Amended Agenda Item 1B- 8-9-17 Draft Minutes Special Called CCM (1)MINUTES
CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH
SPECIAL CALLED CITY COMMISSION MEETING
AUGUST 9, 2017-5:00 PM
IN ATTENDANCE:
Mayor Mitchell E. Reeves
Mayor Pro Tern John Stinson
Commissioner Mitchell R. Harding
Commissioner Jimmy Hill
Commissioner M. Blythe Waters
Invocation and pledge to the flag
City Attorney Brenna Durden
Interim City Manager Kevin Hogencamp
Administrative Assistant Joanie Bowman
Recording Secretary Nancy Pyatte
Commissioner Stinson gave the Invocation, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
Call to Order:
Mayor Reeves called the meeting to order at 5:02PM. Administrative Assistant Joanie Bowman, sitting in
for the City Clerk, called the roll. Mayor Reeves noted that a quorum was present.
1. Courtesy of Floor to Visitors
Ellen Glasser, 2060 Beach Ave., spoke on the topic of transparency and accountability, referring to the
City Charter, Section 66, titled Personal Interest. Based on her research of public records, Ms. Glasser
explained she filed a formal complaint with the City on July 27, 2017 against Mayor Reeves for
conducting business with the Atlantic Beach Police Department. Ms. Glasser said her research showed
Mayor Reeves, working for/representing GT Distributors, has been selling police equipment to the
City's Police Department while in public office as Mayor.
The complaint is currently in the process of an outside legal review and expected to be completed in two
weeks. Ms. Glasser requested that the Commission cancel this meeting and put aside tonight's business
until the formal legal review of Mayor Reeves conduct has been completed.
Don Wolfson, 1725 Beach Ave., spoke about the City Manager selection process. Having worked with
the past four Atlantic Beach City Managers, Mr. Wolfson stated there was continuity for a long time in
that position, up until the last City Manager was terminated. Mr. Wolfson requested the Commission
consider postponing the appointment of the City Manager and reopen the recruitment process. He said
do not settle for less than best.
No one else from the audience spoke. Comiesy of the Floor was closed.
2. City Manager Selection
Human Resource Director (HR Director) Cathy Berry, gave a brief review of the process. The position
was advertised, resumes were received, questionnaires were sent out, six applicants were interviewed
via skype, and the three final candidates were invited to a public Community Meet and Greet. Following
that event, the public provided input to the elected officials. One of the three finalists, Sarah Campbell,
withdrew today-stating she accepted a position with the Town of Orange Park. The two finalists are
Joe Gerrity and Ron Rabun.
1
Amended Agenda Item 1B
August 28, 2017
August 9, 2017 SPECIAL CALLED CITY COMMISSION MEETING
Motion: Open discussion to consider hiring a search firm and reopen the City Manager selection
process.
Moved by Waters, there was no Second
MOTION FAILED
MOTION: Nominate Mr. Joe Gerrity as the City Manager for the City of Atlantic Beach; direct
City Attorney Durden to negotiate the contract, working with one member of the City
Commission, and utilize the contract presented by HR Director Berry.
Moved by Stinson, Seconded by Harding
Discussion ensued. Commissioner Hill stated it was not a good idea to start over or delay the process
due to the political cycle. Even though Mr. Gerrity is not his preferred choice of the two candidates,
Commissioner Hill said he is interested in moving forward in this process.
Commissioner Waters stated she did not see the qualities in these candidates to be the next CEO for our
city and felt that we needed to continue looking for a more dynamic person. Commissioner Waters
agreed with Commissioner Hill and stated that Mr. Gerrity is not her preferred choice of the two
candidates.
Commissioner Harding stated he was not surprised when he heard Sarah Campbell withdrew from the
process. Regarding delaying the hiring until the elections were over, Commissioner Harding said he also
received numerous communications to postpone hiring the Police Chief and the City Manager.
Commissioner Harding said it is this Commission's decision to make and we have had guidance from
Staff throughout the whole process. He stated he is ready to proceed and get our City back on the right
track.
Commissioner Stinson commented that the requests for delaying this process do appear to be election
driven. Staff initiated the recruitment process and completed the research of the applicants prior to the
Commission taking over the process. The Commission has evaluated fourteen applicants, then
narrowed that group to six, and now the three finalists are down to two candidates. Commissioner
Stinson said now is not the time to start over.
Commissioner Stinson stated his reasons why he nominated Mr. Gerrity as follows:
• Private sector experience in operating a business
• Familiarity in Northeast Florida
• Prior service as an elected official
• Prior service as a County Manager in Suwannee County
• Prior service as a City Manager in Fernandina Beach
• Longevity of experience in service
Commissioner Stinson stated the only thing he would like to see, if possible, 1s the outcome of
background and reference checks on the final candidates.
Mayor Reeves stated this is not a political issue, but an issue of what is best for our City. There has been
complete transparency throughout the total process and it is this Commissions' responsibility to make
the decision based on facts, not emotions. Mayor Reeves said Sarah Campbell was his choice. He
respects her decision to accept the offer with the Town of Orange Park, a decision based on herself, her
family, and no other reason. Mayor Reeves said there has been criticism for not moving fast enough in
this process and now the Commission is hearing that we should postpone the process -cannot have it
both ways. Mayor Reeves stated he is ready to vote and make a decision in the best interest for the City.
2
Amended Agenda Item 1B
August 28, 2017
August 9, 2017 SPECIAL CALLED CITY COMMISSION MEETING
HR Director Beny reported she has the background screenings utilized for all employees which covers
criminal and traffic reports and nothing showed up on the three final candidates. Also our Police
Department provided staff who specializes in background screenings and again, nothing came forward.
A lengthy discussion ensued about background screenings, the benefits of having a candidate without
connections to North Florida communities, decisions based on what is best for the City, and the
importance of a candidate having an understanding and familiarity with the Florida State Sunshine Laws
and State Statutes.
Roll Call Votes:
Aye: 5 Harding, Hill, Stinson, Waters, Reeves
Nay: 0
MOTION CARRIED
City Attorney Durden noted the motion instructs the City Attorney work with a Commissioner on the
contract for the City Manager and that person needs to be nominated.
Commissioner Hill nominated Commissioner Waters, Seconded by Commissioner Stinson.
There was consensus to accept the nomination of Commissioner Waters.
Commissioner Harding
• Expressed his respect for the community and the Commission stating he enjoys
working with everyone. Commissioner Harding stated that tonight proved the
cohesiveness of this group.
Commissioner Waters
• Spoke about the Commission having more in common, specifically about achieving
the goals for the future of the City. This has been shown most recently with the
forming of the Environmental Stewardship Committee, the Parking and Pedestrian
Safety Advisory Resource Committee, and with tonight's unanimous vote for a new
City Manager.
Commissioner Hill
• Stated that it is critical that the Commission have a unified position in selecting the
new City Manager. Commissioner Hill stated that he looks forward to the opportunity
to get to know Mr. Genity as he leads the City.
Commissioner Stinson
• Stated that he is looking forward to Mr. Genity serving as the new City Manager.
Mayor Reeves
Commissioner Stinson thanked ICM Hogencamp, HR Director Beny, the staff, the
citizens, and his fellow Commissioners for their efforts, hard work, and support
throughout this process.
• Thanked all of the Commission for their votes and support for the new City Manager.
Mayor Reeves stated this will be an exciting time for the City as we move forward.
• Spoke about the comments made by Ellen Glasser during Courtesy of the Floor.
Mayor Reeves stated Ms. Glasser, who is an opponent in this election, has filed a
complaint against him. He said a citizen has filed a complaint against Ms. Glasser
3
Amended Agenda Item 1B
August 28, 2017
August 9, 2017
Adjournment
SPECIAL CALLED CITY COMMISSION MEETING
about her residency. Mayor Reeves stated this action by Ms. Glasser is an attempt to
distract people from issues that really matter in the City. Mayor Reeves thanked ICM
Hogencamp and City Attorney Durden for their suggestion and decision to use a third
party for the investigation into the complaint. He said he respects that decision. Mayor
Reeves stated it is unfortunate that it will result in additional costs to the City. Mayor
Reeves stated this is a false claim.
There being no further discussion, Mayor Reeves declared the meeting adjourned at 6:13PM.
Mayor Reeves reminded the Commission there will be a Budget Workshop at 6:30PM.
ATTEST:
Donna L. Bartle, CMC
City Clerk
DLB/njp
Mitchell E. Reeves
Mayor/Presiding Officer
4
Amended Agenda Item 1B
August 28, 2017