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07/10/2001 . . . CITY COMMISSION SPECIAL MEETING CITY OF CLEARWATER July 10, 2001 Present: Brian J. Aungst Ed Hart Whitney Gray Hoyt P. Hamilton William C. Jonson Mayor/Commissioner Vice-M ayor /Com missioner Commissioner Commissioner Commissioner Also present: Garry Brumback Pamela K. Akin Cynthia E. Goudeau Brenda Moses Assistant City Manager City Attorney City Clerk Board Reporter The Mayor called the meeting to order at 9:05 a.m. at City Hall for finalist interviews and possible selection of a City Manager. Lou Fox, Executive Director of DMG Maximus Corporation, detailed the interview selection process. He said the process took approximately 6 months and 5 candidates were selected from a total of 80 applicants throughout the country. He recommended asking each candidate the same questions. Commissioners selected the following 15 questions to be asked: 1) Talk to us about your background, work experience and career goals, including a) experience in economic development and redevelopment; b) experience in strategic planning, execution, and evaluation; c) experience in labor relations and/or collective bargaining; d) what do you believe is your greatest strength and greatest weakness; e) what are your short- and long- term career goals; f) how does this position fit into those goals; and g) what specifically attracts you to the position of City Manager with the City of Clearwater; 2) what is your experience in creating a shared City vision/objectives for a community with diverse interests and demographics; 3) what is your experience working directly with local businesses, community groups, media and individuals, and a) what opportunities have you taken to participate in community activities and events; b) are you comfortable in those situations; and c) what communication approaches have you found successful; 4) on a controversial issue where the interests of the business community and neighborhood groups are diametrically opposed, what role should the City Manager play in trying to achieve consensus; 5) what is your approach to strengthening neighborhoods; 6) tell us about an experience where your community had an opportunity for a development that would significantly increase the tax base, but where you recommended against the development? Discuss the "right reasons" to say "no" to redevelopment/development; 7) the infrastructure includes our roads, water system, sewer system, storm water system, curbs and sidewalks. The infrastructure is usually "out-of-sight and out-of-mind" until it fails (usually at the worst time). What process/approach do you use to ensure that the public infrastructure is continually maintained for long term health and economic benefits of the City; 8) describe for us the most innovative project or accomplishment that you can take direct credit for initiating and implementing; 9) the City Manager relies on the msp0701 1 07110/01 . . . Department Directors to carry out his/her guidance, for their expertise in completing major projects, and for maintaining a cooperative, professional and productive working environment. a) how would you establish a positive working relationship with the Department Directors and employees in order to accomplish the City's strategic priorities and objectives; b) how would you hold your directors accountable, yet be trusting and a good delegator; and c) if you were selected, what actions would you take to familiarize yourself with the staff; 10) give us an example of a project you moved forward on, in spite of considerable opposition or organization and resource constraints. a) what was the outcome of the project (i.e. successful or not); and b) what would you have done differently; 11) to what extent have you worked with federal, state, or other local agencies on an intergovernmental basis. a) how have you established a cooperative relationship with these agencies; 12) what three things/objectives would you want to accomplish on your; a) first day on the job as City Manager; b) first month on the job as City Manager; and c) first year on the job as City Manager; 13) why do you feel you can be successful in this position; 14) with what you have learned thus far, have you developed a vision for the City of Clearwater? How do you sustain the vision over the long haul; and 15) tell me about a situation in your job where the "right thing to do" wasn't obvious and you had to struggle with the alternatives. Concern was expressed that 45 minutes would not sufficient time to answer all 1 5 questions. Mr. Fox said he would remind candidates each interview would take approximately 45 minutes and their answers should be succinct. City Attorney Pam Akin reminded the Commission that their notes would become part of the public record for this process. Consensus was not to provide candidates with the interview questions in advance. Mr. Fox provided a copy of each candidate's resume along with a checklist to assist Commissioners in rating each candidate's qualifications. The meeting recessed from 9:24 to 9:38 a.m. The first candidate interviewed was Sterling B. Cheatham, Assistant City Manager of Norfolk, Virginia. The meeting recessed from 10:20 to 10:37 a.m. The second candidate interviewed was William Horne, Interim City Manager, City of Clearwater. The meeting recessed from 11 :26 to 11 :40 a.m. The third candidate interviewed was Bonnie Ridley Kraft, City Manger of Gresham, Oregon. The meeting recessed from 12:21 to 1 :22 p.m. The fourth candidate interviewed was Michael McNees, Assistant County Manager of Collier County, Florida. msp070 1 2 07/1 0/01 . . . The meeting recessed from 2: 18 to 2:28 p.m. The fifth and last candidate interviewed was Michael K. West, Assistant City Manager of Columbia, South Carolina. The meeting recessed from 3: 11 to 4:00 p.m. City ManaQer Selection Discussion Staff was complimented on their role in the process. It was felt the process was conducted professionally and that all the candidates were excellent. Mr. Fox agreed that staff did an excellent job assisting with the process and felt the pool of candidates were of the highest quality. He said the Commission did an excellent job asking interview questions. The former City Commission was complimented for implementing the search process. It was remarked that the objective was to select the best-qualified person who could do the best job and serve the best interests of the community in the long-term. It was remarked the candidate selected should be someone whom the Commission feels can bring stability and integrity to the position, engage the entire community, and possess a tireless work ethic. Each Commissioner expressed her/his thoughts on each candidate. Sterlina B. Cheatham Commissioner Hamilton said Norfolk, Virginia is slightly larger than Clearwater. He felt one of Mr. Cheatham's strengths is his experience with issues similar to Clearwater's. He felt Mr. Cheatham was honest, well prepared and presents a good image for the job. Commissioner Gray said Mr. Cheatham was willing to say that he felt he was a good fit for Clearwater because Clearwater is still less complex than his City. She found Mr. Cheatham to be well rounded with 25 years experience. She liked his leadership abilities and felt he was results-oriented, experienced in economic development and has an understanding of the Commission's policies as well as the importance of the communication process. She felt him to be a good candidate. Commissioner Jonson said Mr. Cheatham's approach to neighborhoods and infrastructure was good. He has worked through a 20% reduction in head count in Norfolk. He recognized the importance of Clearwater's dependence on the Penny for Pinellas and the fact that it would not always be available to offset expenses. He felt Mr. Cheatham was very perceptive and was impressed that Mr. Cheatham felt Clearwater is and should be a strong regional player. Commissioner Hart was impressed with all of Mr. Cheatham's skills, especially his expert budget presentations and analysis. He felt it interesting that Mr. Cheatham worked with employees to ensure essential positions were reinforced. He felt Mr. Cheatham's infrastructure planning, etc. were well done. He was impressed that Mr. Cheatham said he would first check with the Commission if a conflict occurred. He found Mr. Cheatham msp0701 3 07/10/01 . . . personable and amiable in wanting to do what is best. He noted Mr. Cheatham's career goal from day one was to become a City Manager. He felt Mr. Cheatham to be a strong candidate. Mayor Aungst said Mr. Cheatham is well rounded. His 25 years experience is reflected in his leadership abilities and results-oriented management style. He appears to understand the Commission's policies and the importance of the communication process as well the role everyone plays. William Horne Commissioner Gray said she considered Mr. Horne on 2 levels: 1) as a candidate, and 2) as a candidate with the track record he has displayed while employed with the City. She felt Mr. Horne's moral character and integrity were of the highest quality. She felt he had good communication skills, possesses different but valuable experience compared to some of the other candidates, and he projects a good image for Clearwater. He has taken steps in the right direction and has an excellent track record. She felt Mr. Horne to be a very strong candidate. Commissioner Hart said Mr. Horne is well known in his current Interim City Manager position. He said he has had some differences with Mr. Horne but feels Mr. Horne possesses the intent to work with various elements. He felt Mr. Horne would work on issues and present them to the Commission. He would not require a breaking-in period as he already has experience with City business. He felt Mr. Horne to be a hands-on manager and has done a lot to bring balance, credibility, and stability. Staff is very supportive of Mr. Horne's efforts to heal wounds that had occurred in the past. He said Mr. Horne's Air Force experience differs from the other candidates. He felt Mr. Horne to be a good candidate, but was not his first choice. Commissioner Jonson said he is familiar with Mr. Horne's success in the community. He said Mr. Horne has restored a sense of teamwork to the City. He felt Mr. Horne is an extremely capable manager, particularly in working with people and reaching out to the community. He has brought a re-emphasis on infrastructure. He felt Mr. Horne's comments were perceptive. He is an established leader and has high expectations of staff. Mr. Horne believes in doing business appropriately, not just responding to adverse situations. He liked Mr. Horne's response that he is willing to live with the consequences of his decisions. He said Mr. Horne is one of his top candidates. Commissioner Hamilton said Mr. Horne has had the opportunity to demonstrate his capabilities. He is well-tuned into Clearwater's history. He felt Mr. Horne is clearly an extremely capable manager who is able to reach out to and work with the community. He felt that the City is now a well-oiled machine under Mr. Horne's direction. He felt that Mr. Horne always keeps the Commission adequately informed. He said he has received only overwhelming support from the business and residential segments of the City regarding Mr. Horne. He said Mr. Horne is his strongest candidate. msp0701 4 07/10/01 . . . Mayor Aungst noted Mr. Horne's military background. He felt Mr. Horne has proven to be a quick study and adapts quickly. He said Mr. Horne has restored trust in City government, has engaged the community, brought up staff morale, and is not afraid to make key decisions. He said Mr. Horne has streamlined the top of the organization and is not afraid to recommend or do the right thing regarding controversial matters. He felt Mr. Horne has re-established the City's intergovernmental presence. He said Mr. Horne is trustworthy, approachable, and is not afraid to tell people what they need to hear, not just what they wish to hear. He felt Mr. Horne is a man of integrity, incredible strength, endurance, and commitment, and that he has shown a vision. Mr. Horne continues to work in Clearwater's diverse community of special interest groups. He felt Mr. Horne could help Clearwater build a consensus. He has received many letters regarding Mr. Horne's integrity and honesty. He said there were some terrific candidates, however he has seen Mr. Horne's accomplishments over the past year and has the utmost respect for him. He said Mr. Horne is by far his number one choice. Bonnie Ridlev Kraft Commissioner Hamilton said Ms. Kraft's record in Gresham is good. He felt, however, that Oregon and Florida are vastly different and that the politics and atmosphere bear no similarities. He said Ms. Kraft is a strong administrator. She was well prepared and well qualified for the job but he had difficulty seeing a connection with her and Clearwater. Commissioner Jonson said Ms. Kraft is the only current City Manager candidate with considerable experience. He said she is practical. He was impressed with Ms. Kraft's answers regarding her ability to say no to development if it doesn't work. He liked her emphasis on her dependence on staff and her ability to recruit and retain good staff. He liked her creativity in finding a solution regarding a situation with a previous City Manager and Mayor that were at odds. He said she was able to zero in on some key issues in Clearwater such as Beach by Design and the downtown plan. He liked the Oregon tax philosophy to keep tax rates low and manage low staff levels. He was impressed that Ms. Kraft is involved with regional government issues. He felt Ms. Kraft was a very strong candidate. Commissioner Hart felt Ms. Kraft was a strong candidate. He liked her bottom line approach and her strategy handling the Mayor and City Manager adversity. He said she is very professionally in tune with national levels of government and brings a common sense approach to government. He said by working her way up at various levels, she gained a better understanding of issues. He said she would bring a wealth of experience but is not his strongest candidate. Commissioner Gray said Ms. Kraft showed a lot of gumption by working her way up through the City. She felt Ms. Kraft offered stability and appeared to be a solid candidate. She liked Ms. Kraft's interest in creating a vision with the Commission and creating a strategic plan and working it out. She said redevelopment efforts in Gresham and Clearwater appear to be similar. She was impressed with Ms. Kraft's involvement as a regional player. She said Ms. Kraft was a strong candidate but not her top choice. msp070 1 5 07/10/01 . . . Mayor Aungst said he was more impressed with Ms. Kraft today than when he previously spoke with her. He said she is a tough person with great experience. He felt her to be stable and liked that she worked her way up through the ranks. He said she has experience with strategic planning, is results-oriented, and has a great reputation for getting things done. He felt her infrastructure planning and experience was important. She understands the relationship of pulling neighborhoods and government together. He said his only concern was trying to picture her in Clearwater's diverse community as he was not 100% sure her personality was a good match for Clearwater. He felt she possesses many good strengths and is a strong candidate. Michael McNees Commissioner Gray said Mr. McNees is very interesting to talk to and seems cognizant of the importance of the relationship between staff and the Commission. She said he has a good sense of humor and is a common sense person. She disagreed with him that he felt his greatest weakness was impatience, as he clearly demonstrated his patience through his history with track and field. He was aware of the City's Penny for Pinellas funding issues. She was disappointed in his response to how he would strengthen neighborhoods. She felt Mr. McNees has a willingness to listen and develop relationships and liked his confidence in his abilities. She felt Mr. McNees was a good candidate. Commissioner Hart said Mr. McNees was his number one candidate. He said Mr. McNees is sensitive to the needs of a new community versus a built-out community but is experienced enough to make the transition. He felt Mr. McNees is one of the best managers in the state. He liked Mr. McNees' response that he would be there every day to ensure the job gets done. He liked Mr. McNees' statement that he would not be the star of the City but would bring people together and provide economic opportunity for everyone. He felt Mr. McNees would bring neighborhoods together. He appreciated Mr. McNees' priorities, which were strong in health, safety, welfare, and capital investments. He said Mr. McNees is the person with whom he could most identify. Commissioner Jonson said he was incredibly impressed with Mr. Nees' answers to questions yesterday. He said Mr. McNees sensed the challenges of different groups in Clearwater and recognized that Clearwater has the potential to be disjointed. He was cognizant of the perception regarding developers and the private sector response. He was perceptive about public meetings and felt the City should go to the people instead of only holding public meetings where attendance is sparse. He was impressed with Collier County's efforts to engage the public via resident surveys. He said as a new manager, Mr. McNees would be less qualified than the other candidates as he has less practical experience with redevelopment. However, he was impressed that Mr. McNees turned around a run-down area, removed parking meters, and built a free parking structure in a city's downtown with no charge to citizens. He felt it unfortunate that he did not sense the same enthusiasm in today's interview as he had the last few days. He said Mr. McNees has strong County experience but has no experience dealing with City issues and redevelopment. He said Mr. McNees would be an outstanding emissary to the public and the business community but has dropped in ranking since yesterday. msp070 1 6 07/10/01 . . . Commissioner Hamilton said Mr. McNees is a physically fit, high energy, strong candidate, but is not his top choice. He said all the candidates were strong but he is trying to find the person that has the right fit, the right approach, and the right personality to move the City forward. Mayor Aungst said he was impressed with Mr. McNees stability. He said he has selectively determined where he wishes to live long term. He said Mr. McNees is a well rounded individual and a good facilitator. He is good at crisis management, is quick-witted, and has Chamber of Commerce experience and good inter-governmental experience. He liked Mr. McNee's principle-based philosophy regarding what would be the "right thing to do". He said Mr. McNees is a strong candidate but he had reservations about his "to-the point" traits. Michael West Commissioner Hamilton said Mr. West has a good understanding of how to deal with complexities. He liked Mr. West's answer regarding downtown redevelopment and reorganizing neighborhoods. He liked Mr. West's answer that a manager must lead but his staff must buy into the product being sold. He said Mr. West is high on his list. Commissioner Jonson said he was surprised when Mr. West explained the achievements he had made in creating redevelopment districts, although Columbia has different challenges than Clearwater. Part of Mr. West's redevelopment efforts were to obtain funds from sewer and water revenues. He felt Mr. West had a good understanding of his Council's priorities. He said Mr. West was interested in a community with more interaction with neighbors. He said his City Council is in somewhat of a turmoil because they are not addressing pending issues. He has experience with renovation of historic areas and a sense of community. However, he did not feel Mr. West had a connection with Clearwater and was disappointed with his related comments. He said he was uncomfortable style-wise with Mr. West. Commissioner Hart felt Mr. West was stronger today than yesterday. He was impressed with Mr. West's redevelopment efforts and experience in seeking alternative funding sources. He liked Mr. West's recognition of the Penny for Pinellas as a limited funding source. He was impressed with Mr. West's answer regarding determining the Commission's position, negotiating issues, then presenting solutions. He liked Mr. West's strategy of involving the Commission early on in the process. He felt today was not Mr. West's best interview day, but that he was a strong candidate. Commissioner Gray felt Mr. West's strengths were in the financial arena. She liked his philosophy that governmental expenditures should be shared by everyone. She felt his council of neighborhoods acts more as an advisory board. She was disappointed with his answer regarding infrastructure and that the one item he could take direct credit for was TIF related to redevelopment. She agreed today was not his best interview day. msp070 1 7 07/10/01 . . . Mayor Aungst said he liked Mr. West's answer regarding a built-out community. He felt Mr. West was well rounded and stable. He understands the role of the City Manager and the Commission. He possesses intergovernmental experience and is personable. He had reservations about Mr. West's abilities when out in the community. Ms. Akin reminded the Commission the selection of the City Manager requires at least 4 positive votes for appointment. Commissioner Jonson said he felt Mr. Horne's experience with the City provides him with a short-term advantage over the other candidates but his Air Force experience did not involve planning or private sector implementation. His strongest candidate was Ms. Kraft. Mayor Aungst said other than Ms. Kraft, Mr. Horne is the only other candidate with City Manager experience. He felt although all the candidates possessed different strengths and weaknesses, personality would be the key to building a consensus with Clearwater's diverse group of citizens. He said although Mr. Horne has been "wearing handcuffs" in his position of Interim City Manager, he has had the ability to effectively manage. Commissioner Hamilton felt the City Manager needs the unquestionable respect of staff, which Mr. Horne possesses. He said he believes this process has validated Mr. Horne as the right person to lead Clearwater and he was excited about the prospect of taking off Mr. Horne's "handcuffs". Commissioner Hamilton moved to appoint Bill Horne as the next City Manager. The motion was duly seconded. Commissioner Gray said it would have been easier to interview 5 unknown candidates. She considered if Mr. Horne is doing the kind of job that would require him to be replaced. She said Mr. Horne has an excellent reputation in the community and has a great rapport with all levels of staff. She said Mr. Horne possesses superior morale and good communication skills and truthfully gives his opinion. She felt it would be a disadvantage to interrupt the momentum that Clearwater is experiencing. She said he is stable and he wants to remain in the community. He has indicated that going forward, he would be a new person with more freedom to be a more assertive manager. Commissioner Aungst said a period of adjustment would be required if an outside manager were selected, and most certainly a change in staff would occur. The City currently has a very good staff and a professional, streamlined organization. Commissioner Hamilton felt Mr. Horne is the best candidate to break the mold of short-term city managers. He was confident that Mr. Horne would perform the job effectively and work well with the current and future Commissions. Commissioner Jonson said he was impressed with Ms. Kraft's ability to go out into the community. He said her involvement in the Portland area is incredible and she received outstanding references. He said he would vote for Ms. Kraft. msp0701 8 07/10/01 . . . Upon the vote being taken, Commissioners Gray and Hamilton and Mayor Aungst voted "aye"; Commissioners Hart and Jonson voted "nay". Motion failed. Commissioner Jonson moved to appoint Bonnie Ridley Kraft. The motion was duly seconded. Commissioner Gray expressed concern regarding Ms. Kraft's personality and said she saw the City Manager as a person that citizens could recognize as "City government". Mayor Aungst felt strongly that Ms. Kraft would not be a good fit personality-wise. Commissioner Hamilton agreed. Upon the vote being taken, Commissioners Hart and Jonson voted "aye"; Commissioners Gray, Hamilton and Mayor Aungst voted "nay". Motion failed. Commissioner Hart moved to appoint Michael McNees. The motion failed due to the lack of a second. In response to a question, Mr. Fox said the City has an excellent group of candidates from which to select a new City Manager. He said Mr. Horne has displayed a tremendous ethical behavior by not interfering the process and not lobbying anyone. He said his comments were not meant to be an endorsement of Mr. Horne. It was remarked the Commission has had good healthy discussion regarding each candidate. It was felt that although support was expressed for Ms. Kraft and Mr. McNees, even the 2 Commissioners who voted against Mr. Horne said they thought he was a strong candidate. Commissioner Jonson said when the process started, several candidates were identified as great candidates for Clearwater. They each had their differences as to whom they felt would not be a good fit for Clearwater. He said he respects all the comments made and feels one of this Commission's strengths is their differences and discussion of those opinions. Commissioner Jonson moved to appoint William Horne as City Manager. The motion was duly seconded and upon the vote being taken, Commissioners Jonson, Hamilton, and Gray, and Mayor Aungst voted "aye"; Commissioner Hart voted "nay". Motion carried. Ms. Akin said the Commission could select and vote on a second choice should contract negotiations with Mr. Horne fail. Mr. Fox said all the candidates are prepared to accept the position given appropriate terms. Consensus was to hold another meeting to select a second choice candidate should Mr. Horne's contract negotiations with the City fail. msp070 1 9 07110/01 . . . Mayor Aungst said the Commission has authorized Mr. Fox to negotiate a contract with Mr. Horne. He thanked staff and Mr. Fox for their due diligence and for taking the process seriously. He said he felt the Commission made a good decision and is looking forward to working closely with Mr. Horne. He thanked everyone for their input. Ms. Akin requested the Commission leave their evaluation sheets and notes on the candidates as the press has requested them. Mr. Fox thanked the Commission and staff for the opportunity to serve. He said he respected the teamwork that was displayed. Mayor Aungst said a replay of the process in its entirety, including interviews, is available for viewing on C-View TV today at 6:00 p.m., tomorrow at 9:00 a.m. and Sunday at 9:00 a.m. The meeting adjourned at 5:43 p.m. ATTESTJ~(: JJ-..Q.~. Crty":Clerk fL~ ,.. D Mayor/ mls loner msp070 1 10 07/10/01