HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997-06-04 Minutes, City Commission
MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE SPECIAL CITY COMMISSION
BOZEMAN, MONTANA
June 4, 1997
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. Room, The Commission of the City of Bozeman met in special session in the Commission
Municipal Building, June 4, 1997, at 2:30 p.m. Present were Mayor Stueck,
Commissioner Rudberg, Commissioner Stiff, Commissioner Frost, Commissioner Youngman,
Acting City Manager Brey, Staff Attorney Cooper and Clerk of the Commission Sullivan.
The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence.
Siqninq of Notice of Soecial Meetina
Each Commissioner, in turn, signed the Notice of Special Meeting.
Interview with City Manager candidate ~ Peter Anastadt
Mr. Peter Angstadt, candidate for City Manager, responded to questions from the
. Commission, as follows.
What is your concept of the City Manager position?
Mr. Angstadt stated he is very familiar with a variety of forms of municipal
government, including the City Manager form of government. He characterized the City
Manager position in Bozeman as the chief executive for the City, overseeing the day~to~day
management of the City and following the policy guidelines set by the Commission.
Mr. Angstadt then noted that, as one who has gone through two campaigns as
Mayor, he believes in short answers rather than" going off onto tangents". He encouraged the
Commissioners to ask questions if his answers are too brief, noting that he will then expand
and clarify those responses.
Why are you seeking this position?
. Mr. Angstadt stated that when he ran for his first term as Mayor of Pocatello, he said
it would be for two terms, if he was re~elected. He also indicated that, since he does not want
to be an elected official for life, he would serve for up to eight years, and then pursue other
employment. He stated that he has found municipal government very interesting, noting that
under the strong Mayor form of government, his position is essentially the same as a City
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Manager. He also stated he is interested in doing things that are associated with a
mountainous area, and he has visited MSU and Bozeman on several occasions and feels it is
a nice area in which to live.
What do you know about Bozeman? the community, the government?
Mr. Angstadt stated he is familiar with a lot of the issues with which the City of
. Bozeman deals because they are the same issues in other communities along the Rocky
Mountain corridor. He stated those include water quality issues, water treatment and snow
removal. He noted that once his name was released as being a finalist for this position, he
discovered that "about 50 percent of the residents of Pocatello have relatives here and the
other 50 percent want to move to Bozeman". He indicated that, through discussions with
many different people, he has learned about the community. He then reiterated that he is very
familiar with the City Manager form of government. He stated that, until 1986, Pocatello was
under the City Manager form of government, before converting to the Strong Mayor form.
What is your view on involvement with community groups while serving as
City Manager? Describe your own involvements.
Mr. Angstadt characterized being involved as a way to learn. He stated that he has
. been involved with many different community groups because he feels he can make a solid
contribution, including in leadership roles whenever possible. He is very interested in being
involved in those activities in which his children are interested. He noted that, in addition to
being involved in over half a dozen different groups, he participates in volunteer activities such
as clean up days. He stated that in this way, he and his wife can teach their sons that one
must give to a community to ensure a good lifestyle.
Review your employment history and relate it to serving as Bozeman's City Manager.
Mr. Angstadt indicated that for the past eight years he has served as Mayor of
Pocatello, Idaho. He reiterated that, while this is an elected position, it is the chief executive
position in their community. He stated that, prior to that, he was involved in private business
. and university administration. He said that, after graduating from college, he and a friend
opened a whitewater rafting company and, for a number of years, he worked in that business
during the summer and obtained nine or ten-month appointments at universities during the
winter. After he got married, he decided more steady employment was desirable than
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"charging down rivers at flood waters". He indicated that he was pursuing a more permanent
university position when his interest in city government led him to run for Mayor.
Please identify for us your preferred management style.
Mr. Angstadt stated he always looks for results, and he asks questions to determine
what is happening and why. He noted his motto is "we don't create problems; we create
. solutions." He further indicated he does not micro-manage; rather, he feels the professionals
should be allowed to do what they have been trained to do. He stated his goal is to establish
guidelines and assist employees by making sure everyone is moving forward in the same
direction.
Mr. Angstadt stated he believes in getting involved in the City operations, noting that
he has gone out and assisted in picking up garbage, participated in the bike patrol and gone on
ambulance calls with the Fire Department, just to get a taste of the various positions. He also
stated that he learned the first name of every employee in the City of Pocatello within the first
year he served as Mayor, and going into the various departments was one way to accomplish
that goal. He noted that, by going to the various work sites, he was able to identify possible
. operational efficiencies; and his observations also helped him during preparation of the budget.
He stated that employees were also willing to share their ideas on how to make the operation
better.
How would you approach communicating with and maintaining good relationships
with staff, Commissioners and the public?
Mr. Peter Angstadt characterized himself as being very open and very easy-going.
He tries to make sure that people understand, as clearly as possible, the policy set by the
Commission. He noted that, through good communication, a good sense of positive direction
can result and things get done.
(A) Of what accomplishments are you proudest? Why? (8) Describe a major
disappointment in the arena of city management (or an equivalent private sector
experience). What might you do differently if faced with a similar situation again?
. Mr. Angstadt stated his highlight is developing a sense of teamwork, both within the
City operations and cooperation with other governmental entities.
Mr. Angstadt characterized the failure of a bond issue for renovation of the outdoor
swimming pool in February as a major disappointment. He stated that in Idaho, a 2/3 majority
is required to pass a general obligation bond; and the bond issue received a 64.5 percent vote,
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or 43 votes short of the required majority. He noted that, because they had been able to
identify how to sell a 15-year bond issue for the $2 million project without raising taxes, the
City became complacent in trying to sell the bond issue. He stated that, if faced with the
situation again, he would more aggressively pursue the public education process, including
activation of the telephone tree that they have established in the community to get people out
. to vote.
How would you approach reporting to and taking direction from elected officials?
Mr. Angstadt stated that at the present time, he takes direction from the State,
particularly through the legislative statutes. He noted that at the present time, he does not
report to any elected officials; rather, he reports to the 50,000 residents of Pocatello. He
recognized that serving as Bozeman's City Manager would be different. He stated that he
believes in doing a quality job to the fullest of his abilities. He indicated that he would take
whatever goals or directions are set by a majority of the City Commission and get them
accomplished as quickly as possible.
What role do you think new technologies (from computer networking and GIS to new
. methods of garbage composting) should play in local government operations? What
should be the motives for possible use of any new technologies? What would you
do to make these technologies pay for themselves?
Mr. Angstadt responded by stating that new technologies are important in making
operations more efficient and in helping to hold the line on costs, or possibly decrease costs.
He indicated that a GIS program was implemented in Pocatello about six or seven years ago,
and different entities have been invited to participate. He stated that, for those entities who
chose not to participate, the GIS information is available for a fee to recover the costs. He
noted the purpose of new technology is to create efficiencies, stressing that identifying cost
avoidance is an important element to recognize and articulate to the community in the best
manner possible.
Mr. Angstadt stated he supports the review of City functions to determine if it can
. be done better or possibly done better by a private organization. He cited Pocatello's recycling
program as an example, noting that private business submitted a proposal to do the work for
$68,000 while it was costing $75,000 for the City to operate the program. He noted that, by
allowing private business to do the recycling, the City was able to shift those personnel into
the commercial roll-off collection system, thus enhancing that portion of the program, and the
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result benefitted everyone concerned. He then indicated that approximately three years ago,
the City of Pocatello converted from the rear load packer trucks with three-man crews to
automated collection trucks with one driver and, at that time, it was difficult to get people in
the community to think a different way. He noted, however, that through the cost avoidance
realized from decreased workers' compensation premiums and operations costs, the City has
. been able to provide a more efficient and effective service than other communities and private
companies in the area. He further noted that employees are now able to retire in good health,
rather than incurring back injuries which might end their careers early.
How do you feel about privatization in city government? What kinds of functions do
you think can be handled by the private sector?
Mr. Angstadt stated that privatization must be considered on a case-by-case basis,
indicating that a blanket statement about privatization is not appropriate without considering
all of the local issues. He noted that stories about successful privatization efforts that have
worked in Minneapolis or Philadelphia may not be appropriate in our region. He then noted that
the City of Pocatello received a proposal from a private company to operate the wastewater
treatment plant and, after reviewing that proposal against the City's existing operation, it was
. determined the City could do so more efficiently.
Mr. Angstadt noted that some people feel City employees are, by nature, lazy;
however, he noted that, in reality, they are very hard working and help to create an efficient
operation and provide a quality product.
Mr. Angstadt cited the privatization of the recycling program, which he had described
under the previous question, as an example of successful privatization.
How important do you think it is to explore new or innovative approaches
as well as traditional ones when considering decisions about delivery of city
services?
Mr. Angstadt stated it is important to learn from other people's mistakes and other
people's successes. He noted that it is also important to review programs and operations to
. ensure that they are effective; however, he does not feel that "re-engineering" or "re-inventing"
is always necessary to make them better or more efficient.
What are your views on local government fiscal policy? Please give us a
description of your experience with management of finances/stretching
limited resources?
Mr. Angstadt noted that cities across the United States are facing financial dilemmas,
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particularly since most areas have caps on revenues and public demands for more and more
services. He stated that in Idaho, there is a 3-percent cap in increases in tax revenues; and in
Pocatello, the tax level has decreased over the last two years because of the increase in
valuation and growth of the community. He also noted that looking at efficiencies in operations
is critical.
. Mr. Angstadt stated that the City of Pocatello has a budget of $41 million, with a $12
million general fund. He said stretching the resources in the general fund is important, and he
noted that the citizens are a good source of ideas for doing so. He also noted that he has
challenged those whose operations are funded through the general fund to provide a good
quality service as much under budget as possible, and the expenditures have come in under
budget in each of the last two years.
The City instituted impact fees a year and a half ago for water, sewer,
streets and fire at percentages less than the total costs of impacts in these
categories (water - 35%, sewer - 35%, streets - 10%, fire - 90%).
Community members and the City unsuccessfully attempted through
legislative means to identify other methods of paying for the rest of the
impacts. Soon the City Commission will determine what to do next.
Assume that staff continues to recommend charging impact fees just under
100%. A majority of the Commission previously rejected this approach.
. How would you approach this issue?
Mr. Angstadt stated it is important to recognize that the costs of providing services
are constantly rising, and those costs must be covered. He stated that, through impact fees,
the financial burden on the community can be lessened, and he feels that this is a good method
of funding. He also stated it is important to talk to the community and find out what types and
levels of services are expected, recognizing that some trade~offs might be possible. He
characterized people as generally reasonable, noting that if they are aware of the facts and the
issues, they are willing to accept increases in costs as long as the services are provided as
efficiently as possible.
Working with other jurisdictions and public institutions--the County, MSU,
the legislature--are part of the City Manager's job. How would you
approach this?
. Mr. Angstadt stated that he has a very good working relationship with Bannock
County. He also noted that, because of his work at Idaho State University, he has developed
and maintained good working relationships with University representatives. He characterized
legislators as being like city officials, noting that they must address increasing demands on
limited resources, just at the State level instead of the local level. He noted that developing
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good working relations with the legislators, rather than just talking to them when one wants
something, is important.
Describe any experience you have had
with affordable housing
issues/funding.
Mr. Angstadt stated that Pocatello has a housing authority, which manages all of the
. housing and urban development funds for the City. He appoints the board members, who are
then responsible for this program. He stated that there is also a Neighborhood Housing
Services Club which addresses the housing issues. He noted that in 1991, local bankers
established a program under which monies are set aside to assist qualifying families to acquire
affordable housing. Also, high school students have become involved through building a home
for the Neighborhood Housing Services Club, which was then sold to a qualified applicant.
How have you dealt with difficult or insubordinate employees? What
termination experience do you have?
Mr. Angstadt stated he encourages all of his employees to be successful because it
benefits everyone as well as the organization. He noted that some people, however, do not
want to be successful. He stated that, for those individuals, if a rehabilitation program is
. unsuccessful, he undertakes the progressive discipline process. He then cited examples of both
successes and failures in his attempts to rehabilitate employees, noting that the failures have
resulted in termination, including a department head. He stressed that it is unfair to other
employees and unfair to the customers to retain a poor employee. He also stated that
dishonesty, which he characterized as stealing, lying or cheating, does not allow for the level
of trust that is needed for a successful working relationship, and is grounds for the progressive
discipline process up to and including termination.
What is your experience with conflict resolution. Please describe your view
of conflict resolution and give an example of how this conflict resolution
would work.
Mr. Angstadt stated it is important to de-escalate the situation before attempting to
resolve it, noting it is not possible to accomplish anything "when everyone is red faced". He
. stated that once everybody has been calmed down, the next step is to listen to the points of
view of each person without judging. He noted that once those points of view have been
stated and understood, it is usually possible to find a consensus or compromise. He stated
that, in some instances, no common ground can be found and, in those instances, it is
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important for the parties to recognize that they will disagree, but with respect for the other
person and as a professional.
Bozeman has been experiencing a steady growth over the past several
years; and attitudes about how to handle growth vary in the community and
on the Commission. What leadership would you provide toward addressing
growth-related issues?
. Mr. Angstadt noted that Pocatello has encountered growth over the past several
years. He the stated that long-range planning and infrastructure development are the two main
items driving quality growth, as opposed to the haphazard, random, sporadic growth that
nobody likes to see. He stressed the importance of all aspects of infrastructure, including
water, sewer, streets, police protection, fire protection, parks and trails. He also stressed the
importance of adhering to the long-range plan for the community, recognizing that it is a flexible
document but should not be severely bent to accommodate a short~range proposal that doesn't
comply with the long-range plan.
Is there anything that we should know about that would make it difficult or
prevent you from accepting this position?
Mr. Angstadt stated he is also interviewing in other communities, and he is pursuing
. university management positions and positions in private industry as well as in municipal
government. He stressed that he has made no decisions or commitments to anyone else at this
time.
The City of Bozeman operates under the old Commission/Manager form of
government in Montana. Please explain how you view the relationship
between the Clerk of the Commission and the City Manager under this form
of government.
Mr. Angstadt stated the Clerk of the Commission is an employee of the Commission
and provides support to and takes direction from the Commission, as does the City Manager.
He stated his expectation is that the working relationship would be very supportive since they
should be working toward the same end, which is implementing the policy developed by the
Commission.
. Mr. Angstadt then responded to the questions resulting from public input gathered
at the social mixer, as follows.
What is your track record in Pocatello in regard to promotion of women to
leadership positions?
Mr. Angstadt responded that, as Mayor, he has appointed two women to director
positions, one as the Utilities Services Director and the other as Personnel Director. He then
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indicated that he has tried to encourage more women to seek leadership positions, including
superintendent positions.
What leadership would you provide in regard to protection of open space
and other natural resources as Bozeman grows?
Mr. Angstadt stated the protection of open space and other natural resources is part
. of the overall planning issue. He noted that, in addition to adhering to the long-range plan, the
carrying capacity of the different types of soils must be considered. He stated that his
knowledge about these types of issues will allow him to take a leadership role in ensuring that
those areas identified for protection are protected. He noted that City infrastructure, including
water and sewer services, plays an important part in protecting the natural resources in an
area.
In principle, do you support streamlining regulations and development
review processes? If so, on what basis?
Mr. Angstadt stated he does support streamlining as much as possible without
compromising the opportunity for public input. He characterized democracy as being "very
messy", noting that it paralyzes a process if specific steps and timelines are not attached. He
. stated it is important to review regulations and procedures periodically to determine if that is,
indeed, occurring. He noted that one of his football friends maintained "there comes a point
where you have to quit huddling and hike the ball". He further stated that, by establishing
timelines for the various steps in a process, both staff and the public know what is expected.
How would you propose controlling taxes as Bozeman grows?
Mr. Angstadt stated that looking for alternative sources of funding is important. He
noted that fees for programs typically receive mixed reactions because some people feel the
users should pay the costs while others feel taxpayer monies should be used to pay at least a
portion of the costs. He noted that, in Pocatello, discounted fees are offered to City residents
in recognition of their property tax contribution. He noted that other sources of revenue must
also be identified, citing franchise fees for utilities and the deregulation of the electrical service
. as possible opportunities for cities to enhance their revenue sources.
What is your experience in organizing a capital improvements program?
Mr. Angstadt stated that he has experience in both the areas of facilities planning and
capital equipment replacement programs. He stated that in Pocatello, they have one- and five~
year programs, and those programs are reviewed and updated annually.
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What role do you think city government should play in human service
issues, such as the local impacts of welfare reform?
Mr. Angstadt stated that, since the federal government is broke, he anticipates that
many of their welfare programs will be handed down to the states which will, in turn, hand
them down to cities and counties. He recognized that this will have a significant impact on
. local governments, and each community must tailor its program to its needs. He then stated
that he cannot give any specific recommendations on how to deal with this issue at this time,
Mr. Angstadt then responded to the final Commission question, as follows:
Is there anything else you would like us to know?
Mr. Angstadt stated he has a sense of humor, and he likes to enjoy life. He stated
that he has been mad three times during his tenure, and those incidents revolved around people
who did not want to be successful. He stressed that these incidents occurred behind closed
doors, so only the involved party was aware of the incident.
Mr. Angstadt stated that he is an advocate of whitewater rafting and has guided trips
down the Grand Canyon. He noted that he is now more moderate than he was in the past, but
still likes the adventure.
. Mr. Angstadt views himself as a role model for the youth in the community, and
enjoys visiting the schools and talking with the students. He stressed the importance of
providing a good model for them to follow.
Mr. Angstadt stated he is very impressed with the employees and with the sense of
community.
Mayor Stueck thanked Mr. Angstadt for participating in this interview.
Adjournment - 3:50 p,m.
There being no further business to come before the Commission at this time, it was
moved by Commissioner Frost, seconded by Commissioner Youngman, that the meeting be
. adjourned. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being
Commissioner Frost, Commissioner Youngman, Commissioner Rudberg, Commissioner Stiff and
Mayor Stueck; those voting No, none.
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( a L/~~
DON E. STUECK, Mayor
ATTEST:
. GJJ:~~
ROBIN L. SULLIVAN
Clerk of the Commission
.
.
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