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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