HomeMy WebLinkAbout5.E.3. Mark Themig Resignation
S,E. :)J
CITY OF SHAKO PEE
Memorandum
TO: Mayor and City Council CONSEr~T
FROM: Mark McNeill, City Administrator
SUBJECT: Mark Themig Resignation
DATE: March 14,2007
INTRODUCTION:
The Council is asked to accept the resignation of Parks, Recreation, and Facilities
Director Mark Themig.
BACKGROUND:
Mark Themig recently informed me that he is submitting his resignation effective on or
about July 31, 2007, to accept the position of Scott County Parks Manager. This is a
newly created position for which there will be an opportunity to significantly guide the
development of a park system for Scott County. As Mr. Themig has relayed to me, this is
a "once in a life time opportunity". Given Mr. Themig's track record of success with
Shakopee's park system, I know that Scott County's residents will benefit greatly from
having him in that newly created position; however, it is the City of Shako pee's more
direct loss.
Mr. Themig did let Scott County know that he needs to finish several major projects with
the City before he'd be willing to accept their position. Therefore, he is going to stay
with the City until July 31, 2007.
This does provide us with some time to talk about how we will replace his position. For
that reason, on another March 20th agenda item, I will ask the Council to establish a
workshop date.
RECOMMENDATION:
I recommend that the City Council accept with regret the resignation of Mark Themig as
Director of Parks, Recreation, and Facilities, effective July 31, 2007.
RELATIONSHIP TO VISIONING:
This supports Goal F - Houskeeping.
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.
ACTION REQUIRED:
If the Council concurs, it should, by motion, accept with regret the resignation of Mark
Themig as Parks, Recreation, and Facilities Director effective July 31, 2007.
.%JL~
Mark McNeill
City Administrator
MM:th
February 28, 2007
21780 Lilac Lane
Shorewood, Minnesota 55331
Mr. Mark McNeill, City Administrator
City of Shakopee
129 South Holmes Street
Shakopee, Minnesota 55379
Dear Mark,
As you know, I was selected as a finalist for the recently created Scott County Parks
Manager position. When I applied for the position in December, I stated in my application
material that I was not available for the position until July or the first part of August, due
to the projects we have underway in Shakopee. Initially, it appeared that Scott County
would pursue other candidates due to my availability. However, this week the County
reconsidered and offered me the position.
The Parks Manager Position will be responsible for creating Scott County's park system.
Having come from the Ramsey County park system prior to Shakopee, I believe that this
opportunity only comes "once in a lifetime", and it is something that I would like to
pursue.
After seven years of building relationships in Shakopee, leaving is not something that
would be easy to do. The residents are the best I've come across: they are committed to
making Shakopee the best it can be. The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and
Environmental Advisory Committee are outstanding volunteers that really care about the
future of Shakopee. In my experience working closely with these dedicated volunteers, I
believe they have provided the direction that is needed to meet the needs of Shakopee's
current and future populations.
You, my fellow department heads, and my co-workers throughout the City are top rate: I
do not know of any other organization that could handle the pace and demands of
development that we experienced earlier this decade. I'm glad that everyone has an
opportunity right now to catch up on things we didn't have time to do previously, like
planning for Shakopee's future.
Our City Council has provided incredible support throughout my seven years. They have
always been supportive, but when tough decisions had to be made regarding staffing,
projects, or funding, I believe that they acted on what they felt was truly most important
for the residents that they represent. I have always appreciated their honesty and
openness, even when they disagreed with a recommendation we were making.
Finally, and probably most importantly, my department co-workers are the reason we
have been able to accomplish so much in the past seven years. Each one of them brings
strengths that compliment one another, and even though our work load has been
significant and at times stressful, they all have smiles on their faces (usually!).
With this letter, I am submitting my intent to resign from the City of Shakopee effective
on or about July 31, 2007. However, I would like to propose a transition plan that would
allow us to finish most of the projects we have underway, and would allow you to recruit
for my replacement during this time.
From now through July 31, I would continue to remain a full-time City employee. During
this time, I would focus on completing projects that I have direct project management
responsibility for, including:
Proiect Estimated Completion
Comprehensive Plan Update June
Huber Park June
Huber Park Grand Opening/150th June/July
17th Avenue Sports Complex Building May
Archery Park July
Southbridge/Dean Lakes Trails and Trail Bridge June/July
Providence/Westchester Park Building May (Design Only)
In addition, I would also propose that we complete our 2008 Capital Improvement
Program and Operating Budget request during March, April, and May. (I had originally
planned to do this during the same time frame since the completion/opening of Huber
Park and the 150th will likely take most of my time during the month of June.)
In addition to the projects that I have direct project responsibility for, there are a number
of other projects that other department staffs are working on, and I would continue to
assist and oversee their work:
Proiect Estimated Completion
Aquatic Park Building June
Tahpah Park June
Off-Leash Dog Area June-August(?)
Natural Resource Design Standards May
Natural Resource Plan Update May
Online Registration August
City Hall Air Handling Unit Replacement May
Government Building Inventory/Maintenance Program September
Aquatic Park Bid Litigation ?
The County has also requested some time from me during this transition period to
provide assistance with some of their time sensitive projects, including review of the park
system plan, staying informed on legislative action, being involved in the County's
natural resource corridor plan, and the Cedar Lake Farms acquisition. At this point, it
appears that they would be looking for approximately eight hours per week, which would
lik~. be at different days and times each week depending on the activity.
In order to fulfill my obligation to the City under this proposal and meet the County's
needs, I do not see any way to accomplish this other than to continue with my 40+ hours
with the City, and fit in the County activities as my City schedule allows. This would likely
involve additional work on evenings and weekends. If you are willing to consider this
proposal, Michael Sobota, Scott County Community Development Director, you, and I
should meet to discuss more specifics.
The past seven years has been a wonderful experience for me. Although it has been
extremely hectic, it's been very fulfilling. Under your direction, I truly believe that
Shakopee is and will continue to be a wonderful community that has a proud past and
promising future.
Please let me know how you would like to proceed.
Sincerely,
M~~
Mark Themig