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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01281988L. Gene Harris 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 SPECIAL t~tr_.,_~TI~G ~ INTERVieW/ THURSDAY, JANUARY 28. 1988 ~ 9:00 ~,M, CITY QQUNCIL CHAMBERS 1225 MAIN STREET, SEBASTIAN, F~ORID~ 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. Mayor Harris called the special meeting to interview Robert McClary for the position of City Manager to order at 9:00 A.M. and dispensed with formalities. 2. ROLL CAhL Present: Vice Mayor Kenneth Roth Councilman Robert McCarthy Councilman George Metcalf Councilman Peter Vallone Mayor L. Gene Harris Robert McClary, in his opening statement, said he was pleased to be interviewing for the position and felt that Sebastian would be an exciting place to work. He said he was a member of ICMA and had 30 hours toward his MPA. When questioned by Councilman Vallone, Mr. McClary said he had no experience with a Golf Course but did have experience with airports, working with the FAA, and park maintenance. When questioned by Vice Mayor Roth, Mr. McClary said Brush, Colorado's population was slightly less than 5000. He said he was originally attracted to Brush because of their rate of growth. He said he had much experience dealing with growth issues and working with intergovern- mental agencies. Vice Mayor Roth questioned why Mr. McClary would leave his current position to accept the position in Sebastian. Mr. McClary said his agenda in Brush was nearly complete. He said he was not compelled to move but that he had a professional motivation to move to a city with a difficult growth curve. He said he would like to live in Florida. He said he hoped with his background and experience he would not have to accept a salary at the bottom on the scale although he said he felt the cost of living was more favorable in Florida. Vice Mayor Roth said he liked the fact that in Mr. McClary's resume he often said "we" instead of "I". Mr. McClary said he believed strongly that most things are a group effort except when he fouled up at which time he said he accepts his mistakes. Councilman Metcalf asked Mr. McClary to describe his budget procedure. Mr. McClary said he walked into a budget process put into effect by an interim manager. He said he found the city $20,000 cash short and a city having problems meeting bills and payroll. He said he did an analysis of the Finance Department, developed a budget calendar, worked with department heads and created a budget procedure with no hidden agendas. He said today the city of Brush is investing $100,000 blocks on a competitive basis. When questioned by Councilman Metcalf, Mr. McClary said he would not come in and clean house. He said he believed in salvaging people whenever possible and was not quick to fire. He said he would seek advice from Council in the process but the final authority would lie with the City Manager. Mr. McClary said it takes at least three months for a City Manager to begin being effective. He said his process would be to be low key and find out what makes Sebastian tick. Mr. McClary said he had never had the experience of being the first City Manager in any city. He said he believes in the Council/Manager form of government and he felt that a manager works for the City Council first. He said he is a good loser who can carry the flag of something the Council has decided on even if he doesn't believe in it. When questioned by Vice Mayor Roth, Mr. McClary said he would need at least thirty days to make the move but would prefer forty-five. When questioned by Councilman Metcalf, Mr. McClary said he was familiar with the standard employment agreement and thought it was extremely important to have the agreement. He said he had no direct experience with union contracts as a City Manager but had no fear of them since he had experience with other contract negotiations. 2 Mr. McClary said he would not appreciate department heads being under a union contract. When questioned by Councilman McCarthy, Mr. McClary said recreation should be on an enterprise basis with the exception of youth programs. Discussion followed on revenues and taxes coming into the city. Mr. McClary said he had been involved in economic development of all fashions. He said the P.U.D. zoning is a good developing concept. Discussion took place on the City's S.O.P. Mr. McClary he had considerable experience with personnel procedures. He said he noticed at the Council meeting that department heads may not have evaluated agenda items before bringing them to Council. Mr. McClary said the measure of a good City Manager is his activities outside City Hall, this regarding his bringing industry to Brush, Colorado. Mayor Harris said the referendum of March 87 mandates that the City Manager be on board by March 14, 1988. 4. Mayor Harris adjourned the meeting at 10:30 A.M. Minutes were approved at the Regular City Council Meeting on February 10, 1988. City C~lerk .~ :-.- ~' ~"-~,~,,4.LLL._ : ........ Mayor