10-27-2015 Special MeetingOctober 27, 2015
A special meeting of the Scandia City Council was held on the above date for the purpose of
reviewing the City Administrator Employment Agreement for the hiring of Neil Soltis. Mayor
Randall Simonson called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m. The following were present: Council
members Chris Ness, Jim Schneider and Mayor Randall Simonson. Absent: Council members
Bob Hegland and Dan Lee. Staff present: Deputy Clerk Brenda Eklund. Sharon Klumpp,
consultant with Waters & Company, and Neil Soltis were also present.
Ms. Klumpp explained that the agreement was essentially based on the City's agreement with
Administrator Handt. Language was slightly revised by Attorney McCain to address a concern
not to lower an established salary. Mr. Soltis's employment would commence on November
23rd
Council member Schneider noted that paragraph 13, Legal Counsel Disclosure, names Eckberg
Lammers as the City's Attorney and asked what effects a possible future change in law firms
would have. Ms. Klumpp reasoned that it should not have an impact on the terms of the
agreement.
Council member Schneider noted that mileage expenses are compensated for, and asked if there
could be limitations put on this in the event that it became unreasonable (driving around for
social interaction). Ms. Klumpp explained that reasonable expenses are reimbursed, but if the
Council sees abuse of this, it should become a performance issue. Mayor Simonson stated that
mileage for taking care of code enforcement, zoning issues and some community outreach
should be reimbursed, and agreed that it would come through on a performance evaluation if
violations occurred. The employee would be instructed not to drive around excessively and if
this were violated, discipline action could be taken. Mr. Soltis stated that he keeps a detailed log
of travel and would be open to questioning at any time. Council member Schneider stated that
he was good with this approach.
Ness, seconded by Schneider, moved to approve the Employment Agreement with Neil
Soltis as presented. The motion carried 3-0.
Signatures were retained on the agreement.
Ness, seconded by Schneider, moved to adjourn the meeting. The motion carried 3-0.
The meeting adjourned at 3:10 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Brenda Eklund
Deputy Clerk