03-15-05 WSMazch 15, 2005
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MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION
BEFORE THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
March 15, 2005
Mayor Maxwell called the meeting to order at 6:05 pm. at Ciry Hall. Council members present
were Mayor Maxwell and Council members Johnson, Thompson, Brausen, and Rowan. City personnel
present were City Manager Rick Getschow and Steve Stadler, Public Works Duector.
Public Works Reorganization
Steve Stadler provided the Council with a plan for reorganization of the Public Works Department.
The discussion of the reorganization at this point in time is the result of the impending retirement of the
Streets, Traffic, and Sanitation Superintendent, Vern Pankratz. The Council felt that now would be a good
time to discuss the reorganization of the depaztment in light of this impending retirement.
Steve presented a plan that had several positive elements. The first element dealt with a cost savings
in the department, mainly due to one less superintendent in the department. That is because the proposal
talks about combining the Parks and Forestry Departrnent with Traffic, Streets, and Sanitation into one
department.
A second element of the plan includes a succession plan within the Public Works Department. This
involves elevating lead worker positions to foreperson positions. This would again, involve a chance for
employees in the Public Works Department to rise within the ranks.
Another component of the plan involves performance-related measures for communication and
leadership skills. The new position, and all the new positions within the plan, will have a lazge emphasis
on communication skills, employee relation skills, and management skills.
Council discussed the plan. Council member Johnson asked if there would be an internal posting of
the new superintendent position prior to considering an external posting. Mr. Stadler said there would be.
Council member Brausen discussed the building maintenance position that is budgeted for half of
2005. Stadler stated that he would be coming back to the Council in the near future regazding filling that
position.
Mayor Maxwell stated that employee training would be an important part of the new organization
plan, and a plan for training and employee development should be part of the plan.
GENERAL CONSENSUS was that this is a very good plan and the Public Works Director can move
forward with implementing the plan.
Training of Board and Commission Members
Council discussed a possible need for a training program for Board and Commission members.
Council requested that a future Work Session be devoted to discussing this issue.
Motorized Vehicles on Private Property
City Manager Getschow stated that this item will be discussed at a Work Session on March 29.
Mazch 15, 2005
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Minuehaha Oaks
Council Member Rowan requested an update on a presentation that will be given to the Oaks
following the payoff of the assessment related to that project.
Southwest Light Rail
Council member Johnson provided an update to the Council on the PAC meeting that she attended
on behalf of the City of Hopkins.
There being no further items, a motion was made by Council member Johnson, seconded by Council
member Thompson to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed unanimously. The meeting was adjourned
at 6:57 pm.
Rick Getschow, Secretary
ATTEST:
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Eugene J. a~ ell, Mayor