Gamec indicated he would like a review of the Council's discussion regarding the timing. The Council had looked at a population of 35,000. or .the year 2017, whichever came first, and some of those discussions may not have been explained to the Commission. At this time he would not likely vote in favor of this amendment. Councilmember Jeffrey stated he agrees that recruiting could be,a challenge, but they can recruit for a manager with the individual transitioning from administrator to manager. He would prefer a date into the future, but this may make sense if they can make it work with this vacancy and recruit one time for a manager. Councilmember Cook concurred.. He stated this takes a seven member vote and the current councilmembers have been looking at this for years. After tonight there will be two new councilmembers that would have to get up to speed and this may not be able to happen by 2008. Councilmember Pearson concurred. He stated the Council has talked about this for quite a while, and it would make sense that this would be the time to do it. He has a little problem with the timing issue, but would be in favor of changing to the City Manager Form of Government. Councilmember Olson sated she agxees that the timing is right to have this done. She expressed her support in proceeding with the change if they. can find a way to work within the timeframe. Councilmember Cook requested input from the Transition Team- regarding the 2008 timeframe. Councilmember Elvig indicated he does not see the-real problem with advertising for a manager at this- point that would act as administrator for three months during the transition. The positions are similar, and the Charter Commission is coming to the Council with this amendment and recommended timeframe. He is not certain the Council has the authority to change the timeframe to the ten years the Mayor has suggested. ~He stated the City is getting big enough that it needs to be professionally operated; the Council should be a body of board of directors and not of manage-rs. Motion by Councilmember Elvig, seconded by Councilmember Pearson, to adopt Ordinance No. 06-12-_ amending Section 2.1 of the .City Charter requiring that the City be governed by the Council-Manager Form of Government. Further discussion:. Councilmember Strommen clarified the assumption is that a city. manager position will be advertised for, as there will be a different pool of applicants recruited depending on the title. It should be clear the intent is that the manager will need to act as administrator until the January 1, 2008 effective date. Councilmember Jeffrey indicated advertising for a manager makes sense. If the person comes on board three or four months ahead of the January 1, 2008 date that person could aid in the transition with their experience and get things in order before the effective date.- A roll call vote was performed by the Recording Secretary: Mayor Gamec: nay City Council /December 28, 2006 ,...,.i Page 8 of 27