HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997-0219 Study Session MIN City of Ashland
• NINUTES CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION
February 19, 1996
Meeting called to order at 12:40 p.m.. Council Chambers. Attendance by Councilors
Laws, Reid, Hauck, Hagen, Wheeldon and DeBoer. Staff- Brian Almquist, Greg Scoles, Ken
Mickelsen, Dick Wanderschied, Keith Woodley, Paul Nolte, John McLaughlin and Barbara
Christensen. Local newspaper.
DISCUSSION ITEMS
A. Communication Plan
Dick Wanderscheid presented to council the various elements of the communication plan that
the subcommittee was assigned to associate costs.
Council was requested to prioritize items that have costs associated with them. Committee
member Cate Hartzell commented on items that had cost estimates which she did not agree
with. Felt that some of the costs may be absorbed by citizens rather than staff cost. Felt
these costs were based on assumptions. Hartzell made several suggestions to the items listed
in the goals.
Council discussion regarding city newsletter, timely manner in mailing of newsletter and
costs associated. Council discussed using newspaper quality print for the newsletter.
Council agreed that there needed to be more of a package presented to council for
• implementation.
Council requested that those individuals listed as the implementors respond to council as to
whether those goals listed are possible. Also, for implementors to provide a timeline for
goals. Council requested that this information be provided by the second meeting in March
along with a list of meetings that the council may be invited to speak at.
It was suggested that there be.a line item amount put into the budget designated for
communication.
It was decided to bring the communication plan back to council for another study session on
March 20, 1997.
Joe Eckhardt, committee member suggested additional ideas for communication with the
council. Supports implementing goals for the communication plan including the city
newsletter.
B. Selection Process for Public Works Director
Council was provided a copy of the job description and profile for the last Public Works
Director along with an organizational chart for the Public Works Department. Several
alternatives for recruiting candidates were provided.
• Council Study Smion 2-19-97
Councilor Wheeldon requested discussion on the need to possibly re-organize the Public
• Works Department. Councilor Laws spoke regarding mid-management training by city
administrator for better management in the divisions. Laws does not feel there is a way to
efficiently breakup the department. Felt that the additional "special projects" that have a part
of the department, is what makes the department top heavy.
Councilor Reid requested from Scoles, different types of models used by other cities on how
their Public Works Departments are structured. Council discussion regarding policy setting
for management in city departments. Reid felt it was important for council to look at other
models in terms of budget costs.
Council discussion regarding method of recruitment. Council requested costs associated with
having outside engineers signing off on plans. Council agreed to a combination of
alternatives number two and three, which is to obtain a list with candidates obtained from
selected recruiting firms, and after checking into this procedure, consider re-advertising with
a full WestcoastlNationwide recruitment.
Meeting was adjourned at 2:05 p.m.
Submitted by,
Barbara Christensen, City Recorder
• council SW4 SeWon 2-19-97