Minutes - 1996/03/11 - Laserfiche WebLink

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~~ , ~~ . ~4 Page 4 March 11, 1996 Mounds Vtew Ctty Counctl Hankner: Ms. Hankner stated there are some relatively serious concerns at city hall in terms of management and the fact that Item C was tabled is reflective of what is going on. She would like to publicly say that it has been brought to her attention that someone has been informing staff at city hall that it is her goal to fire the Director of Parks & Recreation. Ms. Blanchard stated she feels that this matter should be discussed at a time in which those accused can be available to defend the accusations and therefore she would like to continue the discussion at the next regular City Council meeting to be held on March 25, 1996. Ms. Hankner stated she would like to make a few comments -and in particular let the public know that it is NOT her goal to fire any employee in the City of Mounds View. Whoever has chosen to tell employees this is not being fair and forward. The same individual is making other comments about volunteer commission members and she thinks that these sort of things need to be made public It is causing other. problems internally at City Hall. She feels there is a problem with management and with nepotism (an elected official having a spouse or relative employed by the city) which needs to be taken care of. She feels there are some serious issues which need to be taken care of and also that council members should not go in and try to manage or undermine the staff. • Ms. Blanchard stated she fmds Ms. Hankner's comments to be very offensive and she does not feel it is fair to comment about someone who is not present to defend themselves. Trude: Ms. Trude stated she found it interesting that this type of action should take place at the first meeting that the Mayor is not present. She does not feel it is the best or healthiest way to relate to each other as council members. The reason Item C was tabled is that it was not an appropriate time to bring the motion forward when it was not unanimously agreed upon at the work session. The other two items were unannnously agreed upon at the work session. The Mayor asked to be present for the discussion of Item C and she is merely respecting his wishes. He is normally present at every meeting, however he is in Washington, DC, representing the City of Mounds View and she does not feel the time is appropriate to discuss the issue. Ms. Hankner stated as she recalls at the last City Council Work Session, all five council members were present and only one person was not in favor of the reorganization of the management structure at the golf course. Ms. Trude stated she feels that all the opinions of the council members should be considered before action is taken on this item. It will be placed on the March 25, 1996 agenda for consideration. Ms. Blanchard acknowledged the resignation of Paui Harrington, Acting Administrator, who has accepted a position and will be leaving Mounds View. She stated she, as well as many others, will be sorry to see him go, but wish him the best of luck. Ms. Hankner stated Mr. Harrington has done an excellent job for the City of Mounds View and she would like to wish him well in his new position. Ms. Trude stated she has always found Paul to be a very hard working member of the staff and he has guided many other people along as he took on the many responsibilities of Acting Administrator.