Greenfield moves forward with city administrator pick

Greenfield’s city council moved to make an offer to a city administrator candidate at last Tuesday’s council meeting.

The candidate’s name was not spoken during the meeting. A document in the council’s packet, obtained by the newspaper, contained an update on what has gotten this process to this point. The candidate listed as being offered the position was Michelle Carns.

The council discussed at the June 10 meeting that 11 people applied for the position. Councilman Jeff Clayton outlined the pros and cons of two candidates who rose to the top during that meeting.

The council said one of the city administrator’s main areas of focus will be selling the community in order to get more funding sources. Greenfield Municipal Utilities General Manager Scott Tonderum said during the meeting that there is training available for municipal jobs through the Iowa League of Cities.

City Attorney Mike Maynes said in the meeting that his interpretation of Iowa Code is that there are requirements that will force Greenfield to enact a resolution so that they can have a city administrator within their mode of government.

Mayor Pro Tem Brian Fox said Tuesday in a follow-up conversation that Carns’ hire, approved 5-0 by the council, is official, although more council action may be required relating to it. Fox also said the council will likely pursue hiring a new city clerk.

A city administrator is a new position proposed by the Greater Greenfield Community Foundation in February. Cities of all sizes have city managers.

The foundation said a city administrator could serve as a partner to the city clerk, mayor and council. City administrators often find new revenue sources for cities they serve, so they supposed a city administrator position might be able to pay for itself over time. The group said having a city administrator would be a benefit to Greenfield’s leadership capacity, drive long-term disaster recovery and enhance operational efficiency. They said it was not to replace any current staff or elected officials, but to boost what the city can do.

The GGCF vowed to fully pay for the position for two years.

The city council said at last week’s meeting they still have a concern about being able to pay for the position once the two-year term expires.