HomeMy WebLinkAbout5A McGuire Recognition Report
Phone 952.447.9800 / Fax 952.447.4245 / www.cityofpriorlake.com
4646 Dakota Street SE
Prior Lake, MN 55372
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
MEETING DATE: DECEMBER 17, 2018
AGENDA #: 5A
PREPARED BY: FRANK BOYLES, CITY MANAGER
PRESENTED BY: FRANK BOYLES
AGENDA ITEM: PRESENTATION TO RETIRING CITY COUNCILMEMBER MIKE MCGUIRE
DISCUSSION: Mike McGuire has quite a history with the City of Prior Lake. Starting as a City
Administrator in 1973, Mike then became the first city manager following a
referendum to change Prior Lake to an Optional Plan B-Council-Manager form of
government until 1987.
During his years as the City’s first Manager Mike distinguished himself in many
ways. During Mike’s tenure the city council purchased much of the land that we
now know as Lakefront Park. Imagine the city today without this 130-acre gem.
Mike and the city council also played a leadership role in acquiring Sand Point
Beach Park which has become one of our most popular and renowned recreation
areas as well as 40 acres of the Ponds Park.
Mike and his city council did one of the most difficult but most essential things a
city can do. They extended sewer and water around both lakes. This action alone
gave our community the potential to develop to an urban standard while protecting
the fragile environment of our beautiful city.
Ultimately Mike left the City of Prior lake to assume the position of City manager in
Maplewood.
In 2013 Ken Hedberg was appointed Mayor leaving a city council position
available. Mayor Hedberg, after looking several qualified candidates appointed
Mike McGuire to the city council on February 11, 2013.
Mike’s first term expired on December 31, 2014 and he was elected to serve a full
four-year term which will expire on January 7, 2019.
While on the city council Mike has come to be known as the sage. He has faced
many of the issues which city councils must act upon. In many cases more than
once. He has offered his advice and knowledge formally at meetings and less
formally to the public at community and private events.
His single most important compass bearing has always been to do what is best for
the community in the short and long run. His votes you will find follow this
perspective. Mike participated in the approval of the joint water treatment plant
with the SMSC. One of Mike’s most significant final actions was to serve on the
committee that led the effort to identify and appoint a city manager for our
community (the final agenda item of tonight’s meeting).
Though asked by dozens of people to rerun in the 2018 election, Mike has decided
that it is time for him to put aside his public Manager/Councilor life in favor of the
life of a private citizen with Colleen and his two children.
There are not too many Mike McGuire’s in this world. Prior Lake is indeed
fortunate to have the original. So tonight, we want to thank Mike for all he has
done and offer him the happy send off he so richly deserves.
The mayor will present Mike with a sailboat plaque of appreciation. Council
members and the public are welcome offer any comments they may have on this
auspicious occasion.