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ALBERTVILLE CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP
Monday, June 4, 2012
MINUTES
ALBERTVILLE CITY HALL
ROLL CALL
8:16 PM
Present: Council members John Vetsch, Jillian Hendrickson, Larry Sorensen and Dan Wagner
Absent: Mayor Mark Meehan
Others Present: Finance Director/Acting City Clerk Tina Lannes, City Attorney Michael
Couri, City Planner Alan Brixius, Public Works Director/City Engineer Adam Nafstad, Robert
Thistle, and Samara Postuma
DISUSSION
The Ad -Hoc Committee gave an update on the interim administrator and permanent
administrator options they have been discussing. The Committee commented that currently there
are two scenarios regarding the position of interim administrator. Under the first scenario, an
interim administrator would be brought in and a professional search firm would be utilized to
recruit the permanent administrator. Scenario two would also include an interim administrator,
but the role of the interim administrator would include mentoring Adam Nafstad to take over the
administrator position and provide a dual administrator/engineer role.
It is the Committee's recommendation that the interim position be pursued and filled as soon as
possible. The committee mentioned that they also have proposals in hand from two firms to
assist in the search process if desired by Council.
The Committee commented that several individuals were contacted regarding the interim
position and ultimately they chose to meet with Mr. Thistle concerning the role. Mr. Thistle was
introduced to all in attendance as the Committee's recommended candidate for the interim
administrator. Mr. Thistle gave a brief synopsis of his career and experience and also mentioned
that he is not seeking a long term position. Mr. Thistle commented on both scenarios proposed
by the Committee, and with the support of the Council, felt that either scenario could be
implemented successfully. Under either scenario, five to seven months was believed to be
necessary to fill the permanent position.
Mike Couri provided discussion on how Mr. Thistle would be a consultant and not a city
employee and recommended that whatever the Council decision may be in terms of the
permanent position, it be a unanimous decision. Mr. Couri also recommended that the Council
choose a preferred scenario or path for filling the permanent position prior to engaging an
M:\Public Data\City Council\Council Minutes\2012 Minutes\City Council\M 06 04 2012 workshop.doc
Meeting Date: June 18, 2012
City of Albertville
City Council Workshop Minutes
June 4, 2012
Page 2 of 2
interim administrator so that person has a clear understanding and direction as to what the role
entails.
Mr. Thistle commented on moving forward and provided recommendations for goal setting and
council direction to staff. Mr. Thistle also commented on the need for the Council to identify
and decide on what they are looking for in the permanent position. Some other items discussed
in general were communication, tools of communication, regaining of trust, and personnel
management. The role of the interim position was also discussed and the discussion included
city services, council communications, staff management, transition management, goal setting,
budget assistance, and mentoring.
The option of using a combination of scenario one and two was also discussed. As such, a
search firm would be initially used for developing the needs, goals and roles for the next person
to fill that position. Then once the job description is determined by the Council the next decision
would be either use search firms to find candidates or offer the position internally. It was
believed that this option would take a minimum of five to seven months as well.
Adam Nafstad shared his interest in the position but also shared concerns regarding controversy
and the desire to maintain the role of City Engineer. The dual role position was discussed and
Nafstad felt that there would be a cost savings and economical advantages to the dual role
position. Nafstad also shared that the decision for a permanent administrator should not be based
on cost savings alone and more so on the goals and desires of the Council for that position.
Nafstad also mentioned that there had been discussions regarding the use of the St. Michael
Administrator Bob Derus as a consultant for the interim position. Given the timing of Mr.
Derus' upcoming retirement, his extensive qualifications and knowledge of the region, this was
presented as another option the Committee could pursue if desired by Council.
Discussions concerning economic development and the expectations of the Council were also
had, along with defining the desired form of management were also had. It was desired that these
discussions continue with the full Council present.
Attorney Couri and Mr. Thistle were directed to work together and develop a draft contract for
further consideration.
Tina Lannes, Finance Director/Acting City Clerk
M:\Public Data\City Council\Council Minutes\2012 Minutes\City Council\M 06 04 2012 workshop.doc
Meeting Date: June 18, 2012