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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—November 29, 2010 18 7.C. Finance Analyst Position (continued) Director of Finance and Administrative Services Iverson stated she and Joe Rueb had also talked to Mr. Howard about the position. Mayor Harpstead stated he did not agree that the normal process the City follows when filling a position has been followed. He did not believe that Mr. Howard had been properly interviewed for the position. City Administrator Klaers stated Mr. Howard is a highly skilled intern with the City. There is a need within the Finance Department that Mr. Howard can fill with his skills. Staff has discussed the position with Mr. Howard and he is interested in the position. Councilmember Grant stated Mr. Howard is a known asset to the City. The City has worked with him for an extended period of time and Staff would like to hire him for this position. He clarified that there should be no problem appointing him to this position as long as Staff has no reservations. MOTION: Councilmember Grant moved and Councilmember Holmes seconded a motion to extend the meeting to 10:45 p.m. The motion carried unanimously(5-0). City Attorney Filla left the meeting at 10:20 p.m. Councilmember McClung stated the City should either have a hiring process or not. If there is a process then the City should follow this process with every position. Councilmember Holden stated she is in the process of hiring two people at the State level. The process that she has followed is that a position may be posted for one day then Staff has the ability to hire for the position. She stated if there is a known person within the organization that has the skills to fill a position then that person should be hired for the position. Councilmember Holmes stated the City does not require a position be posted before filling it. This situation is similar to promoting someone and the City does not post a position when they promote someone. Councilmember Grant stated the process the City follows could be when a position is available the internal staff is looked at first and if there is a person to promote then that action is taken. If there is not a qualified internal candidate then the City can post the position, accept applications, and interview for the position. Mayor Harpstead clarified he would like to see the City be more disciplined and follow an established process in the future. Councilmember Grant asked if filling this position would provide the Council with full financial analysis and research on items brought before the Council for approval. He stated he would like to see more in-depth analysis including return on investment information.