HomeMy WebLinkAbout11051998PORT TOWNSEND CITY COUNCIL GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS COMMITTEE
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
NOVEMBER 5, 1998
The Government Operations Committee of the Port Townsend City Council met as a City
Council Committee of the Whole the fifth day of November 1998, at 4:00 p.m. in the Council
Chambers of City Hall, Committee Chair Forrest Rambo presiding.
Councilmembers present were Kathryn Jenks, Peter Badame, lan Keith, Ted Shoulberg and Joe
Finnie.
Assigned tasks from the prior meeting were reviewed. A public information file has been set up
and is available at the public information desk in City Hall. Mayor McCulloch noted that she
spoke with the Mayor of Battle Ground and he stated that in that city, the current councilors and
standing candidates mutually agreed to bring in a transitional manager and that contributed to a
smooth transition. She also noted that Mr. Stan McNutt had served as interim manager and the
mayor made positive recommendations regarding his skill. She also spoke with the Mayor of
Ephrata but there was little to report as the change there had been initiated by the City Council
and all members were re-elected. The City Administrator prior to the change was named City
Manager. Mayor McCulloch noted she had not spoken with anyone in Sequim as that transition
has been thoroughly documented.
Mr. Bob Smith, Sequim council member, spoke several time, answering various questions and
contributing comments about his city's experience.
Tim McMahan, City Attomey, reported on his conversation with a representative of Municipal
Research Services, stating that the desirable process outlined was to get in an acting manager as
soon as possible to help with the transition and begin recruitment for the permanent city
manager. It was recommended that the "Sequim model" be used. He also noted that Mr. McNutt
had been highly recommended. Mr. McMahan talked with Mr. McNutt and outlined his
situation, noting that he would be available as an interim manager, but would not seek the job of
permanent city manager. Mr. McMahan has also spoken with a representative from the Waldron
executive search firm and confirmed their interest in coming to speak with the council and
candidates.
Since the interim manager would actually be the acting city administrator until the change in
form of government is official, Mr. Keith asked whether the current scope of the city
administrator's position be expanded to that of a full-charge city administrator. Mr. McMahan
noted that that would require only an ordinance and organizational chart change.
After some discussion, it was agreed that a letter of understanding between current council
members and candidates agreeing to the basic process would be desirable.
Government Operations Committee. Page 1 November 5, 1998
Public comments were made by:
Vem Garrison
Lyn Hersey
Allan Youse
Bob Smith
The council and candidates were polled regarding agreement on the need for an interim manager;
and asked whether they would sign a letter to proceed in good faith. Mr. Rambo sought
consensus on the need to first retain an interim manager and then begin the hiring process for a
permanent manager. Although timing and whether or not the hiring would be done through a
firm or through the city remain issues for discussion, there was agreement on that process by all
councilmembers present (Finnie, Rainbo, Keith, Shoulberg, Badame, Jenks) and all candidates
present ( Greenway, Garrison, Youse, Masci, and Frank).. Mr. Keith will contact Mr. Lipton to
update him and poll him regarding the question.
Mr. McMahan will draft a letter of understanding affirming the agreement of council members
and candidates The Government Operations Committee will take the lead on an educational
process with sitting council and candidates, and discussion will ensue regarding the selection
process (for a search firm and/or for potential candidates).
Mr. Finnie left the meeting at 5:10.
Mayor McCulloch will contact Mr. McNutt and other possible candidates and request that they
come to interview as soon as possible. Other candidates mentioned were A1 Locke and Patrick
Floyd. The Government Operations Committee will take the lead on the process, with Mr.
Rambo to arrange the next meeting, which will be either a presentation by Waldron or interviews
with candidates.
The meeting was adjourned at 5:25 p.m.
Pamela Kolacy
City Clerk
Government Operations Committee. Page 2 November 5, 1998