Minutes - 1999/11/15 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mounds View City Council November 15, 1999 Regular Meeting Page 4 and therefore, would apologize in as much as he has helped cause some of the existing morale difficulties. • Mayor Coughlin called upon the Council to examine very carefully the manner in which they are dealing with staff, and what their perspectives in the community are. He explained that staff members are the individuals who conduct the administrative work, and none of the Council Members are supposed to do this work, much less are able to. He advised these are talented good, and devoted people, who want to work for the City. He stated in this day and age, when there is essentially zero unemployment, to maintain quality people is key. He explained he did not desire to have a group of interns or recently graduated college students in charge of managing the City of Mounds View. He pointed out for some positions this is ideal, and everyone has to begin somewhere, however, you can not run the entire town in that manner. Mayor Coughlin explained he would like the Council to surround themselves with people who are smarter, more professional, more talented, and more creative than they are. He explained this is because Mr. Whiting, Mr. Ulrich, Mr. Ericson and Mr. Jopke, and the rest of City staff, are the individuals who actually make the City work. Mayor Coughlin commented the Council has the opportunity to be seen on television, and they receive all of the accolades and the grief, however, they are not the ones who run the City. He explained the day-to-day operations are carried out by people behind the scenes, and there is actually a person behind the wheel of the snowplow at 2:00 a.m., who works eight hours without a break, because the roads must be plowed for the health safety and welfare of the community. • Mayor Coughlin stated from this moment forward, he would not allow these good people to be accused of things they have never done, and then have to carry this unwanted and unnecessary burden around, only to have the occasional person poke fun at them, or accuse them anew of things they were accused of in the Council Chambers. Mayor Coughlin advised the Staff/Council Retreat would be held the following day. He stated one of the issues that should be discussed at this meeting is how this Council interacts, deals with, and supports its staff. He stated elements of the Council come forward with the mentality that everyone is considered guilty until they are proven innocent, however, this is not America, and this is not Mounds View. He explained it is time to eliminate the negativity, and get back to a point where staff, Council and citizens collectively can feel good about their town, and staff does not have to look over their shoulder for the next "grenade" to be lobbed from the podium. Mayor Coughlin indicated staff is not doing all they could do, for fear that next week they will be attacked on television, and will then have to defend their good name. He explained this is not necessary or warranted, and to place an honorable and noble person in the position of having to defend themselves against accusations is not only wrong, it is immoral. Mayor Coughlin stated he desired to acknowledge Kitty Hickok for her job with the City, and also extended his thanks to the other 29 people, some who left for legitimate reasons, and some who simply just fled. He stated he would commit himself anew to look at the "big picture" in Mounds View, and help support the staff that supports the City, because to do no less would be against his oath of office and his integrity.