The last item on the agenda is the new city manager
Here is what the packet says
"It is anticipated that the City Commission will take action to appoint a new City Manager at the Tuesday City Commission meeting and that it will approve the terms of employment for the new City Manager and authorize the Mayor to sign a contract incorporating those terms. "
Theres been no public meeting since the meeting where Doug gave his resignation and when Archer was appointed acting CM.
How do you reckon this got to "anticipated" status then?
City officials say that because it is an employee matter that it needs to be not held in public.
Doesn't take a rocket scientist to realize they will likely appointed Steve Archer. He has been with the city several years and was an applicant earlier. He is qualified, and is acting CM now, so it does kinda make sense.
At a the last meeting I got stonewalled over asking where Doug had gone. (At the last meeting the CM , Doug Russell, submitted his resignation in executive session - private meeting - and when the meeting was over Doug has disappeared.)
The question of where Doug had gone seemed to have the commission stumped. 2 or 3 commissioners have explained to me later that it had to be done in executive session and they didnt know how to answer.
The question of where Doug had gone seemed to have the commission stumped. 2 or 3 commissioners have explained to me later that it had to be done in executive session and they didnt know how to answer.
That is what had made me uncomfortable lately.
The Kansas law NEVER, never ever ever ... says you HAVE to do anything in private, or in executive session.
And it certainly does not say you may not discuss what is said in executive session.
It took my arguing with them at the last meeting to even get them to say they had talked about the CM. Saying what you are going to talk about in executive session is required.
They do seem to have turned a bit secretive recently. There is no reason to keep secret any discussion about a direction the commission might take in regard to hiring a CM.
Actual negotiations with an individual yes, but not general ... "where do we go" type of talk.
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1. Hearing on municipal code violations. David Frazee. (Voice vote).
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2. Consider ordinance levying special assessments for the cost of nuisance abatement for
properties in violation of city codes. (Roll call vote).
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3. Consider ordinance levying special assessments for the cost of property maintenance
violations for properties in violation of city codes. (Roll call vote).
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June 17, 2008 Commission Meeting Agenda - Page 2 of 2
4. Consider request for transfer of land bank property at 102 S. G. Kristi Shaw. (Voice vote).
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5. Receive 2008 annual report and 2009 budget request from City/County Health
Department.
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6. Receive report on Mid-Cap Emergency Grant program. Marion Nichols. (Voice vote).
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7. Consider transfer of funds from South Central Kansas Water Coalition to REAP Water
Resources Committee. (Voice vote).
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8. Consider actions related to the appointment of a new City Manager. (Voice vote).
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Miscellaneous Matters from the City Manager/City Commission.
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Posts
33 comments:
It sounds like this commission council needs to charge admission and call it a magic show. With the people disappearing and discussions happening without any talking, that is special stuff.
I just wish one of those wizards would jump off the side of the van and fix the streets before the rest of the wizards vote in a sales tax.
The important thing is to remember that our community has to benefit from all of this.
More than how things get handled and by whom it is handled, priority has to be assigned to the best and better interest of the citizenry of Arkansas City.
If a person considers how their acts may be viewed in the course of history, especially when they are no longegr around to explain, excuse or defend, the benefit of the people should and shall become a priority.
Let us be blessed with a CM who can think of the better interest of Arkansas City; those who scream and complain as well as those who put their shoulder to the wheel or those who just keep to themselves and tend their own household and family affairs.
It's what makes it matter in a city. Service to the citizens is the anthem of local government in Arkansas City and every local community across the nation.
If the professional staff person happens to be Steven Archer, may he lead and manage with integrity and vision. If not, let that person demonstrate the integrity deserving our citizens.
I need not say anything about any commissioner as I understand they do not read these blogs. (excepting Commissioner McDonald on occasion)
If you were a tad smarter in your wizardry analysis you would recognize that the "wizards" don't vote in a sales tax. They choose to put it on the ballot so that the people have an opportunity to decide what they think is best. Hey, it sounds good. Why don't you keep making it up as you go along.
This commission has become very secretive as compared to past cimmissions. It just makes me wonder what they have to hide.
And, when did they discuss making Steve the City Manager, if it wasn't in the executive session when Doug left? Maybe at Gambino's?
And, when did they discuss making Steve the City Manager, if it wasn't in the executive session when Doug left? Maybe at Gambino's?
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It was in the executive session when doug resigned.
Thats what they told me this morning.
Some of them feel its legitimate executive session material.
At least one commissioner feels I am being unfair here.
:)
This whole thing smells! At least when Doug was selected the public got toe meet each candidate in a public forum. The public got to ask questions and gain some ownership in the selection process. Though limited I am sure the public making comments to current commissioneers may have had some influence on their selection. This time it all seems to be behind closed doors, no public ownership. I hear a train whistle! Too bad one of our commissioneers doesn't believe in his wife's transpearency of government!
Sometimes, we need to look for silver linings. I, for one, do not feel that the failure to communicate their actions to the constituency reflects any inappropriate intention or action. I think they are human enough to share the same anxiety that anyone of us would when placed in a situation where we are not quite sure what to do. No one wants their moments of uncertainty to be broadcast and holding a public office is certainly a place where that could (and does) happen.
Consider that our municipal leadership consists of five "First Term" commissioners (most experienced ones have been there only 3 yrs) who are all going up the learning curve, a new city manager and an yet to be named replacement for the no departing new city manager and a new and somewhat inexperienced city attorney. People do not always realize there is so much to be learned on how to govern a city.
If there is a bright spot, it is that some of this wandering in the wilderness might take some form and demonstrate some purpose with the placement of Mr. Archer (big assumption here) as the City Manager. He has been around. He does some history with the office activity of the City Manager. He has assumed the duties during absences of past City Managers.
He has worked on elements of various city projects currently underway. And, he seems to have struck some peaceable accord with the members of the commission.
The most important thing for the citizenry is to have a functionally amenable relationship between the elected leaders and the non-elected staff person. This is especially critical since the City Manager is the one and only employee of the City Commission. He is the only one who is directly accountable to the Governing Body according to state statute.
I guess the most profound revelation to Arkansas Citians is that there is a value for some stability and continuity in municipal leadership. The corollary: There is a price to be paid for overhauling the leadership at City Hall frequently.
I have not heard anything negative about Mr. Archer or his taking the position. It seems to me people are more upset by the way the CM is handling it. They are not trusted right now and need to earn that trust back (somehow). I believe the first step would be for the three amigos to reach out their hands and embrace the other two cm's. They seem to think they are "smarter" and can handle it better without the extra help. This is not right! The people voted all 5 and each opinion counts. They had better mend that bridge or they will not get anywhere and our city will continue to "bicker".
THIS JUST SHOWS HOW ELITE THESE THREE THINK THEY ARE.
Gee Charles next time you buy a car, let me pick it out for you. I get to pick the color and type of car, you get pay for it and like it!
I for one really hope they do hire Steve Archer as the next CM. I personally felt he should have been the choice the last time around. Mr. ARcher has deep roots in the community and won't be looking to jump ship so quickly. He knows and understands the people of the area. Of course even then there will be people out there screaming about something.
I think Archer is a great choice.
The outcome is probably right.
It's just that the journey to get there was not handled as well as it could have been.
In this case I dont think they did anything "wrong" but the way they handled it, or are handling it, just leaves a bad taste ... where there does not even need to be one.
"In this case I dont think they did anything "wrong" but the way they handled it, or are handling it, just leaves a bad taste ... where there does not even need to be one."
James, Don't you an others think this is how this current comission handles everything? They don't have to they just choose to. Is it lack of ethics, lack of knowledge of proper procedures, or ego? You tell me.
went to okc this weekend with my kids , great time , went to the water park , and had some fine dining , only an hour and a half away not bad at all , and i did it on a single tank of fuel
"Gee Charles next time you buy a car, let me pick it out for you. I get to pick the color and type of car, you get pay for it and like it!"
I don't even know what the above comment means. Sounds like an insult or slam or something. In response I say, "Love is (first and foremost)kind. It bears all hopes all and endures all. It is the greater of faith and of hope and love.
It also suffers long so slam on or insult on or whatever.
I do comprehend the comment about trust. A recent workshop I attended was entitled "Leadership at the Speed of Trust"
It's a good book with some insghtful thoughts on organizational trust issues.
An indictment is that many organizational leaders do not value the trust element and are unwilling to expend energy to rebuild such emotional ties. Good book. Not as good as the Bible but it's a good one.
Well the whole point here is not that Steve can't do it, or that he is not a nice guy or anything at all like that. It is the biggest and most important job in the city.
Ark City really needs someone who is a professional city manager with experience from other places. Someone to know not only how it has always been done in Ark City, but also how it is done in other places.
I won't name names or positions, but Cowley County is full of managers who have no experience other than what they have seen others do in the jobs they now have. Cowley County suffers greatly for this lack of differentiated experience.
What you wind up with is managers who play office instead of getting things done.
Any time someone wants something different or wants to ask why something was done, they have no answers, they just stonewall, because they have no knowledge of how to do things other than "well, that's how it has always been done here". It's not good enough.
Frankly, Steve is a pretty smart guy. And frankly, the commission will not have the anti-growth protectionist make-up it has now.
It is clear that the previous city manager had conflicts because he wanted to make changes and was unwilling just to follow orders when the orders were not particularly good for the community.
I challenge Steve Archer to prove to the city that he has independent integrity. To prove that he does indeed know how to "take names and kick a55" and that he can kickstart Ark City out of the "stuck in the mud" stagnation that has been such a big part of its recent history.
Prove to us, Steve, that you're no sockpuppet for Mell Kuhn.
To prove that he does indeed know how to "take names and kick a55" and that he can kickstart Ark City out of the "stuck in the mud" stagnation that has been such a big part of its recent history.
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Im not sure Steve or anyone, can do that.
Whoever does should be appointed city czar for life.
BUT that is what needs to be done.
I do see some progress here and there though, that looks like at least some of it will of its own accord.
Why are you afraid of someone listening to Mell, Lagonda? He might not be as politacally correct as you but he is at least as smart and experienced.
1. They look for and find opportunities where others see nothing.
2. They find lessons while others only see problems.
3. They are solution focused.
4. They consciously and methodically create their own success.
5. They may be fearful, but they are not controlled or limited by fear.
6. They ask the right questions -- the ones which put them in a positive mindset and emotional state.
7. They rarely complain.
8. They don’t blame, and take complete responsibility for their actions and outcomes.
9. They always find a way to maximize their potential, and use what they have effectively.
10. They are busy, productive and proactive.
11. They align themselves with like-minded people.
12. They are ambitious.
13. They have clarity and certainty about what they want.
14. They innovate instead of imitate.
15. They don’t procrastinate.
16. They are life-long learners.
17. They are glass half full people, while still being practical and down-to-earth.
18. They consistently do what they need to do, regardless of how they are feeling on a given day.
19. They take calculated risks.
20. They deal with problems quickly and effectively.
21. They don’t believe in, or wait for, fate, destiny, chance or luck.
22. They take action before they have to.
23. They are more effective than most at managing their emotions.
24. They are good communicators.
25. They have a plan for their life and they work methodically to turn that plan into a reality.
26. They become exceptional by choice.
27. They work through the tough stuff that most would avoid.
28. They have identified what is important to them and they do their best to live a life which is reflective of those values.
29. They have balance. They know that money is a tool and ultimately, it’s just another resource.
30. They understand the importance of discipline and self-control.
31. They are secure in their sense of self-worth.
32. They are generous and kind.
33. They are happy to admit mistakes and apologize.
34. They are adaptable and embrace change.
35. They keep themselves in shape physically.
36. They work hard and are not lazy.
37. They are resilient.
38. They are open to, and more likely to act upon, feedback.
39. They don’t hang out with toxic people.
40. They don’t invest time or emotional energy into uncontrollable things.
41. They are happy to swim against the tide.
42. They comfortable with their own company.
43. They set high standards for themselves.
44. They don’t rationalize failure.
45. They know how to relax, enjoy what they have in their life and to have fun.
46. Their career is not their identity, it’s their job.
47. They are more interested in what is effective than in what is easy.
48. They finish what they start.
49. They realize that not only are they physical and psychological beings, but emotional and spiritual creatures as well.
50. They practice what they preach.
Pick a few and try to apply them in your life, you business, and your civic involvement.
btw that's a list of 50 habits of highly successful people
You left out the 51st habit of highly successful people: screwing over the little guy.
I just finished reading all these "blogs" it totally wore me out. So much negativity!! Wow!!! I personally am so pleased with the city comissioners and especially our mayor.They are doing an awesome job. Why don't you give them any credit? Don't you think they will pick the best person for the CM job? I know they will. We have never had a more dedicated group. They work their butts off for all of us. I heard today that our fine mayor was at the big fire until 5am this morning, after spending 5 hours in a work session, sounds like dedication to me!Sounds like they actually care, that's a new one.It's too bad that you people that sit and bad mouth our city leaders don't try and be a help instead of a hinder. Just think what Ark. City could be if we had more positive people. I challenge each one of you to go one month without saying anything negative about our city leaders! One month, I'll be watching. Good Luck!!
"I challenge each one of you to go one month without saying anything negative about our city leaders! One month, I'll be watching. Good Luck!!"
No, I challenge our city leaders to go one month (hell, one WEEK even) without doing something to earn our disdain.
that's impossible. your disdain is so pervasive to your makeup that they couldn't give you a crisp $100 bill and have you think that was a good thing.
I thought the newspaper said it was Curtis Eaton at the fire until 5:00. Are he and the mayor interchangeable?
The jealousy continues!! Do something to help, all you do is complain. Your life must really be sad and lonely if all you can do is sit and talk about our city leaders. Grow up!!!!
yes commissioner. anything you say commissioner. I'll get right on that commissioner.
Curtis Eaton might as well be on the council. He (and his lawyer) have decided more about how this city will be ran than anyone else on there.
Curtis and Mell were both there.
I slept through the whole thing.
Some people would find a way to criticize even in that. The FD did a hell of a job keeping the fire under control.
Right beside Rakies ... imagine if they had not controlled it.
The fire department does deserve a lot of credit!
Have you ever burned tires? Very, very hot and dangerous.
why was he at the fire , our fire fighter are well trained they did not need him there , will he be there for every fire from now on
Why wouldn't the mayor be there? I would assume it is city business especially when other businesses are in danger of catching fire. I imagine Mr. Eaton would want to be there too since he is vice president of a nearby company.
Things could of went wrong being next to a gas station, but thanks to the police officer that spotted the smoke and the fire department doing a heck of a good job, no more buidings were lost!
The Fire Department did a hell of a job keeping the rest of the block from burning down. I wonder if we pay our fire chief the same money our new city manager just got.
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