HomeMy WebLinkAbout21-075 - ADMIN Resolution - City Council - 2021/08/02Resolution No. 21-075
Resolution of the
City Council of the City of St. Louis Park, Minnesota
recognizing the contributions and expressing appreciation to
City Manager Tom Harmening
Whereas, Thomas K. Harmening began his employment with the City of St. Louis Park 26
years ago on April 3, 1995, as community development director, where he was closely involved
in the $160 million-dollar premier revitalization project at Excelsior and Grand, among other
community renewal efforts and significant redevelopment and housing initiatives; and
Whereas, in the life cycle of a city, a handful of decisions become pivot points between
what was and what will be and mark whether a city will be dominated by its history or chart a
new path, and the city council has only a few opportunities to really impact the future of its
community; and
Whereas, the city council’s hiring of Tom as city manager in 2004 marked one of those pivot
points, changing the trajectory of St. Louis Park for the b etter through his leadership and
commitment to the basic principle of public service – that it is the responsibility of government
to be responsive and transparent to those it serves; and
Whereas, since becoming city manager Tom has led the community through important
milestones including visionary redevelopment at the West End and implementation of a variety
of groundbreaking efforts including the city’s climate action plan; intentional race equity and
inclusion efforts and affordable housing policies an d initiatives; and
Whereas, Tom has positively affected the lives of residents, businesses and visitors to the
community through his leadership and his support for community partnerships, and served as a
tireless advocate for the community, which has included involvement in approval and
construction of Southwest Light Rail Transit; reconstruction of Highway 100; achievement of
the city’s AAA bond rating; two successful community visioning initiatives; EPA approval of an
updated 30-year consent decree for the Reilly Tar & Chemical Corp. site; and renovation,
construction or reconstruction of all city facilities, including the new interpretive center at
Westwood Hills Nature Center; and
Whereas, Tom’s unparalleled commitment to excellence in government has earned the
respect of city council and city staff, and has resulted in what he described as his most
significant accomplishment of an intentional and ongoing focus on internal culture that has led
to a high-functioning organization with outstanding staff who bring innovation, creativity and
dedication to their work in serving St. Louis Park; and
Whereas, Tom has not yet determined exactly what post-city-manager life will look like but
plans to make sure his time on the golf course, on his boat or with his family are given the
attention they deserve;
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Resolution No. 21-075 2
Now therefore be it resolved that the City Council of the City of St. Louis Park, Minnesota,
by this resolution and public record, would like to thank Tom Harmening for his great
contributions and 26 years of dedicated service to the City of St. Louis Park and 39 years of
public service and wish him the best in his retirement.
Reviewed for Administration: Adopted by the City Council August 2, 2021
Cynthia S. Walsh, interim city manager Jake Spano, mayor
Attest:
Melissa Kennedy, city clerk
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