Written by Nemaha County Herald
Members of the Auburn City Council and Board of Public Works Board of Directors met in a Nov. 30 joint session to discuss the possibility of creating a city administrator’s position.
Approximately 20 local residents attended the meeting in the Auburn Council Chambers to
make their opinions known, to ask questions and to become better informed about the proposal. Mayor Bob Engles told those gathered late that afternoon that the joint meeting was held to continue discussions which have taken place over the last several months and at various periods throughout the years. The first audience member to speak was a former city councilwoman. Mary Kruger said, “The current form of city government isn’t broke. We are doing okay. We don’t need to rush a decision this important. The recession is here. Also, having a 5 p.m. meeting time eliminates some people from attending. Let the public vote on creating a city administrator position. You might be surprised with the outcome.”“Our budget is set and it’s a workable one. People are hurting financially and in other ways. It’s time for the general public to be heard,” Kruger added. Scott Kudrna stated, “It needs to be demonstrated to the public why a city administrator is needed. I understand that the cost would be roughly $85,000 per year, with $20,000 coming from the City of Auburn and the rest from the BPW. This could amount to possibly $300,000 over three years. What else could that amount of money be used for?” Kudrna stated his opinion that the idea should be put up to vote with the citizens of Auburn, possibly on the next General Election ballot.Paul Fleming said he believes that a city administrator would be able to “push through projects and take politics out of important decisions.” He also asked if the responsibilities listed in an earlier job description were actually ‘a starting point and not the finished document’ and if they would be like those of communities which are similar in size as Auburn. Fleming said the timing might not be right to hire a city administrator for Auburn.Mayor Bob Engles said, “This person [city administrator] would manage every aspect of city government.” He also mentioned several other communities which utilize a city administrator. Regarding the proposed job description distributed previously and made available again for the Nov. 30 meeting, Councilman Dennis Wittmann said the document isn’t all inclusive and was only a starting point for discussion.Lynn “Mac” Erisman, who served four terms on the council from 1984 to 2000, said, “I believe the city administrator position is the way to go. The subject has been talked about for many years here. Now, fortunately there is training available for it. It’s true that we’ve received some grants, but how many may we have missed since we don’t have a city administrator?” Councilman Bill Snyder said, “I view this as a work in progress. Some work has been done, but more remains. Timing is a big factor. Aurora’s officials told me they rely heavily on their city administrator and are better able to move forward on city services and utility projects. They use this person to plan better and to avoid mistakes.” Engles commented, “We haven’t scratched the surface on applying for and possibly receiving Community Development Block Grants. We need a person in charge of this and a city administrator position will pay for itself several times over. Also, the city could save money with better coordination of projects.”Glen Krueger said, “I believe this position would be very helpful. Street Department projects require lots of follow through. The local hospital and school district both have administrators, and I believe we should have one too.” BPW Board member Doug Glenn said, “We still have a lot of working out of details to do on this. The position could pay for itself with successful grants. The Board will continue as it is.” Brenda Draper asked, “How can someone handle all of the possible tasks mentioned in the job description? Also, who will hire the individual selected?” The mayor proposed the formation of a committee to study the matter further. He suggested having two representatives from each the council and the utility study the possibility. Engles added that in his opinion, if a city administrator is hired, he foresees his role and that of future mayors as lessened. While the mayor would still be seen in city hall regularly, it may not be on a nearly daily basis as is the case at present. Engles would not have his own office at city hall, he said. Katy Billings asked if the Board of Public Works’ services for other communities would be affected if the change takes place. She also asked where the city’s annual share of roughly $15,000 to $20,000 for filling the position would come from? Engles said the individual hired as the city administrator would have to be “a manager’s manager.” Wittmann expressed his agreement that a planning board comprised of council members and BPW directors could be charged with coming up with more details regarding the proposed change. He also stated his opinion that waiting a year would be too long in his opinion. Engles stated that there is never a time when change isn’t possible regarding composition of the Auburn City Council and BPW Board. He mentioned there would be council seats up for election next year and that two BPW posts would be up for possible reappointment next month. “It’s always evolving,” Engles commented. Larry Draper said, “This process needs to go slower. I and other people don’t understand what has taken place and why there is a need to move so quickly.” He also questioned if any decisions involving the city administrator’s position have already been made.Engles reassured the Auburn resident, “There have been no deals made under the carpet. As this time, the Auburn City Clerk is being asked to do more than she should be.”Wittmann said, “I believe creating this position would be a way to move forward in a positive, proactive manner. I’m in favor of the concept, but just not sure of what the final product will be.” Mark Kubik with the BPW Board said, “I can see some efficiencies with this proposal, but have some real reservations. Maintaining the reserves are very important. Political and business decisions can sometimes vary.” Council President Annie Thomas said, “People want to know why we are looking to create this city administrator position now, where the money is coming from and why the decision on whether to add a city administrator is not going to a vote of the people?” Councilman Larry Holtzman said, “I’m in favor of the concept, but we need to ‘nail down’ the job description. We need to move forward, but not too quickly.” Board Chairman Richard Schneider said, “The BPW is very satisfied with the management we have. We believe our manager would make a great city administrator.” Engles mentioned the city’s support in keeping its money in reserves at a “healthy level”. Glenn said he believes creating a city administrator position could be beneficial to the city. “We’ve got a person who could do the job, too,” he commented. Councilman Frank Critser said, “We are now using our City Engineer more. There is no guarantee that a city administrator will eliminate all of our problems. How is this going to benefit the Board [BPW]? I don’t want to take a strong entity and weaken it.” BPW Board member Dan Snyder said, “I spoke to city administrators and council members in Nebraska City and Beatrice, and both of them said their having city administrators has created efficiencies. We need to inform the public how and why this would be beneficial for the city.” Councilman Chris Erickson said, “I believe there could be some efficiencies and less duplication of services. There are several big projects involving the BPW going on right now. It might not be the best time to add on work to those in charge. I am interested in finding a solution to the city administrator question.” Engles reminded those present that there needs to be strong support from both the Council and BPW. A committee will be named later. Thomas credited City Clerk Sherry Heskett and Deputy City Clerk Denise Eggers, and Accounting & Finance Manager Betty Filbrandt with the BPW and the utility board with all doing excellent work.
Approximately 20 local residents attended the meeting in the Auburn Council Chambers to
make their opinions known, to ask questions and to become better informed about the proposal. Mayor Bob Engles told those gathered late that afternoon that the joint meeting was held to continue discussions which have taken place over the last several months and at various periods throughout the years. The first audience member to speak was a former city councilwoman. Mary Kruger said, “The current form of city government isn’t broke. We are doing okay. We don’t need to rush a decision this important. The recession is here. Also, having a 5 p.m. meeting time eliminates some people from attending. Let the public vote on creating a city administrator position. You might be surprised with the outcome.”“Our budget is set and it’s a workable one. People are hurting financially and in other ways. It’s time for the general public to be heard,” Kruger added. Scott Kudrna stated, “It needs to be demonstrated to the public why a city administrator is needed. I understand that the cost would be roughly $85,000 per year, with $20,000 coming from the City of Auburn and the rest from the BPW. This could amount to possibly $300,000 over three years. What else could that amount of money be used for?” Kudrna stated his opinion that the idea should be put up to vote with the citizens of Auburn, possibly on the next General Election ballot.Paul Fleming said he believes that a city administrator would be able to “push through projects and take politics out of important decisions.” He also asked if the responsibilities listed in an earlier job description were actually ‘a starting point and not the finished document’ and if they would be like those of communities which are similar in size as Auburn. Fleming said the timing might not be right to hire a city administrator for Auburn.Mayor Bob Engles said, “This person [city administrator] would manage every aspect of city government.” He also mentioned several other communities which utilize a city administrator. Regarding the proposed job description distributed previously and made available again for the Nov. 30 meeting, Councilman Dennis Wittmann said the document isn’t all inclusive and was only a starting point for discussion.Lynn “Mac” Erisman, who served four terms on the council from 1984 to 2000, said, “I believe the city administrator position is the way to go. The subject has been talked about for many years here. Now, fortunately there is training available for it. It’s true that we’ve received some grants, but how many may we have missed since we don’t have a city administrator?” Councilman Bill Snyder said, “I view this as a work in progress. Some work has been done, but more remains. Timing is a big factor. Aurora’s officials told me they rely heavily on their city administrator and are better able to move forward on city services and utility projects. They use this person to plan better and to avoid mistakes.” Engles commented, “We haven’t scratched the surface on applying for and possibly receiving Community Development Block Grants. We need a person in charge of this and a city administrator position will pay for itself several times over. Also, the city could save money with better coordination of projects.”Glen Krueger said, “I believe this position would be very helpful. Street Department projects require lots of follow through. The local hospital and school district both have administrators, and I believe we should have one too.” BPW Board member Doug Glenn said, “We still have a lot of working out of details to do on this. The position could pay for itself with successful grants. The Board will continue as it is.” Brenda Draper asked, “How can someone handle all of the possible tasks mentioned in the job description? Also, who will hire the individual selected?” The mayor proposed the formation of a committee to study the matter further. He suggested having two representatives from each the council and the utility study the possibility. Engles added that in his opinion, if a city administrator is hired, he foresees his role and that of future mayors as lessened. While the mayor would still be seen in city hall regularly, it may not be on a nearly daily basis as is the case at present. Engles would not have his own office at city hall, he said. Katy Billings asked if the Board of Public Works’ services for other communities would be affected if the change takes place. She also asked where the city’s annual share of roughly $15,000 to $20,000 for filling the position would come from? Engles said the individual hired as the city administrator would have to be “a manager’s manager.” Wittmann expressed his agreement that a planning board comprised of council members and BPW directors could be charged with coming up with more details regarding the proposed change. He also stated his opinion that waiting a year would be too long in his opinion. Engles stated that there is never a time when change isn’t possible regarding composition of the Auburn City Council and BPW Board. He mentioned there would be council seats up for election next year and that two BPW posts would be up for possible reappointment next month. “It’s always evolving,” Engles commented. Larry Draper said, “This process needs to go slower. I and other people don’t understand what has taken place and why there is a need to move so quickly.” He also questioned if any decisions involving the city administrator’s position have already been made.Engles reassured the Auburn resident, “There have been no deals made under the carpet. As this time, the Auburn City Clerk is being asked to do more than she should be.”Wittmann said, “I believe creating this position would be a way to move forward in a positive, proactive manner. I’m in favor of the concept, but just not sure of what the final product will be.” Mark Kubik with the BPW Board said, “I can see some efficiencies with this proposal, but have some real reservations. Maintaining the reserves are very important. Political and business decisions can sometimes vary.” Council President Annie Thomas said, “People want to know why we are looking to create this city administrator position now, where the money is coming from and why the decision on whether to add a city administrator is not going to a vote of the people?” Councilman Larry Holtzman said, “I’m in favor of the concept, but we need to ‘nail down’ the job description. We need to move forward, but not too quickly.” Board Chairman Richard Schneider said, “The BPW is very satisfied with the management we have. We believe our manager would make a great city administrator.” Engles mentioned the city’s support in keeping its money in reserves at a “healthy level”. Glenn said he believes creating a city administrator position could be beneficial to the city. “We’ve got a person who could do the job, too,” he commented. Councilman Frank Critser said, “We are now using our City Engineer more. There is no guarantee that a city administrator will eliminate all of our problems. How is this going to benefit the Board [BPW]? I don’t want to take a strong entity and weaken it.” BPW Board member Dan Snyder said, “I spoke to city administrators and council members in Nebraska City and Beatrice, and both of them said their having city administrators has created efficiencies. We need to inform the public how and why this would be beneficial for the city.” Councilman Chris Erickson said, “I believe there could be some efficiencies and less duplication of services. There are several big projects involving the BPW going on right now. It might not be the best time to add on work to those in charge. I am interested in finding a solution to the city administrator question.” Engles reminded those present that there needs to be strong support from both the Council and BPW. A committee will be named later. Thomas credited City Clerk Sherry Heskett and Deputy City Clerk Denise Eggers, and Accounting & Finance Manager Betty Filbrandt with the BPW and the utility board with all doing excellent work.
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