Tuesday, July 19, 2011
As St. Anthony city manager, Mike Mornson oversaw the remaking of that city.
Look at incoming City Manager Mike Mornson’s resume, and “stability” is the first thing that comes to mind. In a profession that sees regular turnover—the average city manager tenure in 2006 was about seven years—Mornson has had an incredibly steady career. He spent about 17 years in St. Anthony—nearly three times the tenure of the Hopkins city manager he’ll replace. He has seven years as a Big Lake city administrator before that. But don’t assume Mornson’s longevity means that he’s someone who avoids change. St. Anthony was anything but stable during his tenure. The city replaced many of its public buildings, built three new liquor stores and generally changed the face of the city. “The more challenging the redevelopment, the more excited…
Monday, July 18, 2011
Council will appoint Mike Mornson on Tuesday.
(Updated 9:37 a.m. July 18) Hopkins has offered the vacant city manager position to St. Anthony City Manager Mike Mornson. Mornson's appointment is not yet formalized, but council should officially appoint him at Tuesday’s council meeting, said Jim Genellie, Hopkins' acting city manager. Hopkins’ city manager position has been vacant since Rick Getschow left in March to take the same job in Eden Prairie. Council leaned toward Mornson during discussion at last week's council meeting, Genellie said. But some council members wanted more time to talk with others about the comparatively less-experienced second choice—Excelsior City Manager Kristi Luger. Mornson does bring substantial experience into the position. He has served as St. Anthony …
Saturday, July 9, 2011
Council members had a different impression from others who interviewed the candidates.
Hopkins City Council members decided to take a little bit longer to ponder the strengths of the six city manager finalists—citing the strong pool of candidates and differences between council and staff over who stood out. Council met Friday afternoon after the candidates concluded several rounds of group interviews with city staff, department heads and former city leaders followed by interviews with council members. Council could have voted to extend an offer to one of the finalists. It could also have selected a limited number to return for further interviews. But votes from a straw poll of the council’s top three picks were evenly split between four of the six finalists. At first glance, the remaining two candidates were more clear-cut, …
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Friday, July 8, 2011
Hopkins Patch talked with each of the candidates Thursday.
The six finalists for Hopkins’ vacant city manager position are visiting the community Thursday and Friday for a series of interviews and to meet local residents. Hopkins Patch talked with each candidate at a reception at the Hopkins Center for the Arts. We asked each candidate two questions: You can see their answers in the video above. Council will continue interviews through Friday and get together at 4:15 p.m. to discuss how to proceed with the search. Click here for the candidates' biographical details.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
A comparison of the finalists' work experience
Hopkins has six finalists for its city manager search—including a former Hopkins assistant to the city manager. Council members on Tuesday each voted on five people they'd like to speak to further. After just one round of voting, the council had a clear consensus on which candidates they'd invite to Hopkins for interviews—all six candidates who received a majority of votes. The candidates will visit Hopkins on July 7 and 8. They'll go on a tour of the city and interview with various groups. They'll then make a four-minute presentation to the council and interview with the council as a whole before speaking with individual council members. In the meantime, search firm Brimeyer Fursman will conduct background checks, including: Council …
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Monday, February 7, 2011
The selection continues a game of musical chairs among metro city managers.
Hopkins City Manager Rick Getschow is set to move into the same position in Eden Prairie. The Eden Prairie City Council selected Getschow from among three finalists. Getschow, who wasn't immediately available for comment, became Hopkins city manager six years ago. Eden Prairie’s city manager position has been vacant since Scott Neal left in November to take on a similar role in Edina. Details of the hiring await Getschow's formal acceptance of the contract, an Eden Prairie spokesperson said. Eden Prairie’s City Council is scheduled to accept the contract at its next council meeting, Feb. 15. Neal earned about $138,000 per year, which is roughly what Eden Prairie’s next city manager can expect to earn. Getschow's salary with Hopkins is $113…
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Rick Getschow has been with Hopkins six years.
Hopkins City Manager Rick Getschow is a finalist to take on the same position in Eden Prairie. Eden Prairie’s City Council named Getschow as one of three finalists Saturday after a round of interviews culled the applicant pool from six candidates to three. Lakeville City Administrator Steve Mielke and Cottage Grove City Administrator Ryan Schroeder are also finalists. Getschow said Eden Prairie is one of a small number of communities where he would be willing to consider taking a new job. That Money Magazine named it the best small city to live in 2010—citing the community’s strong economy and family friendly atmosphere—speaks to the city’s attraction, he said. Eden Prairie is also larger, with about 62,000 people compared to Hopkins’ 17,…
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James Warden
8:49 am on Friday, July 8, 2011
Thanks, Diane. I love living and working in Hopkins. It has so much to offer. more ›