Agenda Packets - 1999/09/13 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mounds View City Council August 23, 1999 Regular Meeting Page 35 technical services of him. He stated they could hire someone at a lower pay grade just to do "busy" work. Mayor Coughlin noted that with Option 3, Planning Associate Ericson would be designated as Planner and Neighborhood Liaison. He stated it has been the focus of the Council, and himself personally, to provide more dialogue with the people on specific issues. He stated it would be of benefit to have a person with the personality and knowledge to work with the community. He stated he had been contacted by numerous Planning Commissioners who provided unsolicited kudos and praises to Jim Ericson, for his professionalism and competence in this area. He stated he was in favor of honoring an employee who was doing excellent work, with compensation that reflects that. Council Member Marty stated he agreed with this. He stated that Planning Associate Ericson did possess very good public demeanor. He stated he was outgoing, and could relate to people. Community Development Director Jopke stated Planning Associate Ericson was an excellent employee, who should be rewarded for his efforts. City Administrator Whiting expressed his appreciation to Community Development Director Jopke for taking it upon himself to delve into what is considered a personnel matter. He stated typically, they would have someone in personnel administration conducting some of this research. He stated he would like the Council to understand that this represents an issue, which would resurface again and again, as it had in the past. He stated that regardless of the policies or choices of the Council, in regard to determining a salary plan or a comparative basis for employee salaries, the reality was that Community Development Director Jopke has had to do this research. He added that he had also been involved in this discussion to some extent. City Administrator Whiting stated the reality of this situation is that staff thinks Jim Ericson is an excellent employee, and they would like to provide some type of future for him with the City of Mounds View. He stated there would be no reason to consider this proposal, if that were not the case. He stated he believed there was an opportunity presented to further develop an employee who the City has already invested in, and to structure a position for someone who is yet to be determined, to come into the City, and perhaps start their career or continue it. City Administrator Whiting stated during his three and a half years with the City,he had seen people come and go. He stated these are people the City has invested in, and people they may choose to further invest in to the City's advantage, as well as their own, due to their work skills and abilities. He stated he did not believe there was a formula that could be arrived at which would allow this to happen in a manner that would be acceptable for every situation. He stated when staff comes to the City Council regarding personnel and personnel changes, they are knowledgeable regarding the issues. He stated in this case in particular, he felt strongly that proposal should be approved. He stated he was fully confident, that with the reconstruction of these positions, they would not only being doing something good for Jim Ericson, but also for the Department, and for the City. He stated if this was not the case, the proposal would not have been presented. 35C:\ADMIN\MINUTES\CC\8-23-99.CC