03-29-2011 City Council Special Meeting PacketCity of Grand Island
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Special Meeting Packet
City Council:Mayor:
Jay Vavricek
Interim City Administrator:
Mary Lou Brown
City Clerk:
RaNae Edwards
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7:00:00 PM
Council Chambers - City Hall
100 East First Street
Larry Carney
Linna Dee Donaldson
Scott Dugan
Randy Gard
John Gericke
Peg Gilbert
Chuck Haase
Mitchell Nickerson
Bob Niemann
Kirk Ramsey
Call to OrderCity of Grand Island City Council
A - SUBMITTAL OF REQUESTS FOR FUTURE ITEMS
Individuals who have appropriate items for City Council consideration should complete the Request for Future Agenda
Items form located at the Information Booth. If the issue can be handled administratively without Council action,
notification will be provided. If the item is scheduled for a meeting or study session, notification of the date will be given.
B - RESERVE TIME TO SPEAK ON AGENDA ITEMS
This is an opportunity for individuals wishing to provide input on any of tonight's agenda items to reserve time to speak.
Please come forward, state your name and address, and the Agenda topic on which you will be speaking.
MAYOR COMMUNICATION
This is an opportunity for the Mayor to comment on current events, activities, and issues of interest to the community.
Call to Order
Pledge of Allegiance
Roll Call
This is an open meeting of the Grand Island City Council. The City of Grand Island abides by the Open Meetings Act
in conducting business. A copy of the Open Meetings Act is displayed in the back of this room as required by state
law.
The City Council may vote to go into Closed Session on any agenda item as allowed by state law.
City of Grand Island City Council
Item -1
City Administrator Finalist Interview (Mary Lou Brown)
"Any organization is only as good as its people and that’s why I’m proud to
recommend Mary Lou Brown as a finalist to best serve the people of Grand Island as its City
Administrator today and in the future," said Grand Island Mayor Jay Vavricek.
The nationwide search for city administrator generated more than 50 applicants from
20 states.
Vavricek said, "When it’s all said and done, one person stood out from the rest in so
many ways from this talent pool, one who is already right here in our fold. She is already
part of our community and has demonstrated that she cares about success in service to our
people. There is no need to bring in someone who is unknown when we have somebody right
here who is very capably doing the job."
Vavricek went on to say, "In order to accomplish our goal of hiring the best person
for the job, we had hoped for a larger pool of finalists, however, through the process it
became very clear that the right person is already here."
Brown began her employment on July 27, 2009, as City Finance Director. Her
background prior to joining the City included serving as the Director of Bankruptcy Claims
for the Adelphia Bankruptcy Team in Englewood, Colo., as well as serving in various senior
management positions with Dex Media, Qwest Communications, and US West. She held the
positions of Senior Director of Human Resources and Senior Director of Financial Planning
and Analysis to name just a few. Brown’s educational background includes a Bachelor of
Arts in Business and French from Gustavas Adolphus College in Peter, Minn., and a Master
of Business Administration in Finance from Creighton University in Omaha, Neb.
"Since Mary Lou volunteered to take on the responsibilities as Interim City
Administrator, I have personally seen her capabilities, her work ethic, and her ability to work
well with staff as well as the City Council and taxpayers. She has a strong understanding of
each City department and her unique skills in guiding future City budgets under stressful
financial times are a great asset, as well as her direct knowledge of the program prioritization
process," commented Vavricek.
"While I’ve seen Mary Lou’s leadership on stage in so many ways, I believe it’s
important for the citizens and the Council to have the ability to appreciate what I and City
staff members know and appreciate," said Vavricek.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Special Meeting
City of Grand Island
City of Grand Island City Council
Citizens are welcome to attend and observe the City Administrator public interview
process on Tuesday, March 29, at 7 p.m. in City Hall Council Chambers, 100 E. 1st St. The
process can also be seen live on Grand Island Television on Charter Communications
channel 6 and analog 56.
The City Council may vote to go into Executive Session as required by State law.
Staff Contact: Mayor Vavricek
City of Grand Island City Council