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<br />Councilmember Strommen stated following the theme of transition, one reason communication <br />comes up a lot is because the previous Council was very polarized, as well as the community, <br />and information got caught in that polarization. She believes they are past that and the <br />communication is healing. The Council can debate civilly, which was not true in the past. It is <br />important that they can move beyond that to where debate is a good part of the civic process. <br /> <br />Councilmember Elvig concurred. He stated with the polarization there was a lot of personal <br />innuendo being thrown out, which created a mistrust of all government. He believes they have <br />gone miles in nurturing a better and more trusting environment in what the government is doing, <br />but they can do better. He would want the city administrator to be a good and proactive <br />communicator that is not fearful of debate, but would embrace it. <br /> <br />Councilmember Olson indicated in this time of transition it needs to be communicated that <br />people have the right to develop their land, but that they want quality development. Their <br />constituents need to understand that the Council is not just responsible for right now; they are <br />responsible for 50 years from now. <br /> <br />Councilmember Strommen stated an important trait would be for people to feel the city <br />administrator is approachable. She commented on the importance of team building, not only <br />with staff, but with Council to be sure Council is working as a team. <br /> <br />Ms. Sims pointed out that some of the better city managers openly discuss how to ensure that <br />people stay in the loop. If they get a question from a councilmember they provide the answer <br />and also share it with the rest of the Council. <br /> <br />Mayor Gamec noted the Council Update is used by staff to communicate. with Council as a <br />whole. He indicated his preference for an open door policy with the city administrator. <br /> <br />Councilmember Elvig stressed that the individual should really embrace debate. It should be <br />someone that is good with conflict resolution that does not mind sitting in an awkward position. <br />People often keep open doors when they are good at those skill sets. He stressed the importance <br />that the individual have the ability to diffuse situations and be a good communicator and listener. <br /> <br />Mayor Gamec stated Ramsey has a very professional staff. The city administrator will need to <br />make decisions on how to use staff s professional abilities. There will be a lot of training and <br />working with the people. Also, Ramsey is getting more involved in County work and the <br />individual will need to participate in government working relationships. He requested discussion <br />from Council on whether the city administrator should be required to be a Ramsey resident. <br /> <br />Consensus of the Council was that it could be requested that the city administrator be a Ramsey <br />resident, but that it should not be a high priority. <br /> <br />Councilmember Jeffrey noted the city administrator should have visibility in the community. <br /> <br />City Council Work Session I March 13, 2007 <br />Page 3 or 6 <br />