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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 07/29/2008 e CALL TO ORDER- SPECIAL MEETING: ROLL CALL: PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Plan for Succession in City Manager's Position- Options for Interim City Manager e 6275 CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING Port Angeles, Washington July 29, 2008 Mayor Braun called the special meeting of the Port Angeles City Council to order at 4:30 p.m. Members Present: Mayor Braun, Deputy Mayor Wharton, and Councilmembers Di Guilio, Kidd, Perry, Rogers, and Williams. Members Absent: None. Staff Present: Manager Madsen, Attorney Bloor, Clerk Upton, G. Cutler, T. Gallagher, Y. Ziomkowski, K. Dubuc, T. Pierce, B. Coons, N. West, and S. Roberds. Public Present: B. Philpott, D. Foster, F. de la Cruz, R. Curry, A. May, E. Petersen, C. Johnson, M. Sandison, K. Muto, D. Knifsend, R. Gruver, and D. Pilling. All others present in the audience failed to sign the roster. The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag was led by Councilmember Rogers. 1. Plan for Succession in City Manager's Position - Options for Interim City Manager: Mayor Braun opened for discussion the matter of seeking an Interim City Manager, reviewing the options before the Council. The potential time line for an Interim Manager is for a period of 3 - 5 months, and Mayor Braun summarized projected costs that may total $86,000 if an individual is hired through a search firm. Another suggested option was to consider hiring someone locally, especially in view of potential cost savings. In the ensuing discussion, the Councilmembers individually spoke in support of seeking a local individual, identifying the desired qualifications and background, as well as the possibility of considering a former executive who might fill the position. Consideration was also given to the role of an Interim Manager who, in light of current projects and challenges, must be able to keep the City and the Council moving forward. Following further discussion, Councilmember Di Guilio moved to identify local talent for the position of Interim City Manager, and if unsuccessful, to direct staff to . identify a firm who could seek an Interim City Manager. Councilmember Perry seconded the motion. The question was raised as to whether some time parameters should be placed on the local search. Human Resources Manager Coons responded to the inquiry that two weeks should be adequate. Therefore, Councilmember Di Guilio restated the motion to include language that staff should provide a recommendation within a two-week time period. As seconder of the motion, Councilmember Perry agreed to the added language to the motion. Following further discussion, a vote was taken on the motion, which carried unanimously. - 1 - 6276 CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING July 29, 2008 Plan for Succession in City Manager's Position- Options for Permanent City Manager EXECUTIVE SESSION: Consultant Contract with Mark Madsen Public Forum 2. Plan for Succession in City Manager's Position - Options for Permanent City Manager: e Mayor Braun noted that, during the time an Interim City Manager is employed, concurrent efforts need to take place in seeking a permanent replacement. Discussion followed as to the merits of having a City Council ad hoc committee lead the recruitment effort, with staff assistance, as opposed to the full Council leading the recruitment effort. Deputy Mayor Wharton moved to involve the full City Council in the recruitment and hiring process for a permanent City ~anager. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Kidd, and following discussion, a vote was taken on the motion, which carried unanimously. Councilmember Di Guilio noted that staffhad provided a list of executive recruiting firms that could be used to seek a City Manager. These firms work in Washington, Oregon, and California, and Councilmember Di Guilio felt the Council should identify which firms should be considered. The City used Prothman and Company, a Washington firm, for the Police Chief recruitment process. Councilmember Di Guilio moved to direct staff to seek proposals from all firms listed in the' staff memorandum. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Rogers and carried unanimously. 3. Executive Session: Attorney Bloor advised the Council that, in view of the actions just taken, an Executive Session would not be necessary at this time. 4. Consultant Contract with Mark Madsen: Mayor Braun noted there are a number of issues before the City at the present time, and he asked for discussion on the merits of entering into a consultant contract with Mark Madsen. In the discussion that followed, the Councilmembers acknowledged that Manager Madsen has a great deal of knowledge and expertise on these issues, and it would be beneficial to secure his input and institutional knowledge during the transition. The Council discussed whether the contract should be task specific, the period of time to be covered by a contract, and whether the contract would be full time or on an as needed basis. It was felt that time is ofthe essence in order to assure a level of continuity as the City embarks on a process for a permanent replacement. Manager Madsen had been approached as to the possibility of entering into such a contract, and he acknowledged he was willing to contract with the City, as he was concerned about the well being of the community. The suggestion was made that Councilmember Di Guilio work with Manager Madsen and Attorney Bloor in drafting a proposed contract that would include input from senior staff on projects needing to be addressed. The Council agreed by consensus to have Councilmember Di Guilio lead the contract process as suggested. 5. Public Forum: Mayor Braun referenced letters that had been delivered by Ray Gruver on behalf of a group of concerned citizens. The letters, signed by approximately 60 individuals, asked to speak to the Council in a public forum to obtain answers to questions previously raised. The Mayor opened the floor to discussion, and Mr. Gruver was asked to share with the Council how he envisioned such a forum would occur. Ray Gruver, 2802 S. Laurel Street, indicated he was not the spokesman for the group, and he was uncertain how the forum would work. He felt that the setting of the forum needs to be respectful, orchestrated, and something other than an expression of anger. Mr. Gruver stated that the League of Women Voters organizes presentations where questions can be answered, and he suggested that as a possibility. He thought it to be essential that e - 2 - e e CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING July 29, 2008 6277 citizens have a sense that they have an opportunity to address the Council and receive a response, as the citizens feel the Council's best efforts haven't hit the mark thus far. Public Forum (Cont'd) Discussion followed, and the Council discussed the merits of such a forum as well as the desirable format. It was felt it would be helpful to obtain all questions in advance in order to determine what could or could not be discussed based on what might have been addressed in Executive Session. There was agreement that whatever process is followed, it must be respectful. Mayor Braun stressed that, if a public forum is held, the community must receive its answers, and the Council must then get on with the business of the City. Following further consideration, Councilmember Perry volunteered to work with Ray Gruver in talking to the League of Women Voters to determine if they would be willing to facilitate a public forum. Accordingly, Councilmember Di Guilio moved to have Councilmember Perry proceed with this effort. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Rogers and carried unanimously. ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 5:24 p.m. !...:,; /'''1 ~ ....~ ' .~t V .,-~ Gary Braun, tMIlyor 6[1Q>,~ )).fb^- Becky J. Up Ci lerk - 3 -