10/22/1994 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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1 1 COUNCIL WORK SESSION OCTOBER 22, 1994 Mr. Bergeson noted this study is just a start in the capital improvement plan. He estimated it would cost another $1 million for land and furnishings. Mr. Reinert estimated 40 acres of land would cost $300,000. Mr. Schumacher pointed out that space has become a serious issue at city hall. He said there is a variety of funding sources for a new facility, and he will identify sites and examine the financial options, based on the premise the city would build in 3-5 years. Council members agreed they were not willing to use eminent domain to obtain a site; they had enough options without resorting to that. A meeting was set for Nov. 12 at 9 a.m. to further address the site issue. 2. Administration/Staff Communication, Bergeson, Kuether Mr. Reinert explained that Ms. Kuether and Mr. Bergeson had met with Darrell Schneider and Don Volk before they left the city, and they indicated there was a lack of communication with the city administrator. Mr. Reinert said he believed the relationship of the Mayor, City Council and staff is misunderstood. According to the city charter, the mayor's position is ceremonial and defines no administrative responsibility. The City Council is responsible for administration of the city, and for the job description of the city administrator, who is the chief administrative officer of the organization. Mr. Reinert said it was his opinion that Mr. Schneider's decision to leave was based on an opportunity to move where he had built a home and had family, although he also had concerns about personal liability. He told Mr. Reinert the city engineer position was a good one for the city. Mr. Reinert said he felt Mr. Volk was unhappy, and perhaps the Council was at fault for not tracking the problems more closely after the reorganization of positions. Mr. Bergeson said he and Ms. Kuether talked to several staff members, and from those discussions they had concerns about morale. It is their understanding that key people are looking for new positions. The city lost two of its best staff members, and should find ways to avoid losing more. Mr. Bergeson said the City Council has no way to evaluate the city administrator, and a system needs to be put in place. He added that since the Council has little day-to-day knowledge of staff activity, the evaluation could include both Council and staff feedback. A professional may be needed to establish an evaluation process. Ms. Kuether added that she felt the low morale was evident in all departments. Mr. Bergeson said Mr. Schumacher needs to make an effort to turn morale around. He suggested regular meetings with key people. Mr. Reinert said the council needs to deal with these problems together, and that Mr. Kuether and Mr. Bergeson should share with the other Council members who they talked to and what they learned. The charter is specific about how the Council administers and members have an obligation 2I • :