HomeMy WebLinkAbout01141988L. Gene Harrlg
Mayor
City of Sebastian
POST OFFICE BOX 780127 [] SEBASTIAN, FLORIDA 32978-0127
TELEPHONE (305) 589-5330
Kathryn M. O'Halloran
City Clerk
MINUTES
SEBASTIAN 'CITy COUNCIL
INTERVIEW
THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 1988 - 1.-30 p.M,
~%~ CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
(~f~, 1225 MAIN STREET, SEBASTIAN, ~LDRiDA
ALL PROPOSED ORDINANCES AND INFORMATION ON OTHER ITEMS
LISTED BELOW MAY BE INSPECTED IN THE OFFICE OF THE
CITY CLERK, CITY HALL, 1225 MAIN STREET, SEBASTIAN, FLORIDA.
The interview with Gene DeMarie for the position of City
Manager began at 1:30 P.M.
The following were present:
Vice Mayor Kenneth Roth
Councilman George Metcalf
Councilman Peter Vallone
Mayor L. Gene Harris
Mr. DeMarie began by apologizing for the scheduling
problems and stated that he was happy to be here.
Vice Mayor Roth opened by saying that the reason Mr.
DeMarie is not a City Manager is because it is not
allowed by City Charter in Florida City.
Discussion took place on an employment agreement.
Councilman Metcalf said the Council was in possession of
a sample ICMA agreement.
Councilman Metcalf questioned what Mr. DeMarie thought
would be his major task in Sebastian.
Mr. DeMarie said it has been his practice to take
advantage of expertise in the area and local
professionals in planning activities. He said he was
adept at grantsmanship although grant money was not
1
currently flowing as in the past. He said, however,
there was still a money flow for infrastructure programs
such as water and sewer. Vice Mayor Roth noted that
grant money was more accessible to Florida City because
of its low income status.
Vice Mayor Roth explained to Mr. DeMarie that the current
charter needed refinement. He said he was of the opinion
that the City Manager shall ultimately hire and fire all
Department Heads except the City Clerk. Mayor Harris
explained the wording of the current charter.
Gene DeMarie stated he was a fiscal conservative and went
on to tell a story of a purchase of two helicopters for
parts for a total of $750 when he worked for the City of
North Miami Beach.
Councilman Metcalf explained to Mr. DeMarie that the City
of Sebastian has a general fund and three enterprise
funds. Mr. DeMarie said he had never been directly
responsible for a Golf Course, Airport or Cemetery but
was excited at the prospect of taking on new
responsibilities.
When questioned by Councilman Metcalf as to his feelings
about intergovernmental relations. Mr. DeMarie said if a
City does not have good intergovernmental relations it
could "kiss off" good financial assistance.
Discussion of benefits for a City Manager took place.
Vice Mayor Roth recommended Mr. DeMarie talk to the Mayor
and Finance Director if he had any questions regarding
benefits. Mayor Harris said a car would be made
available to the City Manager.
When questioned by Vice Mayor Roth as to his opinion of
department head press releases, Mr. DeMarie said he was
very strict about press relations generally. He said he
had no qualms about department heads speaking to the
press as long as they let him know.
Mr. DeMarie said he thought the top range of the salary
the City was offering seemed agreeable to him.
Mr. DeMarie said communication between the City Manager
and each Council member should be even.
Mr. DeMarie said he'd like to give Florida City at least
30 days notice if hired by the City of Sebastian.
When questioned about his attendance at all City
meetings, Mr. DeMarie said he would attend all for the
first few months and then send a designee.
The interview was completed at 3:00 P.M.
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Minutes were approved at the Regualar City Council Meeting on
January 27, 1988.
ATTEST:
City C]~r k
Mayor