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09-11-19 Special Called Meeting of the City Commission Amended MinutesAMENDED MINUTES Special Called Meeting of the City Commission Wednesday, September 11, 2019 - 6:00 PM Commission Chamber INVOCATION AND PLEDGE TO THE FLAG CALL TO ORDER: Following the Invocation and Pledge to the Flag, Mayor Glasser called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM. City Clerk Bartle called the roll. ROLL CALL: Present: Ellen Glasser, Mayor - Seat 1 Cindy Anderson, Commissioner - Seat 2 Blythe Waters, Mayor Pro Tem / Commissioner - Seat 3 Candace Kelly, Commissioner - Seat 4 Brittany Norris, Commissioner - Seat 5 Also Present: Joe Gerrity, City Manager (CM) Brenna Durden, City Attorney (CA) Donna Bartle, City Clerk (CC) Kevin Hogencamp, Deputy City Manager (DCM) 1. PRESENTATION FROM CITY MANAGER CANDIDATE, SHANE CORBIN CM Gerrity noted the documents attached and as listed on the agenda: Charter Article III. - The City Manager City Manager Job Description In-house Vacancy Announcement Shane Corbin's Resume August 2019 Memo from HR Director to City Manager about Reference Checks CM Gerrity reviewed the timeline and due diligence taken to fill the upcoming City Manager vacancy that began on August 12, 2019 up to this meeting. Mayor Glasser explained the process of the meeting to interview Shane Corbin. 2. QUESTIONS AND INTERVIEW Shane Corbin addressed the Commission. Mr. Corbin reviewed his resume covering his education, qualifications, and employment history including the past two years as the COAB Planning Director. Mr. Corbin stated why he would like to be the City Manager of Atlantic Beach. He enjoys being challenged and progressing to the next level. As City Manager he will see the projects initiated by the Planning Department continue to move forward. Mr. Corbin expressed that the staff of Atlantic Beach is outstanding and he has no reservations in continuing to work with them. Mr. Special Called Meeting of the City Commission September 11, 2019 Corbin stated he has enjoyed building relationships and communicating with business owners, neighborhood leaders, staff, elected officials, and residents in the day-to-day operations, finding solutions for issues when they arise. In closing, Mr. Corbin expressed his appreciation in being considered. Commissioner Kelly Inquired if Mr. Corbin has familiarized himself with all the COAB departments, in particular during the budget process. Mr. Corbin responded he did not have the opportunity to shadow CM Gerrity during the budget meetings process, but has reviewed the budget. Commissioner Norris Inquired how Mr. Corbin envisions creating a high functioning management team at COAB. Mr. Corbin expressed his confidence in the current team/staff. In following CM Gerrity's management he stated he would not be making any drastic changes. CM Gerrity always empowered and allowed staff to do their jobs - demanding but not micro - managing. Mr. Corbin also stated he believes in continuing education and will be encouraging that for staff. Commissioner Waters Asked Mr. Corbin to describe his leadership style by providing generic examples of handling difficult situations. Mr. Corbin stated he likes to empower employees to enjoy doing their work, take ownership, and achieve fulfillment. If a problem arises he will analyze, identify all options for a solution, and bring staff together through trust. Commissioner Anderson Asked Mr. Corbin to describe the role of City Manager relating to the citizens and addressing their comments, questions, and concerns. Mr. Corbin responded he starts each day by reviewing/answering all emails and voice mails received since 5:00 PM of the previous day. He believes in responding, or at least acknowledging inquiries within 24 hours. Mayor Glasser Asked Mr. Corbin to provide an example of a complex situation that he worked through with the Commission and/or the citizens. Mr. Corbin spoke about the Selva Marina PUDs and the rezoning of same to RS -1. An Open House was scheduled and then it would go before the Community Development Board (CDB). The citizens/public showed up at the Open House and staff quickly learned that the idea to rezone to RS -1 was not their idea nor the best idea! Staff went back to the drawing board and began the process all over. Special Called Meeting of the City Commission September 11, 2019 Mr. Corbin met with CM Gerrity, City Attorney Durden, the Mayor, staff, and citizens to develop a better solution to resolve all the variance requests. After several weeks an idea developed of setbacks based on the road frontage, which was a similar issue he worked on in Savannah, GA. Another Open House was scheduled to introduce a new presentation and by the time it went before the CDB all concerns had been resolved and there was no opposition by the CDB nor the Commission. Commissioner Kelly Spoke about the City receiving the LEED Certification, a project Mr. Corbin participated in during his first two years with the COAB. Ms. Kelly inquired about the next step following certification. Mr. Corbin explained the certification process required the submittal of strategies for what is next, so this step has been started. The plan is to look for opportunities for cost savings, such as building retrofits, looking at energy resources (solar), changing light bulbs, and adding insulation. Currently the Environmental Stewardship Committee ESC) is working on a priority ranking for these strategies and they will present this at their next meeting on September 25, 2019. Commissioner Norris Asked Mr. Corbin about his experience with emergency planning and storm recovery mitigation, including any NIMS training with FEMA. Mr. Corbin stated he has received certification for Incident Command System 100. While with the City of Savannah he experienced Hurricanes Michael and Irma and performed damage assessments, completed the required forms, and inventoried properties. Recently during Hurricane Dorian he spent time with Chief Cook at the Police Department during storm preparation to observe and be available to assist. Mr. Corbin stated he plans to continue with the FEMA training. Commissioner Waters From his background with redevelopment projects, Commissioner Waters inquired how those experiences would carry over as City Manager and how they may shape your vision for the COAB as the City Manager. Mr. Corbin stated development is about money, having an acceptable and achievable vision plan, and convincing property owners it's in their financial interest to do something different with their property. Using Mayport Road as an example, he said more work is needed to determine incentives for property owners and/or potential developers, such as looking for outside funding sources and/or tax abatements, etc. Commissioner Anderson Asked Mr. Corbin to provide specific examples of effectively managing and controlling City finances. Describe your knowledge of the current financial status of the COAB. Special Called Meeting of the City Commission September 11, 2019 Mr. Corbin stated he has been responsible for budgets over the past twelve years and has used a similar process to what is used at the COAB. Mr. Corbin stated the COAB annual budget is approximately $40 million with 40% in Reserves. The two biggest parts are the Enterprise Fund and Utilities Fund, then followed by the General Fund. As City Manager he would rely upon the Finance Director while learning about specific details of each department budget. Mayor Glasser Spoke about COAB having a Commission/City Manager form of government. She stated the Commission is elected for set terms and is responsible for hiring or firing a City Manager. Mayor Glasser asked what is the City Manager's authority and does he have more power than the elected officials. Mr. Corbin responded that a City Manager does not have more power than the elected officials. The Commissioners have the ultimate authority and represent their constituents and the desires of the people. The City Manager provides the Commission with direction and guidance, and is responsible for hiring and/or firing staff that are subordinate to the City Manager. With the Commission/City Manager form of government Mr. Corbin stated the power structure is more decentralized. Commissioner Kelly Spoke about Home Rule issues being a big part of the last two legislative sessions. It is anticipated the next session will involve the 'hostage taking' of computer systems. Commissioner Kelly inquired if Mr. Corbin can assess our strengths and explain how to protect against that type of threat. Mr. Corbin stated he has some familiarity with Ransomeware and stated that our IT Department is aware and very capable. Mr. Corbin also said he has heard that there is to be no discussion of this in a public meeting. Commissioner Norris Referring to the City Manager Job Description, Commission Norris asked Mr. Corbin how he would create an environment of trust and credibility. Mr. Corbin stated transparency is most important, along with the willingness to communicate. Commissioner Waters Asked Mr. Corbin to elaborate on his educational path and how it led to his current position with COAB. Mr. Corbin stated that after graduation his career choice was to work as a Park Biologist but found himself working as a Chemist in a distillery. Being in that industrial occupation Special Called Meeting of the City Commission September 11, 2019 was not the direction he wanted to continue in and his search and continued education led him to City Planning, then into Public Administration, and now where he is today. Commissioner Anderson Asked Mr. Corbin what evaluation process improves performance objectives for the City Manager. Mr. Corbin spoke about the Commission's Annual Strategic Goals and Planning process and stated that could be involved in the City Manager's objectives and evaluation. Also there could be input and feedback from the public - citizens, Board and Committee members. Mayor Glasser Spoke about the COAB branding project to promote identity and the story of Atlantic Beach. Mayor Glasser asked Mr. Corbin to describe Atlantic Beach to someone who does not live here. Mr. Corbin stated COAB is a very beautiful, quaint, small beach town with all the amenities and access to cultural experiences that a large city affords, with a low crime rate and an excellent tree canopy. 3. PUBLIC COMMENTS REGARDING CANDIDATE Linda Lanier spoke favorably about her experiences working with Mr. Corbin through the Community Development Board, the Mayport Road project, and several other projects. Ms. Lanier stated Mr. Corbin will be a great asset to the City, as City Manager. Bruce Andrews spoke in favor of Mr. Corbin as the candidate for City Manager. He spoke about how the City has been operating in a very respectful manner under Mr. Gerrity and stated Mr. Corbin is a great candidate for this position. Sarah Dark spoke in favor of Mr. Corbin as City Manager and reviewed her experiences working with him through the ESC. Ms. Dark stated his description of the COAB is the perfect representation of our city, understanding what we want and our mission. Mayor Glasser submitted three letters of recommendation on behalf of Shane Corbin, which is attached and made part of this Official Record as Attachment A. 4. RECESS A recess was called at 7:00 PM by Mayor Glasser. The meeting reconvened at 7:05 PM. 5. DISCUSSION Mayor Glasser inquired if there was consensus to proceed based on the qualifications presented by this candidate or to conduct a search for candidates. There was consensus from the Commission to proceed. Special Called Meeting of the City Commission September 11, 2019 6. COMMISSION ACTION AND NEXT STEPS MOTION: To offer the position of City Manager to Shane Corbin. Motion: Brittany Norris Second: Cindy Anderson Commissioner Norris spoke about changeover in city government, consistency, and building from qualified internal resources to fill gaps in leadership. Commissioner Waters spoke about previous experiences conducting external searches versus internal searches. Shane Corbin has proven he is the best candidate for this position. Commissioner Anderson spoke about how well the City has been operating with CM Gerrity's leadership. In Mr. Corbin's current position as Community Planning Director he knows and supports and can move forward with the vision for our city. Commissioner Anderson spoke in support of Mr. Corbin. Commissioner Kelly spoke about external searches versus internal searches. She spoke about Mr. Corbin's experience and familiarity with city projects and stated our citizens have had the opportunity to see the results of that work. Commissioner Kelly stated he is a great choice. Mayor Glasser spoke about the search process, transparency, and promotion from internal resources. She spoke about Mr. Corbin utilizing his planning perspective as City Manager and continuing to implement what the community wants in the city. Mayor Glasser stated Mr. Corbin displays confidence, willingness and enthusiasm. He finds solutions to complex problems. Mayor Glasser extended her thanks to CM Gerrity for building a great team and stated she supports Mr. Corbin as City Manager. Brittany Norris (Moved By) For Cindy Anderson (Seconded By) For Candace Kelly For Blythe Waters For Ellen Glasser For Motion passed S to 0. Mayor Glasser explained the next steps are to negotiate a contract, execute the contract, and have consensus on who will act as the negotiator. Mayor Glasser suggested having the Mayor Pro Tem, Commissioner Waters, negotiate the contract. Commissioner Waters acknowledged and accepted. Mayor Glasser explained there is a copy of CM Gerrity's contract and a copy of City Manager salaries of comparable sized cities. CM Gerrity added that this will be an item on the September 23, 2019 meeting agenda. Special Called Meeting of the City Commission September 11, 2019 Mayor Glasser suggested a starting salary of $130,000, with an evaluation period, and if said evaluation is suitable then the salary will be brought up to the current CM salary. Commissioner Anderson suggested a starting salary of $125,000 based on no prior experience as a City Manager. Ms. Anderson also wanted to make sure the contract had the jurisdiction and venue provision, and an ADR provision. There was consensus from the Commission for the Mayor Pro Tem, Commissioner Waters, to negotiate the contract and bring back the proposed contract at the September 23, 2019 meeting. Mayor Glasser advised Mr. Corbin the Commission voted unanimously to offer him the position of City Manager, contingent upon negotiating a satisfactory contract. Mr. Corbin expressed his gratitude and appreciation for this opportunity. 7. ADJOURNMENT There being no further discussion, Mayor Glasser declared the meeting adjourned at 7:38 PM. Attest: 14,-)vrpo, v4g4,eic Donna L. Bartle, City Clerk Ellen Glasser, Mayor Date Approved Special Called Meeting of the City Commission September 11, 2019 Shane Corbin Attachment A September 11, 2019 Minutes John Walling <wallingjc@gmail.com> Sat 8/24/2019 7:49 PM To:Elected Officials <electedofficials@coab.us>; To all. It was my good fortune to work with and engage Shane for some 4-5 years as he managed the zoning affairs of The City of Jeffersonville, IN. I workecl for a private developer. We had a working relationship founded on trust and mutual respect. I always respected Shane and knew I had to have my projects in line to gain any support. He is an asset to any one that has him. I truly miss having him in Jeffersonville. I also know he has since built many relationships and done yeoman's work. He is ably suited to take on more and serve the community. You are quite lucky to be able to consider Shane. Best Regards. Sent from my iPhone John Walling Director of Real Estate Development(ret) The Koetter Group 502-551-1305 wallingjc@gmail.com August 28, 2017 Atlantic Beach City Commissioners 800 Seminole Road Atlantic Beach, FL 32233 RE: City Manager Position Shane Corbin Dear Commissioners: Attachment A September 11, 2019 Minutes figt, Alan M. Applegate aappleeateP afpfirm.com I am writing this letter in support of your consideration of Mr. Shane Corbin as your City Manager. I have known Mr. Corbin for many years; as I met him during his tenure as the Planning and Zoning Director for the CityofJeffersonville, Indiana. I am an attorney licensed in Indiana, Kentucky and Florida, with an office situated in Jeffersonville, Indiana. My practice consists primarily of real estate law. As such, I had many dealings with Mr. Corbin on behalf of many different clients. Those dealings involved many different facets of real estate law including zoning entitlements, zoning appeals, variance requests, code enforcement and other issues involving the City of Jeffersonville. While my client's position was often at odds with that of the City, I could always count on Mr. Corbin to be informed, responsive, polite and reasonable. I believe that all of these traits would be a benefit to your City and Mr. Corbin's leadership would only assist Atlantic Beach in reaching its goals. Sincerely, Alan M. Applegate Applegate Fifer Pulliam LLC 428 Meigs Avenue, Jeffersonville, IN 47130 812.284.9499 1812.282.7199 fax I www.afofirm.com City Manager Attachment A September 11, 2019 Minutes Ryan Giannoni<ryan@savfoodtruckassociation.com> Sun 9/1/2019 10:23 PM To:Elected Officials <electedofficials@coab.us>; Dear City of Atlantic Beach, It's my absolute pleasure to recommend Mr. Shane Corbin for city manager of COAB. Shane and I worked together in Savannah to establish an ordinance that would allow food trucks to legally operate in our city. I thoroughly enjoyed my time working with Shane, and came to know him as a truly valuable asset to every project he is a part of. He is friendly, intelligent, and incredibly hard-working. Beyond that, he is an impressive hands-on employee who puts himself in the shoes of a resident to make the best decisions. His expertise in zoning/planning was a huge advantage to our entire city. He worked one on one with food truckers, residents, organisers, developers, govt officials, and everyone in between to create an ordinance that would allow a new industry to thrive while also protecting the historic aspects of our city. Along with his undeniable talent, Shane has always been an absolute pleasure to work with. I even drove to COAB on March 7, 2018 when i heard about the city visioning work shop and Shane's newest project. Without a doubt, I confidently recommend Mr. Shane Corbin to join your town as city manager. As a dedicated and knowledgeable employee and an all-arotmd great guy, I know that he is the right choice for the City of Atlantic Beach. Please feel free to contact me by phone or email should you like to discuss Mr. Corbin's qualifications and experience further. I'd be happy to chat with y'all anytime. Ryan Giannoni 7063191919 President of Savannah Food Truck Association Organizer of Savannah Food Truck Festival