Lacey Smieja of Little Falls is offered position of Motley City Clerk/Treasurer

After a full day of panel discussions, facility tours and  interviews with five worthy candidates Aug. 29, the Motley City Council voted to offer the position of clerk/treasurer to Lacey Smieja of Little Falls.

The terms of the offer, as discussed with Gary Weiers, management consultant with David Drown Associates, Inc., includes hiring Smieja up to a Step 3 on the salary schedule (a starting pay of $23.40/hr.); six days of paid vacation per year; and health insurance benefits.

Pending Smieja’s acceptance, final approval of the offer will be voted on at the council’s regular meeting Oct. 10.

Smieja currently works as an auditor/quality control specialist at Rutledge & Associates, APC/Rutledge Claims Management, Inc., a position she has held since 2012. Prior to that, she was employed at Law Offices of Thomas W. Rutledge, APC in Poway, Calif.

Smieja holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Northern Michigan University in political science/pre-law; and philosophy; and a Master of Public Administration degree from San Diego State University.  During an internship, she gained experience in grant research, as well as organizing an existing grant system. 

During the recent interview process, council members met with the candidates individually, asking each a total of 13 questions. The questions focused on the person’s job experience (especially in the area of budgeting and finances), their interests and qualifications; and ethics. They were also asked how they would involve themselves with the Motley community; and how they viewed the relationship between the city council and the city clerk.

Smieja said one of the things that interested her in the city clerk position was the variety of tasks involved. Having been at the same company for the past nine years, she said she has held every position and learned a lot of roles, something which she has really enjoyed.

Although she does not have experience in budgeting and financial planning, Smieja said she has already looked into training opportunities, such as the upcoming clerk’s conference. “I think it’s important to tap into resources,” Smieja said, adding, “I’m a quick learner.”

When asked how she would build trust with the city staff and council, Smieja said she would meet with everyone one-on-one and try to build positive relationships. She noted that they are all working toward a common goal.

As far as community involvement, Smieja said she would like to have a “meet and greet” with the Motley residents. She also sees the importance of participating in and helping to organize community events. “I would also have a place available for feedback,” Smieja said. “I want people to feel comfortable bringing up concerns, etc. I want them to trust staff.”

Smieja was asked to describe a situation where she had to explain complex financial matters to people who did not have extensive  knowledge in this area. She mentioned sitting down with her husband’s aunt who needed help with her budget, utilizing a spread sheet to document the aunt’s monthly expenses.

When asked how she believed the relationship between the city clerk and the city council should function, Smieja said there needs to be open communication. “I work for them as well as the community,” Smieja said. “There needs to be mutual respect.”

Integrity and ethical standards were something the council asked Smieja about. She shared a story of noticing a $50 item that a waitress has forgotten to add to her family’s bill; and alerting her to that fact. “I believe it’s important to be honest in all situations,” she said.

“Why should the City of Motley select you as their next city clerk/treasurer?” was the final question asked. Smieja answered, “I’d be a good fit.” She went on to note that she is committed to local government, is excited to learn and to have the opportunity to help a city grow in a positive way. She also has the ability to wear a lot of different hats, which is a plus, Smieja said. 

When given the opportunity to ask the council questions, Smieja inquired as to the most important thing they were looking for in hiring someone for this position.

Mayor Nancy Nieken said, “Stability.”

Council member Amy Hutchison said it was important that the council have a comfortable, non-defensive relationship with the clerk. 

Council member Steve Johnson said he was looking for good harmony between the two entities.

Council members Al Yoder and Pat O’Regan agreed with all of the opinions voiced. Yoder said he would also add that a clerk’s ability to help the city with funding issues would be important.

The city received a total of 16 applications for this position, of which five were selected as finalists. In addition to Smieja, the other four candidates interviewed were:

o Betty Gumm, Brainerd. Gumm has a bachelor’s degree in travel/tourism. She has previously worked as a water utility specialist for the City of Superior, Wis.; and as a grant writer for the Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin; and the Boys and Girls Club of Wausau, Wis.

o Joe Hatch, Minneapolis. Hatch has a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts and a master’s degree in public administration. His work experience includes working for the City of New Brighten as management analyst/HR specialist for two years; and seven years as code enforcement supervisor.

o Penny Poling, Staples. Poling has a bachelor’s degree in accounting. Past experience includes bookkeeper/office manager for Amazing Days Elderly Care Center, accountant at Pederson and Pederson, P.A.; and accountant  for Wadena County Public Health.

o Kari Tyson, Little Falls. Tyson has a bachelor’s degree in business administration. Previously, she has worked as a finance assistant at Onamia Public Schools; deputy clerk in Pierz; and interim city administrator for the City of Pierz.

After interviewing all five candidates, the council met with Weiers to discuss how they would like to proceed.

Feedback from each of the council members indicated that Lacey Smieja was at the top of their list.

“I thought she was comfortable and relaxed in her answers, and presented herself in a calm, intelligent way,” Johnson said of Smieja.

It was noted that although Smieja does not have a lot of experience in financial budgets, she indicated a willingness to learn. Weiers also reminded the council that there are resources available to them, including David Drown Associates, Inc. and the city’s interim clerk, Scott Saehr.