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that they have all of the technology and the prices and fees are higher, they can not operate <br />without an assistant. He stated he questioned this. <br />Mayor Coughlin remarked that people used to run around in horse and buggies, too. He stated <br />that things change. He explained the demands on city government, both from rules and <br />regulations from above, and demands from the residents for further goods and services, continue <br />to rise, and those demands have to be met. He stated, although Council Member Stigney's <br />opinion is just, stating it in a public manner, as part of the official record of the City, he felt was <br />inappropriate. <br />Council Member Stigney stated he disagreed. He stated this was a public forum, he was a public <br />Council Member, and this was the discussion for determining whether or not a position is <br />necessary, and the type of person being considered. <br />Mayor Coughlin stated that this was very nearly approaching a personnel matter. <br />Council Member Stigney stated he was discussing whether or not a City Administrator function <br />requires an assistant, and if so, what other methods of staffing might be able to handle it. He <br />added if there were none, they should consider an intern position. <br />Mayor Coughlin commented that Ms. Reed, contrary to what was indicated, would not only be <br />taking a pay cut, but would have to enter into her third year of employment with the City of <br />Mounds View to attain what she is currently earning. He stated she would not be coming into <br />• the City and immediately earning a high salary. He explained that Ms. Reed would actually be <br />earning less than former Assistant to the City Administrator Schmidt did m the same position, <br />which represents a savings to the City. <br />Council Member Marty inquired regarding the term and salary of Step 1. <br />City Administrator Whiting stated this was typically a six month term, and the salary is five <br />percent lower than the stated Step 2. <br />Council Member Marty stated, therefore, they would be starting Ms. Reed at the six-month <br />period. He commented that if she were in this for the money, she would not accept this job and <br />take a pay cut. He stated this proposal would obtain someone for the City with a Masters Degree <br />in Public Administration, and accelerate her pay level by six months. <br />Council Member Stigney stated this would add another the burden to the taxpayers of the City, <br />which he does not feel is justified. He stated that if someone is needed, they should be looking at <br />a different person to fill this position. He stated he had provided options of how to do this. He <br />stated an individual who indicates they want to get some experience to move on is the wrong <br />candidate. He reiterated that an intern or a restructuring of the secretarial position would be <br />appropriate. <br />Mayor Coughlin stated he would not want to "invest in stock for gold watches" for any <br />. government employee whether with the City of Minneapolis or Mounds View. <br />Council Member Stigney stated they have a City Administrator, and are not hiring someone to <br />run the City. He stated they were hiring someone who assists in running the City. <br />