02-28-2011 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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