Loading...
01/23/1997 CITY COMMISSION SPECIAL MEETING CITY OF CLEARWATER January 23, 1997 Present: Rita Garvey Mayor/Commissioner J. B. Johnson Vice-Mayor/Commissioner Robert Clark Commissioner Ed Hooper Commissioner Karen Seel Commissioner Elizabeth M. Deptula City Manager Kathy S. Rice Deputy City Manager Bob Keller Assistant City Manager Pamela K. Akin City Attorney Cynthia E. Goudeau City Clerk Patricia O. Sullivan Board Reporter The Mayor called the meeting to order at 4:30 p.m. at the Pinellas County Administration Conference Room. To provide continuity for research, items are in agenda order although not necessarily discussed in that order. Item #2 - Candidate Profile Review for City Manager Search The City Manager introduced Robert E. Slavin, of Slavin Management Consultants, Inc., to discuss the candidate profile review. On January 13, 1997, the City Commission selected Mr. Slavin’s firm to conduct a City Manager search. Individual meetings with City Commissioners have been scheduled for tomorrow. Mr. Slavin also will meet with City management and a team of department directors. Mr. Slavin said he will present a draft recruitment profile to the Commission next week. Once approved, he will use the profile as a screening device and tool to develop interest in the position. Deputy City Manager Kathy Rice said attributes identified by the City Commission in Strategic Planning sessions were listed in the RFP (Request for Proposal). It was noted the outcome of the March 1997, Penny for Pinellas referendum will strongly influence the City’s ability to fund future needs. Identified issues of importance include infrastructure, the aging housing stock, redevelopment of downtown and Clearwater beach, consideration of a beach CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency), ramifications of recent welfare reforms and reductions in State and Federal funding, increased personnel costs due to salary increases and escalating medical insurance costs, increased staffing needs following construction of new recreational facilities, social services funding, and the importance of the current team philosophy. The City’s top goals of public safety, economic development, and tourism were stated. City efforts to reduce red tape and be customer friendly were reviewed. Contracts for the City’s four labor unions expire this year. Ms. Rice serves as lead negotiator. Negotiations begin in April. The City Manager’s input will be important. The City Manager reviewed recent changes to the SAMP pay plan. Other workers participate in a Step plan. Mr. Slavin suggested candidates have an understanding of finance. It was suggested a pro business attitude and background in redevelopment that demonstrated innovation are important. It was recommended candidates have refined skills in communicating with the media. The Assistant City Manager’s responsibilities related to redevelopment were discussed. The two positions need to complement each other. Concern was expressed the City Manager not be too friendly with business. Mr. Slavin noted increased labor costs and worries about keeping taxes low and decreased federal funding levels are not unique to Clearwater. It was recommended candidates have experience in a tourist community. It was noted coastal communities face unique issues. The majority agreed a public sector background is essential. Some private sector experience is favored. It was suggested candidates be skilled at thinking “outside the box” and have a combination of experience and education with experience in a comparably sized city. Mr. Slavin suggested candidates' backgrounds could be in organizations that are similarly complex. It was recommended candidates be consensus builders who can effect positive change. In response to a question, Mr. Slavin recommended against limiting the search to this region. High staff morale and the City’s commitment to employee development and retraining were noted. It was suggested candidates be familiar with new technologies to increase staff efficiency and allow citizen connection. The importance of an international perspective was noted. It was suggested the new City Manager act as a facilitator and not be an advocate. It was felt elected officials should fulfill that role. It was suggested candidates be skilled at community outreach. Ms. Rice warned of risks related to making staff visible. She said the position’s role in the community is based on policy set by the City Commission. The City Manager indicated past city managers have not taken aggressive community roles. Assistant City Manager Bob Keller said a city manager position differs from that of a CEO (Corporate Executive Officer). He suggested ideal candidates will have the talents of a Chief Administrative Officer and Chief Operational Officer. A salary range between $90,000 and $105,000 was suggested. Ms. Slavin stated the City is usually responsible for relocation expenses. He said candidates will expect some protection from arbitrary termination. It was felt severance benefits should cover less than 6 months. The position offers 6% deferred compensation and a car allowance. The City Manager is required to live in the City. Mr. Slavin recommended casting a wide advertising net early to attract a large candidate base. He suggested some periodicals could attract private sector interest. Advertisements will be placed in trade magazines geared toward municipal and county managers, minorities, women, etc. In response to a question, he stated the Wall Street Journal is expensive and recommended first using different sources. The quality of candidates will be apparent in 4 to 6 weeks. If the Commission feels it is necessary, an advertisement in the Wall Street Journal then could be ordered within 2 days. The position will be posted on the City’s internet web page. Mr. Slavin said he would seek further direction once he has developed a group of 15 candidates. ITEM #3 - Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 5:40 p.m.