062788 CC Sp AgP
CITY OF SHOREWOOD
SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING
JUNE 27, 1988
AGENDA
ROLL CALL
1. TERMINATION APPEAL - EVELYN BECK
ADJOURNMENT
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
5755 COUNTI.Y CLUB ROAD
6:00 P..M.
BRANCEL
MAYOR RASCOP
HAUGEN
STOVER
GAGNE
June 13, 1988
Jan Haugen, Councilwoman
4780 Lakeway Terrace
Shorewood, MN
Dear Jan,
I just received word of Evelyn Beck's dismissal and I wanted to express my
disappointment. Shorewood has lost a truly competent, dedicated professional.
As reported to me, Evelyn was let go because of an inability to get along with
other City employees. I find it an incredible reason for relieving a finance
director and my reaction is to seriously question the source.
Tension existed in the City's office long before Evelyn arrived. Before start-
ing my internship I was warned that Shorewood's employees had a history of dis-
satisfaction and that there had be~en open warfare between city staffers. There
was resistance to change and very little respect for authority, along with a
lot of complaining, gossiping, and back-stabbing. Seniority was seen as all
important and an attitude prevailed that new employees should start at the bot-
tom of the totem pole despite their qualifications or performance. I noticed
an extraordinary interest in what was going on with so-and-so, who was meeting
with whom, and what-was-I-being-left-out-of.
You may tend to discount a former insider's viewpoint as not being relevant to
the situation today, but I must say (sadly) that I doubt that anything has changed
significantly. The feelings I spoke of are insidious and sure to affect anyone
who comes into the office and must work surrounded by them.,
One of the things I admired most about Evelyn was her ability to ignore all the
office pettiness and concentrate on her work, to rise above it and accomplish
her duties. Complying with finance laws and maintaining proper records reaches
every corner of the city structure. Because she was in a leadeship role, took
charge and did what was necessary in her position as Finance Director, Ev prob-
ably alienated some people. But given an office which needs shaking up, merely
getting along won't do.
Evelyn was always professional in her demeanor. During the five months that we
worked together for the City, I found her to be a first rate coworker and strong
leader. Her priority was always her financial responsibilty to the City, and
she was knowlegeable, honest, hard~working, and willing to go the extra mile.
She rose to the challenge,of starting systems within the finance department, and
eagerly assisted other departments with their problems.
Along with her strength, reliability, intelligence, and sense of responsibility,
I also saw a warm, caring, responsive and supportive individual. Evelyn cares
deeply and has always, always had the City's very best interests at heart.
Shorewood City Council made an, excellent choice when they hired Evelyn Beck, and
I hope the decision to relieve her was not premature. I question the motives of
those who have filed charges against her and would like to compare her record and
accomplishments to those around her. Perhaps different heads should have rolled.
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SMITH, PERSIAN, MACGREGOR & THOMPSON
ATTORNEYS AT LAW
TH E IVY TOWER
1115 SECOND AVENUE SOUTH
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA 55403
GARY E. PERSIAN
MALCOLM D. MACGREGOR
RANDY V. THOMPSON
TELEPHONE (6121 339-6733
June 16, 1988
Councilwoman Jan Haugen
Shorewood City Offices
4780 Lakeway Terrace
Shorewood, Minnesota 55331
Re: Evelyn Beck
Dear Ms. Haugen:
01'" COUNSEL
DONALD K. SMITH
I understand the Council will be reconsidering the ter-
mination of Evy Beck's employment with the City in the near
future. The purpose of this letter is to express my hope that
the Council will act favorably on the petition to be rehired by
Ms. Beck.
I have known Evy for some years both as a neighbor and
attorney consulting with the family on certain business
affairs. Based on my knowledge of her I find the allegations
of her alleged insensitivity and untrustworthiness simply
incredible. She is extremely capable and I know she takes her
work seriously. She is fair in her judgment and I know would
always put herself out to not intentionally hurt a fellow
employee. She cares about people.
I would have no hesitation in recommending her for any
position with an employer. I would hope the Council would
investigate carefully the allegations made against her because
if it did, I am confident they would be without substantial
foundation.
~~~.~~. /"Y Yr.,;Y~
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DONALD K. SMITH
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