Albertville To Hire Consultant, Search Firm for City Administrator

After the July 2 council meeting, council decided that the adhoc committee would meet and come up with a recommendation on moving forward to hire a new permanent city administrator. The adhoc committee met and looked into the cost of either having the temporary city administrator, Bob Thistle, start doing some of the legwork associated with hiring a new permanent adminstrator versus hiring a search firm.

City Attorney Mike Couri outlined the costs that would likely be incurred if Thistle were to create a job description and begin the process. Thistle estimated the cost would be between $1150-1850. In addition other staff hours would be needed and this would take away from Thistle's other duties and roles within the city.

Couri also expressed concern in his written memo. "I have some concern given the similarities in cost and given Springsted's active role in the recruiting marketplace, the city would likely receive useful information from Springsted that Bob Thistle cannot provide, including a type of applicant [years of experience, type of experience] that the the city would expect at a given price point."

"The committee recommendation is to hire a search firm for the cost of $1500," Jillian Hendrickson said, further outlining a three phase project.

Phase one would be redefining the position, phase two determining a candidate whether that is internal or going through an interview process and finally, phase three, appointing position.

"I want the council to adopt the three step plan and bring Springsted on," Hendrickson said.

"If Adam's going to be the person, why are we going through the motions?" John Vetsch asked.

Vetsch later made a motion to promote a candidate within but because it was not seconded the motion died.

"Phase one to me is creating a job role and we're making this too complicated. We have a job description in the file, why don't we look at it and see what changes we want to make," Larry Sorenson said.

"You're missing the point and Bob [Thistle] has shared with me the protocol and what the role is," Hendrickson rebutted further stating it's not her goal to spend irrational money.

Hendrickson made a motion to accept the three step plan and begin phase one with Springsted. The motion carried with Mayor Mark Meehan, Vetsch and Hendrickson voting yes and Sorenson and Dan Wagner voting no.