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MINUTES OF THE <br />ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING <br />Monday, February 28, 2011 <br />7:00 o'clock p.m. <br />_____________________________________________________________________________________ <br />  <br />  Page 7 of 13   <br />   <br />(MAYOR/COUNCIL REPORT, Continued) <br /> <br />Franchot commented that it seems backwards to approve the budget first and then talk about various <br />goals, and suggested the Council consider changing that process. Franchot asked whether the goals are <br />included in the budget. <br /> <br />Bremer stated historically they were more strategic planning goals. <br /> <br />Franchot recommended that when Mayor McMillan meets with the other local mayors that she ask if they <br />also feel that they do not have much of a voice with Hennepin County as well as the Metropolitan <br />Council. Franchot commented that if the smaller city mayors unite on certain topics, they would have a <br />larger voice at the county level. <br /> <br /> <br />CITY ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT <br /> <br />6. APPOINTMENT TO FILL VACANT COUNCIL POSITION - RESOLUTION NO. 6025 <br /> <br />Loftus reported there were eight applications for the vacancy on the City Council. The City Council has <br />conducted interviews of each candidate. Loftus noted the City received a withdrawal letter from Jeanne <br />Mabusth this past Friday. <br /> <br />Franchot stated in his view this has been a good process and he has been impressed with the number and <br />quality of the candidates. The thing that he was most mindful of was that this was an appointment as <br />opposed to an election and that the Council had the responsibility to do proper vetting of each candidate. <br /> <br />Franchot indicated he was also mindful that this Council has lost a number of years of experience in the <br />last election and that in his view experience and skill sets were important in picking a candidate. Some of <br />the candidates met that standard. The City Council has an applicant who has experience on the council <br />and planning commission level that brings a number of skills relating to issues that the City will be <br />dealing with, such as building and construction standards. <br /> <br />Franchot indicated he would like to recommend David Rahn to the position. Franchot noted that by his <br />comments and his recommendation, he does not mean in any way to diminish the candidacy of the other <br />people who applied. <br /> <br />Printup stated he also gave consideration to the vetting process and to the fact that the voters would not be <br />making the decision. Printup indicated he started thinking back to the election last fall and the message <br />that he received from the citizens was that they wanted new energy and candidates who would exercise <br />fiscal responsibility as well as a desire to preserve the mission of Orono. Printup commented in his view <br />a good team player would be Dennis Walsh. <br /> <br />Bremer commented she also was impressed by all the candidates and the commitment they have shown to <br />the City. After looking at the list of qualifications and experience to be a city council member, Bremer <br />indicated she feels the most important thing to look for is someone who has shown commitment to the <br />City. Bremer noted she and Mayor McMillan were re-elected to the City Council even though they are <br />not a new voice and that people respect experience. <br /> <br />Item #02 - CC Agenda - 03/14/2011 <br />Approval of Council Minutes 02/28/2011 [Page 7 of 13]