HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-03-16 Council Work Session MINUTES
OF THE WORK SESSION OF THE
EDINA CITY COUNCIL
HELD AT CITY HALL
MARCH 16, 2010
8:53 P.M.
Mayor Hovland called the meeting to order at 8:53 p.m. in the Community Room of City Hall following
the regular meeting of the Edina City Council. Answering rollcall were Members Bennett, Brindle,
Housh, Swenson and Mayor Hovland. Staff attending the meeting included: Roger Knutson, City
Attorney; Ceil Smith, Assistant to the City Manager; and Jennifer Bennerotte, Communications &
Marketing Director.
Gordon Hughes will retire as City Manager on July 30, 2010. Mayor Hovland explained that the
purpose of the meeting was to discuss the process to be used to hire a new City Manager. He
suggested the Council discuss the geographic scope of the search for a new City Manager, whether a
consultant should be hired to assist with the process and for what purpose.
Mayor Hovland suggested a consultant be hired to assist the Council in leading focus groups in the
community and to meet with staff and Council members, to develop a candidate profile. It was also
suggested a two-member committee of the Council could lead a search for candidates, beginning in
the seven-county metropolitan area, the purpose of which would be to maintain the confidentiality of
any applicants in the State of Minnesota.
Member Bennett suggested instead that the Council follow a process similar to that used by Edina
Public Schools to hire a superintendent a few years ago. Edina Public Schools hired a national
consultant to find candidates, which the Board of Education reviewed as a committee of the whole.
Because it is important candidates have a good understanding of Minnesota financing, among other
things, Council members agreed the search should start as one based in Minnesota. If sufficient
candidates do not surface, the search could be broadened beyond Minnesota.
The Council also agreed to consider hiring a consultant either for the initial community outreach
efforts or for a full search. Mayor Hovland will contact Personnel Decisions Incorporated (PDI) and
other possible consultants to obtain specific information regarding their services and fees. The
Council further requested the Mayor contact consultants about handling all phases of the process and
to report back to the Council the results of these inquiries.
The Council set its next meeting to discuss the process for 5 p.m. April 6. At that time, they will
discuss the proposals for community outreach and continue discussing whether a consultant should
be hired to assist with more of the process.
There being no further business, Mayor Hovland adjourned t meeting at 10:18 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
J nnifer Be r e, ommunications & Marketing Director
Minutes approved by Edina City Council, April 6, 10
James B. Hovland, Mayor