HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-22-07-S
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Approved: January 14, 2008
CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA
SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING
DECEMBER 22, 2007; 8:00 AM
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, Mayor Stan Harpstead called to order the Special
City Council meeting at 8:10 a.m.
Present:
Mayor Stan Harpstead, Councilmembers David Grant, Brenda Holden, and
David McClung.
Absent:
Councilmember Fran Holmes (Excused)
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
MOTION: Mayor Harpstead moved and Councilmember McClung seconded a
motion to approve the meeting agenda as presented. The motion carried
unanimously (4-0).
2. INTERVIEWS FOR INTERIM CITY ADMINISTRATOR POSITION
Suggested Interview Questions for Interim City Administrator:
1) Describe your past experience as an Interim City Administrator. Summarize an example of where you
influenced the direction of staff.
2) Describe the most important responsibilities of an Interim City Administrator.
3) What are the most effective methods for working with City Council?
4) What are the most effective methods for working with Staff during and Interim appointment?
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - December 22, 2007
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5) How might a "large project" that started long before an Interim's appointment and that will continue
long after affect the responsibilities of the Interim City Administrator?
6) Describe how your management style will foster "Team Building" and effective interaction between
departments?
7) Describe how your management style will foster accountability within Staff job responsibilities?
8) As an Interim City Administrator - how is it best to interact with the residents of Arden Hills?
Interviewed Mr. Jim Willis from 8:10 a.m. to 9:25 a.m. Interviewed Greg Andrews from 9:30
a.m. to 10:46 a.m.
3. SELECTION OF INTERIM CITY ADMINISTRATOR
Councilmember Holden stated the both candidates were well qualified and checked out
well with outside sources. Mr. Willis was favored based on the interview.
Councilmember McClung agreed that he could support either candidate, but also favored
Mr. Willis.
Councilmember Grant stated that he appreciated Mr. Willis' responses and clarity.
Mayor Harpstead agreed with Councilmember Holden that while both candidates were
well qualified, he favored Mr. Willis based on the direct nature of his responses and
potential to provide leadership to the city.
MOTION: Councilmember Grant moved and Councilmember Holden seconded a
motion to authorize the Mayor and/or staff to execute an agreement for an
Interim City Administrator position with Mr. Jim Willis at a rate of $62
per hour for 24 to 32 hours per week. Further, that the agreement allow
for mileage from Plymouth, Minnesota, and include a non-disclosure/non-
compete clause in cases of development alternatives between cities.
4. SELECTION OF ACTING CITY ADMINISTRATOR
Mayor Harpstead proposed Public Works Director Greg Hoag as Acting City Administrator for
the period of time until the Interim City Administrator was in place. The duration would be
potentially from December 28, 2007 to January 11, 2008 (or longer based on Mr. Willis'
availability). Reasons include, his seniority with the City and the breadth of his current
responsibility.
Councilmember Grant suggested Sue Iverson to function as Acting City Administrator due to the
importance of the finance role throughout the City. Further, following the completion of the 2008
budget she may have some more capacity at this time.
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Councilmember Holden noted that the Director of Public Works can be frequently called out of
the office into the field and that this may complicate administrative matters.
Councilmember McClung expressed concern about the lack of a single point of authority.
Mayor Harpstead indicated that both Ms Iverson and Mr Hoag worked closely together and that
this process may enhance collaboration during this 2-3 week interim period.
Councilmember Holden recalled that the City is currently operating with at short staff and that
spreading the duties may be the best use of the staff.
Discussion followed over the options.
M OTI 0 N: Mayor Harpstead moved and Councilmember Grant seconded a motion to
appoint Finance Director Sue Iverson and Public Works Director Greg
Hoag as Co-acting City Administrators from December 28, 2007 until the
Interim City Administrator assumes responsibility.
Temporary reporting relationships are:
Director of Finance:
. Finance
. Assistant City Administrator
. Community Development (excluding TCAAP project management)
Director of Public Works
. Public works,
. Engineering
. Parks, Trails and recreation
. TCAAP project management
5. ADJOURN
MOTION: Councilmember Grant moved and Councilmember McClung seconded a
motion adjourn the meeting. The motion carried unanimously (4-0).
Mayor Harpstead adjoumed the Special City Council Meeting at 11 :30 a.m.
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NoahA. Simon
Deputy Clerk