Agenda Packets - 1999/09/27 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mounds View City Council August 23, 1999 Regular Meeting Page 34 Council Member Stigney stated he disagreed. He stated this was a public forum, he was a public Council Member, and this was the discussion for determining whether or not a position is necessary, and the type of person being considered. Mayor Coughlin stated that this was very nearly approaching a personnel matter. Council Member Stigney stated he was discussing whether or not a City Administrator function requires an assistant, and if so, what other methods of staffing might be able to handle it. He added if there were none, they should consider an intern position. Mayor Coughlin commented that Ms. Reed, contrary to what was indicated, would not only be taking a pay cut, but would have to enter into her third year of employment with the City of Mounds View to attain what she is currently earning. He stated she would not be coming into the City and immediately earning a high salary. He explained that Ms. Reed would actually be earning less than former Assistant to the City Administrator Schmidt did in the same position, which represents a savings to the City. Council Member Marty inquired regarding the term and salary of Step 1. City Administrator Whiting stated this was typically a six month term, and the salary is five percent lower than the stated Step 2. Council Member Marty stated, therefore, they would be starting Ms. Reed at the six-month period. He commented that if she were in this for the money, she would not accept this job and take a pay cut. He stated this proposal would obtain someone for the City with a Masters Degree in Public Administration, and accelerate her pay level by six months. Council Member Stigney stated this would add another the burden to the taxpayers of the City, which he does not feel is justified. He stated that if someone is needed, they should be looking at a different person to fill this position. He stated he had provided options of how to do this. He stated an individual who indicates they want to get some experience to move on is the wrong candidate. He reiterated that an intern or a restructuring of the secretarial position would be appropriate. Mayor Coughlin stated he would not want to "invest in stock for gold watches" for any government employee whether with the City of Minneapolis or Mounds View. Council Member Stigney stated they have a City Administrator, and are not hiring someone to run the City. He stated they were hiring someone who assists in running the City. Council Member Thomason stated Council Member Stigney had brought forward some valid concerns. She stated in regard to someone coming in and using the system in order to get their "feet wet, " having been in management and a supervisor for approximately 20 years, that is the name of the game, and is why you would accept a position. She stated the average length of employment of a person coming in to a position is approximately three years, because they do want to gain experience and then move on.