Letter from Mayor Pro Tem

Dear Citizens of Ely,

I wanted to take a moment to explain the events that lead to the hiring of Eldy Miller as City Administrator.  Eldy approached Hinson Consulting, the firm The City of Ely had contracted to exact a search for City Administrator, regarding his desire to be considered for the open position.  Brent Hinson contacted Tara to plan for a meeting to take place on September 13^th, 2023.  The meeting was requested to be a closed session meeting per the request of Eldy which is authorized based on Section 21.5 i which states the council may do so “To evaluate the professional competency of an individual whose appointment, hiring, performance, or discharge is being considered when necessary to prevent needless and irreparable injury to that individual’s reputation and that individual requests a closed session.”

The session was led by Brent Hinson of Hinson Consulting and questions were asked in a manner conducive to any other candidate search exacted by the council that I have been a part of over the past 8 years.   Upon completion of the questioning, Eldy was asked to leave the session so council could consider his interview and to review the other resumes that had been submitted for council evaluation.  Upon completion of the evaluation, it became clear that Eldy was the top candidate for the position and council agreed to authorize me to negotiate an offer letter to be extended.  The reasons Eldy was considered the top candidate are:

1. 8 years as Mayor in which he was asked to act as City Administrator 3 times to facilitate transition between administrators.
2. Served on the personnel committee and has exiting relationships with all staff.
3. Thorough understanding of all projects currently on the slate in the City of Ely’s CIP list.
   1. Relationships with all engineering and design firms associated with these projects.
4. Understands the budgeting process and challenges of the city.
5. Effective and organized communicator.
6. Has demonstrated a penchant for being a Continuous Learner and eagerly attended workshops to improve his skill and understanding as Mayor.
7. Resides in the City Limits of Ely (this was a concern expressed by many citizens recently)

As a result of the recent experiences of the City of Ely cycling through City Administrators, it has been the goal of council to find a candidate that embraces our community, is invested in the City of Ely and has the fortitude to remain our City Administrator for the long term.  The council believes and I agree that Eldy Miller is that individual.

Please join me in congratulating our new City Administrator, Eldy Miller!

Sincerely,

Dan Whitaker

Mayor Pro Tem