07/13/1998 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Search

• • • SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING JULY 13, 1998 Chris asked Nick to explain how his wife sees him. Nick said that she thinks he is a very detailed person. Chris asked Nick to explain how his children see him. Nick said, "write a check dad". They see him as intense. Nick explained that he and his family do a lot of things together. His family sees him as considerate, with a high ethical value, interested in learning something new and ready to invest in himself. Nick referred to a newspaper article about his taking one day a month to continue his education. The newspaper opposed this use of his time. He noted that he does plan to get his P.H.D in the future. John asked Nick if the City made an offer to him and he accepted, how long would it take you to be available for the position. Nick explained, a couple of weeks. He noted that his employer is aware that he is looking at other employment possibilities. Nick asked how City functions are administered. He said it appears that the administrator runs the day to day functions. The Council said yes. Nick said he felt it would be inappropriate for a council member to call a specific employee and direct him/her. This should be the responsibility of the city administrator. John explained that this City Council does recognize that the Council's position is to set policy rather than direct operations. He explained that there may be two (2) reasons Council Members may contact staff and they are to ask a specific question or to relay a complaint. Kim explained that she worked for the City for a brief period. She noted that department head staff do not really direct their departments and were not given the opportunity to take responsibility for their department. As a result, few department heads have the skills that they need to fulfill their position. She felt a need to implement an intervener process. Kim said that she felt that the roll of the city administrator during council meetings was to advise and provide information. In addition, she felt that the city administrator should not allow the council to be put in a position of looking uninformed when someone from the audience is asking questions that the council would not know. The administrator needs to step in and tell that person that the council does not know but will direct staff to research the matter. The administrator is a buffer in that situation. Kim also said that the administrator is to staff what the mayor is to the council. The council will rely heavily on the administrators ability to know details. Kim explained that she was impressed with Nick's attitude and abilities. She felt that staff was ready for someone different. Again she noted there is an incredible amount of citizen involvement with their government. Kim asked that another special council meeting be scheduled for Thursday, before the Comprehensive Plan meeting to make a final decision regarding the city administrator position and let Nick know on Friday. She told Nick that he is the only person who this Council has invited back for a second interview. She asked Nick to call if he had questions or reservations. PAGE 5