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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06.29.11 Special Council Minutes COUNCIL MINUTES SPECIAL June 29, 2011 1. CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order by Mayor Larson at 3:53 p.m. 2. ROLL CALL Members Present: Members Absent: Also Present: Larson, Bartholomay, Donnelly, Fogarty, May None Brenda Wendlandt, Human Resources Director; Cynthia Muller, Executive Assistant Audience: 4. APPROVE AGENDA MOTION by Bartholomay, second by Fogarty to approve the Agenda. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. 5. SELECT FINALISTS FOR CITY ADMINISTRATOR POSITION Councilmember Fogarty asked if Council wanted two candidates to come back for second interviews or select one candidate now. Mayor Larson agreed with selecting one candidate now. Councilmember Bartholomay agreed. Councilmember May appreciated the comments of the advisory panel. Her ftrst opinion after the initial interviews was there were three candidates who were extremely qualifted. She was not sure which one would rise to the top. Mayor Larson's top three were David McKnight, Brian Anderson, and Bruce Messelt. Councilmember Bartholomay had the same order with Bart Fischer being tied for third. Councilmember Fogarty selected David McKnight, Bruce Messelt, and Brian Anderson. She believed Mr. McKnight had a heart for this City that is unmatched. Councilmember May noted Mr. Anderson is also a part of our community and he referred to the comp plan more than the others and has experience with a neighboring community. Councilmember May felt Mr. Messelt's experience is unmatched by anyone and it would be an asset to the community to have someone of that caliber. Looking at roots and devotion to the community, she felt Mr. McKnight and Mr. Anderson were in the same place. She wondered if the advisory panel's decision would have been the same if the interviewers had not known Mr. McKnight. Mayor Larson felt he would be able to separate that. Councilmember Fogarty noted this is a good problem to have with ftve great candidates. Councilmember Donnelly selected David McKnight, Bruce Messelt, and Brian Anderson. All three had the experience and energy. Councilmember Donnelly wanted to pick someone where he could be proud to say he was part of the team that selected that person. There is something to be said for someone that has more community roots. Mayor Larson took an unofficial poll of City staff and those at the meet and greet for all candidates and out of 12 opinions all but one felt Mr. McKnight would do a good job. Councilmember Fogarty stated two people told her either Mr. McKnight or Mr. Messelt would do well, and three people recommended Mr. McKnight. 11 Council Minutes (Special) June 29, 2011 Page 2 Councilmember May didn't want to go through second interviews if everyone has a selection made. Councilmember Fogarty felt no one would object to second interviews and if Council wants to select two and do background checks on both, that can be done. Councilmember May had thought about interviewing three candidates unless Councilmembers feel very strongly about Mr. McKnight. Other Councilmembers all expressed they were very comfortable with Mr. McKnight and if there are second interviews to interview just two candidates. Councilmember Donnelly stated it sounds like it would take quite an unraveling to unseat Mr. McKnight. Councilmembers agreed. Mayor Larson wanted Council to be comfortable with the candidate, because Mayor Larson wanted a 5-0 vote. Councilmember May noted the advisory panel also had a few concerns that Mr. McKnight's ties to the community would make decisions difficult. Councilmember Fogarty felt that is a double edged sword. It is that piece that makes Mr. McKnight or Mr. Anderson very vested in the community. You cannot get away from those things. Once someone has been here for a few years, you will have the same thing. Mayor Larson asked Mr. McKnight about that and he said business is business and personal relationships are personal relationships. The community has grown so much that he only knows a small group compared to the size ofthe City now. Councilmember Fogarty noted even when Mr. McKnight was on the Council, there were circles of people that he did not know. Councilmember Bartholomay was impressed with his very positive work experiences and felt he would not let personal things get in the way of his goals. Councilmember Fogarty noted his integrity is very high. Councilmember Donnelly stated Mr. McKnight wants to do well for the community and see it prosper. That will outweigh any personal attachments. He knew this would be brought up when he applied and he has decided he has to perform the duties of his job regardless of his relationships. Councilmember Donnelly was not worried that when it comes to a tough decision, Mr. McKnight would take the easy way out because he knows someone. He has a jo b to do and will be accountable to the Council. Councilmember May agreed that unless something completely unravels, second interviews would not change things. She would give her full support to Mr. McKnight today. Mr. Anderson and Mr. Messelt were also excellent candidates. MOTION by Bartholomay, second by Fogarty to select David McKnight as the City Administrator. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. A background check will be done and City Attorney Jamnik will work on the contract. Human Resources Director Wendlandt will contact the candidates. 14. ADJOURN MOTION by Fogarty, second by Bartholomay to adjourn at 4:18 p.m. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. Respectfully submitted, Cynthia Muller Executive Assistant 12