By Sara QuamLuverne residents met Monday night to set goals for the city — and to describe the person they want to lead the city toward those goals.Luverne has been without a city administrator since the end of May, and the hiring process is about to begin. The current search committee wants a better idea of what residents want and need before the next leader is hired.The committee is made up of Steve Perkins, Connie Connell, Dave Smith, Marianne Perkins, Esther Frakes and Andy Steensma.The search committee had Perkins facilitate the roundtable discussions to get as much citizen input as possible.Part of what Perkins brought to the meeting was experience as a former Luverne city administrator himself. He pointed out that the person in the administrator position really does lead Luverne. That person is supervisor of all employees. In addition, the administrator is utilities manager, supervisor of Library, Pool and Fitness Center and economic development. The administrator even votes on some boards and commissions.Perkins said the administrator actually does two or three jobs, considering that some cities have more supervisors for some of the Luverne administrator’s duties."It’s a broad position with broad powers and responsibilities," Perkins said.The Council is the only unit above the administrator and usually ends up terminating the administrator if there is a problem. It is often referred to as a CEO model of government.Perkins pointed out that six of the last seven administrators were asked to leave or left under "difficult circumstances."He said, "We should take the time to lay the groundwork for hiring a new city administrator."The meeting drew about 42 people, including some city staff."We can’t undo the past, but we can sure do something about the future. And we can start by doing a little dreaming," Perkins said.Wish listfor the futureIn a group effort, participants in the meeting set goals for Luverne in the next five to 10 years:oWhile preserving existing businesses, create new jobs by drawing more clean industry and living wage businesses.oCreate an atmosphere of cooperation with other government bodies and businesses, along with community groups and non-profits.oPreserve Luverne’s quality of life, which includes a solid technological infrastructure, good parks and streets, and refuse program.oIncrease population and spur housing growth.Perkins said, "These are long-term goals, but you don’t get very far unless you figure out what tasks you can do in the next 12 to 18 months to make them happen."The group’s vision of who can lead the city to the goals included these qualities:oA person who delegatesoA thoughtful person who is a good listeneroA tactful and diplomatic personoA person with knowledge of Minnesota government and city operationsoA person who is passionate about the jobJim Harner said, "I would like to see someone who is good at getting federal money or grants for some projects."Harner said, "There are ideas out there and it’s dollars that get them going."Ron Boyenga, who is a Rock County Commissioner said, "Pretty much he has to be everything to everyone."Some at the meeting felt the City Charter should also be reviewed. So much power in the city is with one person, and that could be why Luverne has gone through so many administrators. As far as the qualities and goals outlined, Perkins said the meeting was useful for the committee. "I’m pretty pleased about it. I think we’ve made great strides," Perkins said. "It’s an important task because it’s an important position. I think we all know and love Luverne and this shows a lot of community spirit."City staff and the Luverne City Council will go through a similar exercise in outlining goals for the city and leadership qualities the city needs."There was a pretty good consensus at this meeting and that’s important because someone coming in will like to know what the community thinks," Perkins said. "Councils come and go, but pretty much, people stay."
