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Mounds View City Council February 28, 2000 Regular Meeting Page 29 indicated there is a provision in the Charter regarding an absence of the Administrator in terms of a vacation of the position, and if the Council does not act, this provision may come into play. He stated however, he felt the Council should decide that, and whether that be done sooner or later would be up to the discretion of the Council. Mayor Coughlin stated he personally felt they should proceed at this time, as during the next month, City Administrator Whiting would be preparing this individual, which would require some time. He suggested Director of Public Works Michael Ulrich be appointed to the position, in light of the fact that he has served as acting Administrator on a temporary basis, in City Administrator Whiting’s absence. He noted Director of Public Works Ulrich is probably the most tenured Department Head in the City, and carries with that some history and wisdom with regard to the City. He explained that portions of this position would probably require to be delegated to other individuals, and some of the other Department Heads would probably be required to carry additional responsibilities above and beyond their own. MOTION/SECOND: Coughlin/Marty. To Appoint Director of Public Works, Michael Ulrich to Act as the Deputy Clerk Administrator. City Administrator Whiting stated he would be very comfortable with this appointment, however, there are other Department Heads that would certainly be capable of serving in this capacity as well. He stated he does not care to select one over the other, however, whenever he has left a position and appointed someone to act in the interim, and easy criteria for determining this appointment is longevity and pay, and Director of Public Works Ulrich meets both of these criteria. He stated the City would certainly rely upon Finance Director Kessel, particularly in June and July with the budget process, and he is very capable as well. He indicated the City has an excellent Police Chief with very good administrative abilities, although having only been with the City for approximately six months. He advised that Community Development Director Jopke has over 20 years experience in a management position with the City. He stated there is a good group of individuals to select from, and this suggestion is not one of favoritism, but rather one of selecting the best of many. Mayor Coughlin noted that someone has to be where the buck stops. Council Member Stigney stated his secondary concern was whether or not Director of Public Works Ulrich concurred with this recommendation, and had sufficient time, in light of his spring activities. City Administrator Whiting advised that much of the responsibility would fall to his second in command, Tim Pittman, and they have been attempting to develop those skills. He stated each department has someone who is next in line, however, a less discussed suggestion was the option of hiring someone from the outside on a temporary basis. He pointed out that the City might wish to find a retired City Manager who might make himself available. Mayor Coughlin stated there was time to discuss further options, and they could discuss the recommendation with Director of Public Works Ulrich to be certain he is comfortable with this appointment.