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Mr. Meisner said the appraisal was a remarkably consistent document in its conclusions, adding <br />that he was astounded to remember that Mr. Johnson has held the manager's position for only <br />one year. He said he was particularly pleased with the manager's willingness to be available to <br />members of the council as needed. He thanked Mr. Johnson for "a great job," adding he wished <br />to hear from him more at council meetings. <br /> <br />Mr. Kelly commended the assembled packet, saying it was very useful. He quoted from an <br />employee comment: "Jim Johnson is living proof that you don't have to be pushy, domineering, <br />or overly zealous to be an effective, respected leader..." <br /> <br />Councilors added accolades and several expressed a desire for having the City Manager <br />contribute more to the council discussions. <br /> <br />Mr. Lee said "just watching Mr. Johnson was an inspiration for others, including himself." He <br />added that the City Manager had helped him become a better councilor. <br /> <br />Mayor Torrey said he was not surprised with the manager's performance, recalling the exemplary <br />remarks made by others when he was soliciting information for the appointment of an interim <br />manager. <br /> <br />Mr. Rayor said he was also very pleased with the City Manager's performance but remained <br />concerned about some of the staff's resistance to organizational change, adding that he hoped <br />some of Mr. Johnson's characteristics could filter down to other staff. <br /> <br />Ms. Taylor expressed concern about the staff's "attempt to set the council's agenda and <br />brainwash" the council. She asked that the council be given an opportunity to hear about items <br />before having staff recommendations. Ms. Taylor said sometimes the community hears about <br />issues before she does and asked to be kept apprized of emerging items in a timely manner. <br />She asked for oral reports rather than written reports from the manager. <br /> <br />Mr. Meisner corrected a media report this morning by saying that none of the evaluations were <br />anonymous. He noted that employee feedback was very positive and supportive of the manager. <br />Although his expectations were high, Mr. Meisner said, the manager has met them all. He <br />agreed with Ms Taylor, adding that he did not wish to add meeting time for oral reports provided <br />written reports are made. <br /> <br />Mr. Farr thanked Mr. Meisner for preparing the performance evaluation documents. Mr. Meisner <br />said the effort was shared with Mr. Johnson. <br /> <br />Mr. Kelly suggested quarterly reports from the manager on the matters at hand, which he said <br />would help the council assess upcoming agenda items. <br /> <br />Ms. Helphand gave Mr. Johnson and opportunity to comment. <br /> <br />Mr. Johnson described the manager's evaluation as a unique process for one to go through, <br />terming it a humbling experience. He credited his staff for "making him look good." He said he <br />takes these evaluations very seriously and asked the council to use the council meetings to <br />evaluate him on an ongoing basis and raise issues of concern as they occur. <br /> <br />Minutes--Eugene City Council July 26, 1999 Page 5 <br /> 5:30 p.m. <br /> <br /> <br />