CC Minutes - 07/27/98 Work Session

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government as outlined by the service profiles. Mr. Johnson said he had arranged meetings with each budget coordinator and department head during the month of August to become more familiar with programs and budgets and to look for opportunities for cost-effectiveness. In response to a follow-up question, Mr. Johnson said the City has learned much from citizens protesting public projects and staff was much more sensitive to the way projects are designed and citizens are involved. Mr. Rayor said there was no question that Mr. Johnson was imminently qualified for the position but he nonetheless favored a regional search for the new city manager, calling it a chance for a fresh perspective. Addressing a question from Mr. Tollenaar, Mr. Johnson said his involvement in professional organizations has been minimal for due to scheduling and financial constraints. In response to a follow-up question, Mr. Johnson categorized himself as an internal manager, concerned more about running the City organization and giving input as a neutral third party, resulting in his implementation of both good and bad decisions. Mr. Tollenaar explained that position descriptions for public service served two purposes: 1) to guide the classification of the position; and 2) to serve as a guide toward compensation. In the case of a city manager, he said, Section 16 of the City Charter was the key document. Citing Eugene's reputation as a "difficult" city, Mr. Tollenaar asked for Mr. Johnson's opinion. Mr. Johnson said Eugene was unique but not any more difficult or easy to govern than communities similar in size. Mr. Kelly disagreed with Mr. Tollenaar that the job description was not important as it added more detail than the Charter and provided guidance for both the manager and council. He asked how Mr. Johnson would avoid "surprises" to the council and the public through communication. Mr. Johnson said there should be no surprises and he planned to meet regularly with the mayor and councilors individually. He noted an addition to the council packet--City Council News--describing activities within the organization. Mr. Johnson said a "corporate communication plan" was under development related to the many ways the City has contact with citizens, which would provide a strategy and options. Mr. Meisner said one of the reasons he would be concerned with a nationwide search was the lack of knowledge of Oregon's unique Senate Bill 100. He said he was impressed with how the City had turned around in the three months Mr. Johnson had been at the helm and asked for his perspective. Mr. Johnson he has felt the same, and thought there is more stability, crediting some of that to relief. He said the organization had been "bruised but not broken" and some of the healing has happened. Addressing a follow-up question, Mr. Johnson said the leadership from a community point of view should be with its elected officials. He said the proper role for the city manager should be inwardly focused on the organization. Mr. Lee said it was important for chief executive officers to have detailed job descriptions for political reasons; in effect, it helps "de-politicize" decisions and serves as a working document to clarify roles. Responding to Mr. Lee's question about what he would do in the first year or two, Mr. Johnson said there existed some council goals that need more work and the goals setting process for the new council would be underway after January. Internally, he would continue to provide stability and to implement management practices described earlier in the meeting. Mayor Torrey said the discussion would be continued at the council's July 29 work session. The meeting adjourned at 7:30 p.m. Minutes--Eugene City Council July 27, 1998 Page 3 5:30 p.m.