HomeMy WebLinkAbout1977 07-18 CCM Special Session MINUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER IN THE COUNTY OF
HENNEPIN AND THE STATE OF MINNESOTA
SPECIAL SESSION
JULY 18, 1977
CITY HALL
Call to Order The Brooklyn Center City Council met in special session
and was called to order by Mayor Philip Cohen at 7 :30 p.m.
Roll Call Mayor Cohen, Councilmen Britts, Kuefler, Fignar, and
Lhotka. Also present were City Manager Donald Poss ,
Director of Public Works James Merila , Director of
Finance Paul Holmlund, Director of Planning and Inspection
Blair Tremere, City Assessor Peter Koole, and Administrative
Assistants Brad Hoffman, Mary Harty, and Ronald Warren.
Mayoral Appointment Mayor Cohen announced his appointment of Mr. James A.
to the Planning Book, 7214 Girard Avenue North, to the Planning Commission
Commission to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Robert
Foreman. He explained that Mr. Book has been a resident
of Brooklyn Center for four years, is a registered professional
engineer and is employed by Barton- Aschman Associates, Inc.
a planning /engineering firm. He explained that Mr. Book
is a former City employee having worked in the engineering
department for 16 months during 1972 and 1973. He stated
that Mr. Book would like to become involved in civic
activities and that he feels his background and experience
would lend a worthwhile contribution to the Planning Com-
mission. The Mayor noted that although it is not required
that members of the Planning Commission be appointed
from various neighborhood groups, it has been his policy
to attempt to have a geographic balance on the Planning
_ Commission. He stated that Mr. Book lives in the north-
east neighborhood which was also the neighborhood where
Mr. Foreman had resided.
Following a brief discussion there was a motion by Council-
man Fignar and seconded by Councilman Kuefler to confirm
Mayor Cohen's appointment of James A. Book, 7214 Girard
Avenue North, to the Planning Commission effective immedi-
ately for a term to expire December 31 , 1978. Voting in
favor: Mayor Cohen, Councilmen Britts, Kuefler, Fignar,
and Lhotka. Voting against: none. The motion passed
unanimously.
RESOLUTION Member Tony Kuefler introduced the following resolution
NO. 77 -142 and moved its adoption:
RESOLUTION APPROVING A PORTION OF CLASSIFICATION
LIST "652 -NC"
The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was
duly seconded by member Gene Lhotka; and upon vote being
taken thereon, the following voted in favor thereof: Philip
Cohen, Maurice Britts, Tony Kuefler, Bill Fignar, and Gene
Lhotka; and the following voted against the same: none,
whereupon said resolution was declared duly passed and
adopted.
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Member Bill Fignar introduced the following resolution and RESOLUTION
moved its adoption: NO. 77 -143
RESOLUTION DESIGNATING CERTAIN TAX FORFEITED LAND IN
THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER TO BE USED FOR PUBLIC
PURPOSES.
The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was
duly seconded by member Tony Kuefler, and upon vote being
taken thereon, the following voted in favor thereof: Philip
Cohen, Maurice Britts , Tony Kuefler, Bill Fignar, and Gene
Lhotka; and the following voted against the same: none,
whereupon said resolution was declared duly passed and
adopted.
Member Gene Lhotka introduced the following resolution and RESOLUTION
moved its adoption: NO. 77 -144
RESOLUTION REQUESTING REMOVAL FROM TAX FORFEITED
LIST "652 -NC" OF CERTAIN PUBLIC LANDS
The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was
duly seconded by member Bill Fignar, and upon vote being
taken thereon, the following voted in favor thereof: Philip
Cohen, Maurice Britts, Tony Kuefler, Bill Fignar, and Gene
Lhotka; and the following voted against the same: none,
whereupon said resolution was declared duly passed and
adopted
The City Manager introduced the next item of business on Shade Tree Disease
the agenda, that of a resolution requested by the City Control Program
Council on July 11 , 1977 relating to problems associated
with the shade tree disease control program. He explained
that the resolution expresses the Council's dissatisfaction
with the Department of Agriculture interpretation which in
effect requires that diseased trees be removed through the
special assessment procedure in order for persons to be
eligible for a reimbursement. He pointed out that such an
interpretation also affects persons that have complied with
tree removal orders and have chosen to pay the removal
costs themselves rather than utilize the special assessment
procedures in that they will not be eligible for a reimburse-
ment.
Mayor Cohen inquired if the City had received a response
from the Department of Agriculture relative to its request
for clarification regarding this interpretation. The City
Manager responded that a letter was received and that the
Department of Agriculture interpretation is basically the
same. He explained that they have relinquished somewhat
and will permit a property owner to pre -pay special assess-
.
ments, thus, foregoing some of the formalities but still
they feel the special assessment method is the only way to
receive a reimbursement.
Mayor Cohen stated that he has contacted Vern Peterson
of the Association of Metropolitan Municipalities who,
after reviewing the matter, agrees with the City's position
on the interpretation of "or other funds and has stated
that the Association will lend its assistance.
Councilman Lhotka requested copies of the correspondence
between the City and the Department of Agriculture. Council-
man Kuefler suggested that copies of the resolution be forwarded
to the Brooklyn Center State legislative delegation.
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RESOLUTION Member Gene Lhotka introduced the following resolution
NO. 77 -145 and moved its adoption:
RESOLUTION TO MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
RELATIVE TO SHADE TREE DISEASE PROGRAM
The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was
duly seconded by member Tony Kuefler, and upon vote
being taken thereon, the following voted in favor thereof:
Philip Cohen, Maurice Britts, Tony Kuefler, Bill Fignar,
and Gene Lhotka; and the following voted against the same:
none, whereupon said resolution was declared duly passed
and adopted.
Councilman Britts commented that there are a number of
oak trees in his neighborhood that are being removed because
of oak wilt disease. He stated that he is concerned about
oak wilt disease as well as Dutch elm disease and inquired
if there are methods available for treating oak wilt and if
removal of these diseased trees are eligible for the grant
program. The City Manager responded that the Shade Tree
Disease Law applies to oak wilt disease as well as Dutch
elm disease, and the subsidy program also applies to
diseased oaks. He added that to date there is no cure for
oak wilt disease and that the only effective treatment for
the disease is a sanitation and removal program such as
that used for Dutch elm disease.
City Manager's The City Manager stated that this is his last meeting as
Departure Comments City Manager and requested the opportunity to make a few
departing comments to the City Council. He expressed
his gratitude to each member of the City Council, and to
past City Councils, for providing a working environment
which has been conducive to efficient and effective
government. He stated that it is important for a city
manager to be proud of the city or community he represents,
and he added that he has been proud to represent Brooklyn
Center as its city manager over the years. He further
stated that it is a credit to the community that they have
elected good City Councils that have placed the good of the
community above all else.
He expressed his gratitude also to the City staff stating
that it is an excellent staff, one of the best if not the
best in the metropolitan area. He added that he hoped
the City Council will continue to provide the environment
needed for it to function properly.
He stated that it is not often that a city manager has the
opportunity to live in the community before, during, and
after being city manager. He further stated that he will
be a concerned citizen of Brooklyn Center and interested
in the affairs of city govenment to see that it continues
to operate effectively. He pointed out that one area of
particular interest to him is his replacement as city
manager. He commented that he has until this time
refrained from making any statements regarding a new
city manager but as a private citizen he will be quite
concerned to see that the working environment of the
past is still retained.
The City Manager stated that there have come to light
recently certain disturbing elements which amount to
tampering with the structure of good government and
may well hinder attracting a well qualified person for
_7 _ 7 -18 -77
the city manager position. He explained that he was referring to
recent proposals put before the Charter Commission to enlarge
the present City Council from five to seven members in order to
have Council members serve as "watchdogs" to various City
departments. He stated that this would be nothing more than
instituting the old, unsuccessful and outdated Commission
form of government that was dissolved most recently in St. Paul
due to its ineffectiveness.
He pointed out that he is also disturbed about a June 20, 1977
executive session of the Charter Commission which met without
notice or minutes of the meeting. He stated that there was also
a meeting of Study Group II of the Charter Commission which was
held at the home of one of its members without notice and that
it is ironic that two of the participant members of that study
group were parties to a suit brought against the City Council for alleged
- violations of the Open Meeting Law. He reported that the minutes
of the Study Group II meeting imply that some sort of punishment
should be provided for the city manager or the City Council if
they attempt to tie up a petition by seeking a clarification of
the petition through the courts. He explained that this could
prohibit the City Council from attempting to seek clarification
of a possibly vague or ambiguous petition, or to perhaps even
challenge the validity of a falsely represented petition. He
added that this in effect would be to deny the elective body
the ability to fulfill their responsibilities as elected officals.
He commented that members of the Charter Commission are not
elected officials yet some seem to feel they are more representa-
tive of the citizens than are the elected officials of this City.
He concluded by stating that this town has been good to him
and that he intends to return this in kind as a citizen. He
again expressed his appreciation to the City Council, past
City Councils, the staff and the citizens of Brooklyn Center
for their efforts,
Councilman Fignar stated that he has never received copies of
Charter Commission minutes and inquired as to who receives
them. The City Manager explained that he had not received
Charter Commission minutes until he requested that he receive
them. He explained that they can be obtained by contacting
the Charter Commission's secretary.
Mayor Cohen commented that the Charter Commission is not
responsible to the City Council as are other advisory commissions,
but rather to the District Court. He stated that if there are
improprieties or possible violations of law, they should be referred
to the District Court. He further stated that he appreciated the
City Manager's comments as being appropriate because the City
Council later in this evening's meeting will be addressing a
matter that has to do with the structure of local government,
that being the selection process for a new city manager.
Councilman Kuefler commended the City Manager for his efforts
and insights as City Manager and stated that he has served the
City well in his tenure and wished him the best of luck in the
future.
Councilman Britts concurred with Councilman Kuefler stating
that the City Manager was an exceptional manager of high
intelligence that knows what city management is all about.
Regarding the City Manager's comments relating to the Charter
Commission, Councilman Britts stated that there is an election
coming up this fall and that he is certain that those involved
in the election do not want to see the structure of government
altered in such a way that it will be disruptive to the citizens
7 =18 -77 -4-
of Brooklyn Center or result in a local government that is
something less than what it is now. He pointed out that
he had requested that the Charter Commission be `present
at an upcoming meeting of the City Council and all Advisory
Commissions at which one item to be discussed is
Open Meeting Law.
Councilman Fignar stated that he too endorses all that
has been said regarding the qualities of the City Manager.
He further stated that he appreciates the work done by
the City Manager and wishes him the best of luck.
Councilman Lhotka commented that it has been a short
time in which he has had the opportunity to work with
the City Manager, but that he feels it will be difficult
for the City Council to find someone who has such an
excellent working knowledge of City government. He
too extended his best wishes to the City Manager.
Mayor Cohen stated that he has worked longer than any
other member of the City Council with the City Manager.
He further stated that the City Manager has sort of been
his real world conscience. He agreed with the City
Manager's assessment of the City staff as being excellent,
and also wished the City Manager the best of luck.
RESOLUTION Member Philip Cohen introduced the following resolution
NO. 77 -146 and moved its adoption:
RESOLUTION EXPRESSING RECOGNITION OF AND APPRECIA-
TION FOR THE DEDICATED PUBLIC SERVICE OF DONALD G,
POSS
The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was
duly seconded by the entire City Council; and upon vote
being taken thereon, the following voted in favor thereof:
Philip Cohen, Maurice Britts, Tony Kuefler, Bill Fignar, and
Gene Lhotka; and the following voted against the same:
none, whereupon said resolution was declared duly passed
and adopted.
Management Mayor Cohen recognized Mr. Loren Law, 2850 Metro Drive,
Consultant's Report Bloomington, who had been retained by the City to provide
consulting services relating to the selection of a new city
manager. Mr. Law stated that he would like to make a
few introductory comments prior to reviewing the position
description and job specifications that he had developed
for the City Council's consideration.
He stated that within the last two weeks he has had the
opportunity to visit individually with each member of the
City Council in an attempt to gain their insights as to
what attributes and qualifications they feel are necessary
for a city manager. He explained that the position descrip-
tion and job specifications that he has forwarded on to the
City Council contains points obtained from these interviews
with members of the City Council and also some additional
points that he feels are essential for a city manager. He
further explained that he had also had individual discussions
with various City department heads relating to the qualifi-
cations they see as important for a new city manager. He
stated that the department heads are quite interested in
seeing the City retain a well qualified city manager.
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Mr. 'Law complimented the present City Manager for his manage -
ment abilities and his recognition as being one of the top city
managers in the area. He f Arther stated that the City Council
has indicated that they want this type of management to continue
and that hopefully someone with this ability can be recruited.
Mr. Law commented on the need to have a qualified top admini-
strator in order to retain qualified department heads or to attract
well qualified new department heads if the need arises.
He stated that good City administration is based on keeping
separate the administration of City affairs which_ is the responsi-
bility of the city manager and policy making which is the
. responsibility of the City Council. He noted the comments made
by the City Manager earlier in the meeting regarding the Charter
Commission and a proposal to move toward a commission form of
government. He stated that such a move would definitely have
an adverse effect on attracting a well qualified and competent
city manager. He explained that if such a proposal had the
likelihood of being adopted, potential well qualified candidates
would not seek the position because they would not want to
get involved in trying to administer a city that is structured in
such a way with its inherent problems.
Mr. Law concluded his introductory remarks by stating that it
will be the responsibility of the City Council to make a final
selection while he will do the screening and make various
recommendations according to the guidelines, position
description, and specifications agreed to by the City Council.
The Brooklyn Center City Council recessed at 8 :35 p.m. and Recess
resumed at 8 :58 p.m.
Mr. Law proceeded to distribute and review the position Management
description and job specifications for the city manager Consultant's
position which he had prepared for the City Council's review. Report Continued
He commented relative to the objective and scope and relation -
ships of the position. A brief discussion ensued relative to
the relationships with it being suggested that the list of
positions supervised by the city manager be modified in the
following manner: administrative assistant be made plural to
indicate two such positions; the director of finance and city
treasurer positions be listed as one position because at
present the two positions are filled by the same person; and
the inclusion of the emergency preparedness coordinator/
deputy chief of police position.
Mr. Law next reviewed the major duties and responsibilities
of the position and suggested that the word "she be added
when referring to the city manager so that it would appear in
the position description to read "he or she" rather that just
"he" to avoid any discriminatory inference. Mr. Law explained
that points 1 through 7 listed under the major duties and responsi-
bilities of the city manager were taken primarily from the City
Charger. Points 1 through 7 were agreeable to the City Council for
inclusion in the position description.
A brief discussion ensued relative to point No. 8 under the
major duties and responsibilities. Councilman Kuefler suggested
that the Congress of the United States and the National League
of Cities be included in point No. 8 as other agencies that the
city manager is authorized to deal with as a representative of the
City Council. Further discussion ensued with the City Manager
suggesting that wording be used that would allow the city manager
to represent the City Council in "all intergovernmental affairs
unless specifically provided otherwise" rather than to specifically
list such agencies as the Hennepin County Board, the Metropolitan
Council, and State Legislature which would more accurately depict '
7 -18 -77 -6-
the current policy. It was the consensus of the City Council
to include the City Manager's recommended language in
point No. 8 and to also add the National League of. Cities
to the last sentence of that paragraph.
A brief discussion ensued relative to point No. 9 under the
major duties and responsibilities of the city manager with
it being the consensus of the Council to rework point No. 9
to clearly indicate that the preparation and presentation of
the City Council agenda is the responsibility of the city
manager and that the city manager is to keep the City
Council fully advised of all significant matters.
Regarding point No. 10 the City Manager pointed out that
the City has received a legal opinion regarding contract
amounts which must be let for bid. He explained that the
city manager is authorized to take quotations for contracts
of less than $5,000 while formal bids must be taken on
contracts in excess of $5,000. It was the consensus of
the City Council to so modify point No. 10.
Following further discussion it was the consensus of the
Council that points 1 through 13 listed under the major
duties and responsibilities are acceptable with the recom-
mended modifications.
Mr. Law next reviewed the specifications developed for
the position. A lengthy discussion ensued relative to the
education qualifications with Councilman Britts stating
that he feels there may well be people that do not have
a bachelor degree but might otherwise be well qualified
for the position. He explained that by having such an
educational requirement a potential candidate might be
eliminated. Councilman Lhotka suggested adding the
words "or equivalent experience" which would have the
effect of allowing persons without an educational back-
ground that have related experience to be considered.
Councilman Fignar agreed stating that he feels it is
important that at least a bachelor degree be required
but is willing to give consideration to candidates that
have equivalent experience. Councilman Lhotka questioned
whether or not the type of degree such as a major in busi-
ness, economics, political science was necessary. Further
discussion ensued relative to his point with it being the
consensus of the Council that the education qualifications
be as follows: "a bachelor degree or equivalent experience.
Master of public administration desirable but not essential" .
A discussion then ensued relative to the personal qualifi-
cations of the position. Councilman Britts stated that he
felt that it was important that a city manager have an
ability to listen as well as communicate and get along with
the public, staff, and City Council. He suggested that
the Council give consideration to this concept. Mr. Law
responded that he felt it was important for a city manager
to have an ability to listen but questioned whether or not
it was imperative that he get along with various individuals
or groups. He explained that in many cases a city manager
is directed by the City Council to hold the ground on various
ordinances or other matters. He added that in some cases
the city manager must make decisions that are not popular
with all segments of the community and, therefore, may
well be a person that is not considered popular. Council -
man Britts stated that he is not as concerned about the
wording of the personal qualifications but rather is concerned
that a potential candidate have the ability to listen and is
also the type of person that does not turn people off.
Following further discussion it was the consensus of the
City Council to add the words "to listen to the personal
qualifications.
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Mr. Law then reviewed the appropriate previous experience
recommended for consideration of a city manager candidate.
Councilman Britts stated that it may well be that persons with
five to ten years experience may not measure up to that needed °
for the job while on the other hand persons with less than five
years experience may well be more qualified for the position.
He suggested that the Council further review the minimum and
maximum experience criteria recommended. Mr. Law pointed
out that the type of experience is much more important than J
the amount of experience. He stated that in many cases 20
years experience may be nothing more than one year's experience
repeated 20 times. Councilman Fignar stated that he favors the
minimum of five years experience. He commented that as a
practical matter he does not feel one year's experience is enough.
He added that five years experience seems reasonable and
suggested that reference to ten years be stricken. Councilman
Lhotka suggested adding the word "preferred" to five years so
that a well qualified candidate with somewhat less than five
years experience would not be eliminated from consideration.
Mr. Law suggested that the Council might also want to consider
private sector experience in that it is possible that persons
with private sector experience may well want to apply for the
position. Councilman Lhotka also suggested that the Council
consider adding the words "and understanding" after the words
"comprehensive knowledge" in the last sentence of this section
so that it would read "the individual should possess a compre-
hensive knowledge and understanding of all phases of city
administration, finance, etc. ".
Following a brief discussion it was the consensus of the City
Council to so modify appropriate previous experience contained
under the position specifications to show that five years previous
experience is preferred, that a person with equivalent administra-
tive experience in the private sector will also be considered and
that the person should possess a comprehensive knowledge as well
as an understanding of all phases of City administration.
Mr. Law recommended that the reference to compensation under
the position specifications reflect that the salary is open and
commensurate with the candidate's qualifications and experience,
and that also excellent fringe benefits are available.
Mr. Law then reviewed a number of items that he felt the City
Council should address which are not part of the position descrip-
tion or specifications but are important items and relate directly
to questions frequently asked by candidates seeking the position.
He stated that the first such item has to do with the hiring range
salary. He distributed a 1977 salary comparison chart for city
managers in 19 metropolitan area communities. He explained that
in addition to the 1977 actual salaries the chart also contains a
1978 forecasted salary which is based on the percentage increase
a particular city manager received in 1977 over the 1976 salary.
He added that this forecasted salary does not necessarily indicate
what the salary for a particular city manager will be, or should be,
but rather is a ball park estimate for comparative purposes only.
He pointed out that the City Council would probably be hiring a
new city manager approximately three to four months before the
first of the year which is normally the time that salaries of other
city employees are annually adjusted. He stated that this fact
should be taken into consideration when establishing a hiring range
salary for the new city manager with the idea that the manager's
salary would probably be reviewed within the first twelve months.
In response to an inquiry by Councilman Britts, Mr. Law stated that
he was referring to a hiring range salary not a salary schedule. He
further stated that the hiring range is the minimum and maximum salary
7 -18 -77 -8-
range within which the City Council is willing to pay a
successful candidate based on that person's qualifications
and experience for the position.
Mr. Law then pointed out that the City Council, when
hiring a new city manager, should also take into account
the salaries paid to the highest paid department heads.
He referred to the chart which contained this information
relative to Brooklyn Center and commented that a starting
salary which is relatively close to that of the highest
paid department head could very well have a depressing
effect on that department head's salary which could in turn
potentially create unwanted and unneeded problems.
Mayor Cohen questioned what was the normal percentage
difference between the highest paid department head and
the top administrator. Mr. Law responded that it was
approximately 15 %, but that this could be higher or lower
depending upon the case.
A brief discussion ensued relative to the starting salary
range with Mayor Cohen suggesting, for discussion purposes,
that the Council use the 15% spread factor over the highest
paid department head as a base point, which would be
approximately $33,400 and establish a range between
$33,500 and $36,000. Councilman Kuefler suggested a
range of $34,000 to $37,000 with the understanding that
the city manager's salary would not be reviewed or adjusted
at the first of the year as are salaries of other City
employees, but would be reviewed after a 12 month period.
Councilman Lhotka suggested a larger salary range of
$30,000 to $37,000, stating that -this would seem more
appropriate because it would allow more flexibility.
Councilman Britts concurred with Councilman Lhotka.
Mayor Cohen inquired of Mr. Law about the possibility
of having a hiring range salary of "up to $37,000 ".
Mr. Law responded that such a range would provide the
City Council with the most flexibility.
Councilman Lhotka left the table at 10 :35 p.m.
Further discussion ensued relative to the hiring range.
Following the discussion it was the consensus of the
members of the City Council present to establish the
hiring range salary of "up to $37,000" .
Regarding the City car policy it was the consensus of the
City Council members present that a car be provided to the
city manager to be used only on city business.
Regarding moving of household goods and family trans-
portation, it was the consensus of the City Council members
present to provide from $1,500 to $2,000 for paying such
expenses.
Councilman Lhotka returned to the table at 10 :39 p.m.
Regarding a residency requirement for the new city manager.,
Mayor Cohen stated that there is not a residency require-
ment for most City employees and that there is nothing
contained in the City ordinances that requires the city
manager to reside in Brooklyn Center. He added that it is
-9- 7 -18 -77
part of the present City Manager's agreement that he will
continue to reside in Brooklyn Center. He stated that he felt
it should be a requirement of a new city manager that that '
person become a resident of Brooklyn Center within 12 months
after being hired. It was the consensus of the City Council that .
the new city manager be required to be a resident of Brooklyn
Center within 12 months after accepting the position.
It was the consensus of the City Council that the vacation
policy for the new city manager in 1978 would be to allow
10 days vacation.
It was the consensus of the City Council that it be City
policy to pay the ICMA dues for the new city manager.
It was the consensus of the City Council that the policy
affecting the new city manager's attendance at conferences
would be based on what is budgeted for and what is deemed
appropriate at the discretion of the City Council.
Regarding life insurance policies, Mayor Cohen informed
Mr. Law that such policies are available to the new city
manager.
Mr. Law inquired of the City Council regarding whether or
not they wished to execute a contract stipulating the terms
and conditions of employment with the new city manager.
The City Manager stated that the new city manager would
serve at the discretion and pleasure of the City Council and
that he presently does not have a formal contract with the
City Council but rather a resolution adopted at the time he
was appointed city manager contains certain terms and
conditions. He pointed out that this resolution on occasion
has been amended. The City Manager also commented that
he felt it would not be appropriate to review the city manager's
salary during the fall of the year which might be the case if
a new manager was brought on board during the fall of this
year. He explained that it would not be good to review the
manager's salary during the heat of the political season and
pointed out that this is one reason why the City Council
waits until December to set the annual salaries for City
employees.
Following further discussion there was a motion by Council- Action Adopting
man Lhotka and seconded by Councilman Fignar to adopt the Position Description
position description and specifications for a new city manager and Specifications
submitted by Mr. Loren Law as amended by the City Council. for New City Manager
Voting in favor: Mayor Cohen, Councilmen Britts, Kuefler,
Fignar, and Lhotka. Voting against: none. The motion passed
unanimously.
A discussion then ensued relative to the procedure Mr. Law
would utilize in his management search effort. He explained
that he would attempt to establish various target dates for
meeting certain requirements in the search effort. He reported
that he would provide the City Council with a written report
relating to his activities every two weeks. He briefly reviewed
the methods he would utilize for advertising the position and
at the request of the Mayor, stated that he would provide the
City Council with a list of where advertisements would appear.
7 -18 -77 -10-
He reported that by the end of August he should be able to
complete the field work required in his search so that a
recommendation regarding candidates could be given to
the City Council no later than mid September. In response
to an inquiry by Councilman Lhotka, Mr, Law stated that
normally not more than four candidates are recommended
to a City Council for interviews and that ideally this
number is three. He explained that members of the City
Council would be able to review all information available
on recommended candidates.
Mr. Law then reported that following this screening pro -
cedure he would recommend that the City Council set
aside time to interview. each of the recommended candidates
on a one -on -one basis. He added that generally this is
done by bringing in candidates on a Thursday or preferably
a Friday evening at which time three City Council members
would be given an opportunity to interview each candidate
individually.
He explained that the Council members would be isolated
during these one -on -one interviews to avoid any potential
violation or conflict with the Open Meeting Law. He
then explained that on Saturday morning the remaining
Council members would be given the opportunity to inter-
view the candidates individually. He further explained
that, prior to these interviews, each Council member
would receive all available information on the candidates,
a work session to review the interview process and the
written appraisal form that will be filled out by members
of the City Council would be explained. He then suggested
that the City Council hold a special meeting at approximately
2 :00 p.m. on the same Saturday at which time each candidate
would be interviewed by the City Council as a whole and
a decision made.
The City Manager commented that it might be worthwhile as
a technique for gaining relative information on a candidate's
background for City Council members to visit the home
area of potential candidates to background themselves on
the person. Mr. Law pointed out that he would be doing
this somewhat in his field screening of candidates. He
cautioned that a large committee or the City Council as
a whole undertaking this might create some problems for
the candidates and some possible Open Meeting Law
conflicts.
A further discussion ensued with Mr. Law reiterating that
he would keep the City Council informed through written
progress reports every two weeks. He suggested that a
weekend in September, after Labor Day, be tentatively
established for interviewing candidates.
Mayor Cohen suggested September 16 and 17 as the target
date for the interviews with the possibility of moving this
date up earlier if the recommendations are available.
Adjournment Motion by Councilman Kuefler and seconded by Councilman
Lhotka to adjourn the meeting. Voting in favor: Mayor
Cohen, Councilmen. Britts, Kuefler, Fignar, and Lhotka.
Voting against: none. The motion passed unanimously. The
Brooklyn Center City Council adjourned at 11 :15 p.m.
Jerk Mayor
I
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