6.1. SR 04-18-2011Item # 6.1.
MEMORANDUM
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TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Lori Johnson, City Administrator
DATE: April 18, 201 I
SUBJECT: Mayor's Letter to Employees
Council asked that this item be on the Apri118, 2011, agenda for discussion.
N:\Public Bodies\City Council\Forms\Memofonnat.docx
Apri16, 2011
Dear City of Elk River Employee:
Earlier this year I sent you forms which I invited you to fill out and mail back to me with
your suggestions to improve our City government. I appreciate the input that I have received so
far.
If you recall, I requested that you provide me with your ideas regarding:
1. Ways for the City to save money in your department or in any department; or
2. Ways for the City to create efficiencies in the way we do things.
In order to protect the confidentiality of your suggestions under the Minnesota Data
Practices Act, the City Attorney has advised that I clarify slightly the process for providing input.
To ensure that I can accomplish my goal of receiving candid and constructive suggestions
while maintaining confidentiality where appropriate, I ask that you submit your suggestions to
me not on your work time, but in your individual capacity -exercising your right as a Citizen to
communicate with me as an elected official. In this way we can maintain the confidentiality of
our communication, if we both agree that confidentiality is important. Please indicate on your
form if you would like your correspondence to be kept confidential. Of course, I cannot
guarantee complete confidentiality, because there may be issues that require broader attention or
discussion. I will read over each suggestion and decide how to proceed.
I again ask that you attempt to provide constructive suggestions and not to tear down the
City or other employees. I also again ask that you attempt to resolve personnel issues through
appropriate supervisors. However, if you do not reach resolution through those channels I am
available to you by phone, email or through these suggestion forms. I will also meet with you
individually at your request.
I believe this process will help keep lines of communication open to continually improve
our City government. Your input is critical to that effort.
Thank you again for your service to the City.
Sincerely,
John Dietz
Mayor
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