held its monthly meeting. Supervisors Ceminsky,
Hansen, Palmquist and Barfknecht were present.
Chair Murphy was on vacation in Europe which he
had planned before he was elected.
SupervisorHansen was acting Chair for the meeting.
One of the items on the agenda was "Clerk
Applicants". Hansen stated "me and Tim
interviewed 2 candidates." He mentioned Ranee
but gave no last name and another candidate
who he later mentioned that he thought her
name was Sarah! Well prepared for the meeting???
Hansen stated "the other gal has minor children,
possibly ages 4 and 6, and an ailing mother-in-law
which she would have to get a nanny to come
in and take care of them." The attorney later
reminded Mr. Hansen that the personal information
regarding family cannot be used to determine if
an applicant is qualified.
Mr. Hansen stated that Ranee has para legal
experience and has been "what I would
call secretary or clerk" for a Townhouse
Association and she would be very capable
of putting together packets and doing minutes.
She is a single person with adult children
and is able to attend training. She would
like to work another 17 years. He felt Ranee
stands "out front" because she never talked
about delegating work to anyone.
Mr. Hansen felt she is very qualified for the
Clerk position with "lots of stuff" going on
at Townhouse meetings.
Ceminsky stated it looked like she has worked
with people in the association as well as contractors
and has handled budgets.
Supervisor Hansen mentioned Robert Finke as an
applicant who was an executive with the
Fairview Healthcare System and a delegator.
My research: Robert Finke, President and COO.
interim at TRIA Orthapaedic Center, Director
of Rehabitation, Clinic Manager; Business
Development and Community Relationsat
Northfield Hospital and Clinics, Director at
Minneaplis Sports Medicine Center, Physical
Therapist at Fairview Health Services, MBA
University of Minnesota and studied Accounting
at the University of Pennsylvania.
Supervisor Palmquist was very positive that
Mr. Finke is a delegator and has business
management skills. He stated the Township officials
have talked about bringing the Township up to
a modern level. He felt Mr. Finke is an experienced
manager. He felt that Ranee would be a fantastic
Deputy Clerk.
"Is he going to do minutes
and filing because that
would be his responsibility."
Does Mr. Hansen believe
ONLY women can do minutes
and filing?
Mr. Palmquist
felt Mr. Finke has a "stellar"
resume. Mr. Hansen stated
"for an executive, we need a
clerk, not a delegator." "He would be on a long learning curve
because he has never clerked." "I do not see how
anything in his resume relates to Township government
and doubt his commitment." "We need a clerk
who can do clerking, type and take minutes." "He
does not see this in Mr. Finke's resume." I am quite
certain Mr. Finke can even type and send a text message!!!
Mr. Ceminsky's concerns: Robert Finke is retired and
is concerned "He might not
stay with the Township for many years if his
wife retires. Ranee wants to work for 17 more years;
why not hire her." How many employees commit
themselves to work for 17 years? Many circumstances
can change and affect their commitments.
Mr. Ceminsky stated "we do not need another boss
delegating because that is what WE were elected to
do; to manage and have staff working under us."
He stated he was NOT confident with Mr. Finke's
resume.
Supervisors Palmquist and Barfknecht stated they
would like to interview both Mr. Finke and Ms. Solis
before making a hiring decision. Supervisor Hansen
stated he did not need to meet with Mr. Finke because
his (Hansen's) experience tells him that he
(Mr. Finke) will not work out with the Township
unless the Township wants to hire
a City Manager. "We are NOT looking for a manager,
we are looking for a CLERK."
Supervisor Barfknecht reminded Butch that the clerk is
also the Zoning Manager. She stated that she has
done many interviews during her career and would not
consider hiring anyone for this position without having
a discussion with the applicants.
Both Supervisors Palmquist and Barfknecht agreed
that a special meeting should be determined to discuss
both applicants resumes and invite them for an interview
with ALL supervisors present if possible. Thank you
Supervisors Palmquist and Barfknecht for once again
being a voice of intellect and reason.
Ceminsky ignored the reasonable suggestion and made a
motion to hire Ranee Solis at this meeting without an
opportunity for the full Board to have a
discussion/interview with the applicants. He later
withdrew his motion because there was continued discussion
regarding setting a date for a special meeting.
Chair Murphy would return from his vacation and hopefully
would be available for a special meeting on July 16.
Ceminsky stated that he was "amazed" that he always has
to change his schedule to meet a CERTAIN person's schedule.
(Meaning Chair Murphy). People's commitments change
during the course of their lives and of course there needs to
be alternatives and flexibility.
The July 16th meeting took place at the Town Hall. All 5
Supervisors interviewed Mr. Robert Finke and Ms. Ranee
Solis. Mr. Finke was hired as Clerk. Ms. Ranee Solis
is the Township's Deputy Clerk.
In my opinion I believe the position of Clerk and Deputy Clerk
should be modified to state Township Administrator and
Assistant Administrator. Perhaps this would attract applicants
with skills that would qualify them to manage the business
of the Township.
I was fortunate to meet both of them at the Town Hall. I
believe excellent choices were made and the Township is headed
in a very positive direction.
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!
The above information was taken from the CD recording of
the July 9, 2018, Town Board meeting. Copies can be
obtained from the Township for a fee of $5.00.
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