2018 Administration Department Annual Report

Home Browse Search

2018 Annual Report • Administration • St. Anthony Village, Minnesota 10 STUDENTS IN GOVERNMENT On November 15th, city staff and council participated in the Students in Government Day with students from St. Anthony Village High School. We began with an overview of the city’s organizational and governance structure, students were then paired with a department head for a tour and department-specific activities at the police, fire, public works and liquor operations. Next the students prepared to participate in a mock city council meeting. Those students chosen to act as mayor and city council members worked in the council chambers with Assistant to the City Manager Charlie Yunker and City Clerk Nicole Miller on Robert’s Rules of Order and meeting protocol. The remaining students were split into three groups, each group working with a department head to develop a specific project proposal for council consideration, with the understanding that only one project would be approved. Fire Chief Mark Sitarz’s group proposed building a new fire station to replace a fictitious aging structure, City Engineer Todd Hubmer’s group proposed reconstruction of Silver Lake Road, and Public Works Director Jay Hartman’s group proposed building a new park. After the mock council meeting commenced, each group presented their proposals and answered thoughtful questions by the council. Councilmember Randle Stille, acting as a concerned resident, addressed the council, offering a fourth option and giving reasons not to approve any of the students’ proposals. Following several motions and seconds, a majority approved the proposal for a new fire station. Once the meeting was adjourned, the mayor and council were individually re-elected or voted out by the students. The day concluded with students meeting with the real mayor and city council members in small groups and sharing a meal with staff, council, and the school superintendent.