5-15-23 Special Meeting Adopted Minutes-'� MINUTES
r Special Called Meeting of the City Commission
Monday, May 15, 2023 - 6:30 PM
;3 Commission Chamber
INVOCATION AND PLEDGE TO THE FLAG
CALL TO ORDER
Following the Pledge of Allegiance, Mayor Ford called the meeting to order at 6:30 PM. CC Bartle
called the roll.
ATTENDANCE:
Present: Curtis Ford, Mayor
Bruce Bole, Commissioner - Seat 2 (District 1308)
Michael Waters, Commissioner - Seat 3 (District 1307)
Candace Kelly, Commissioner - Seat 4 (District 1306)
Jessica Ring, Commissioner - Seat 5 (District 1312)
Also Present: Joe Gerrity, Interim City Manager (CM)
Jason Gabriel, City Attorney (CA)
Donna Bartle, City Clerk (CC)
Ladayija Nichols, Deputy City Clerk (DCC)
Kevin Hogencamp, Deputy City Manager (DCM)
1. CONSIDERATION OF CITY MANAGER CANDIDATE, PAUL ANDREW "ANDY"
STEWART
A. Recruitment Update (Mayor Ford)
Mayor Ford provided an update as detailed in the agenda packet.
B. Public Comments
Stephen Fouraker expressed his opinions about the CM candidate.
Linda Lanier provided her input on the CM search.
Holly Waters expressed concerns regarding the CM search process.
Mitchell Reeves explained the reasoning for Commissioner Ring's tardiness. He
provided his opinion on the CM search.
Nancy Staatz inquired about the residency requirements and other aspects of the CM
job that would make a candidate back out. She expressed concerns about the CM Search.
Special Called Meeting of the City Commission
May 15, 2023
Jim Wheatley provided input regarding the CM search.
Brinkley Harrell spoke about the process of the CM search.
Amy Rose thanked CM Gerrity for making the applications available for viewing in
person. She provided her opinions on the CM search.
Jackie Beckenbach expressed that the decision to find a CM is an important one.
Mayor Ford clarified that the candidate has a finance degree and a Master's in Public
Administration.
(Commissioner Ring arrived at 7:09 p. m.)
C. Recess
At 7:10 p.m.
Reconvened at 7:20 p.m.
D. Discussion
Commissioner Bole expressed support for the CM candidate.
Commissioner Kelly spoke about the aspects of the CM candidate that she appreciates
and expressed that the Commission move forward with making a decision.
Commissioner Ring expressed concerns about rushing the process, emphasized wanting
to be sure that the Commission makes a good decision and expressed that the
Commission should look at other candidates.
Commissioner Waters expressed support for the CM candidate.
Mayor Ford expressed not being in favor of choosing the CM candidate, that he would
recommend declining this candidate and recommended reopening the job post.
Round 2
Commissioner Ring provided further comments discussing concerns regarding the
candidate's short notice of leave to his previous job.
Commissioner Bole spoke to Commissioner Ring's comments regarding short notice of
leave. He mentioned that he felt the candidate could grow into the job and that the City
is lucky that he has applied.
Commissioner Kelly indicated that the candidate is able to handle a variety of issues.
Special Called Meeting of the City Commission
May 1S, 2023
Commissioner Ring pointed out that the City of Oakland is performing a second round
of interviews with the CM candidate. She expressed that she is not saying no but rather,
suggesting that the process is slowed down.
Commissioner Waters expressed that this decision is one that should be a unanimous
decision. He expressed that he is willing to give the decision more time.
Mayor Ford communicated that he felt the City could do better. He suggested that the
job posting be reopened if the vote does not carry.
E. Commission Action and Next Steps
MOTION: Approve Paul Andrew Stewart for the position of City Manager and negotiate a
contract.
Motion: Bruce Bole
Second. Candace Kelly
Commissioner Ring expressed that she would like to cast the net out again and change some of
the requirements and the job description.
Curtis Ford Against
Bruce Bole (Moved By) For
Michael Waters Against
Candace Kelly (Seconded By) For
Jessica Ring Against
Motion failed 2 to 3.
Mayor Ford discussed what's next. He inquired about seeking a national search firm and
expressed concern for the cost of doing so.
Commissioner Bole mentioned that CM candidates are networking and are informed of when a
position becomes available. He expressed concerns about placing a lot of requirements on the
job description and advised that this could be a factor that decreases the number of qualified
candidates.
Commissioner Kelly expressed concern for hiring a search firm and suggested that the search
be completed by someone who knows the needs of COAB and the state of Florida.
Commissioner Ring expressed being in favor of hiring a national search firm. She advised
narrowing down the budget experience to at least thirty million.
Commissioner Waters expressed being against hiring a search firm and the need for meeting a
potential candidate in person.
Special Called Meeting of the City Commission
May 15, 2023
2.
Attest:
Mayor Ford recommended reaching out to multiple firms to get an idea of the cost. He also
suggested a thirty day or at least a two week pause to allow for further discussion. He suggested
that there be a consensus to direct CM Gerrity to make some outreach to search firms and create
a list of different firms.
CM Gerrity opined that it will cost at least twenty-five to fifty thousand dollars to hire a search
firm and that the candidate would need to be considered for a hotel stay of two to three nights.
He encouraged taking another look at the current applications. Mayor Ford clarified that he
would like to get quotes on how much a search firm would cost.
There was a CONSENSUS to have CM Gerrity check into search firms.
Mayor Ford inquired if there was an interest in providing an offer to CM Gerrity. Mayor Ford
indicated that CM Gerrity has already given an answer of no however, Mayor Ford expressed
that he would still like to provide an offer. Commissioner Ring said yes. Commissioners Bole,
Kelly and Waters agreed that they would respect CM Gerrity's wishes to decline the job.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 8:07 p.m.
Donna L. Bartle, City Clerk
Date Approved: W2-'1_12- 3
X 1.
Curtis Ford, Mayor
Special Called Meeting of the City Commission
May 15, 2023