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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 05/06/1986 - SpecialPRESENT: Mayor Luther Jones Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Jack Best Council Members: David Berlanga, Sr. Leo Guerrero Joe McComb Frank Mendez Bill Pruet Mary Pat Slavik Linda Strong MINUTES CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING MAY 6, 1986 4:00 P.M. Acting City Manager Ernest Briones City Attorney Hal George City Secretary Armando Chapa Mayor Luther Jones called the meeting to order in the Council Chamber of City Hall at 5:21 p.m. City Secretary Chapa called the roll and verified that a quorum of the Council and the required Charter Officers were present to conduct the meeting. Mr. Jerry Oldani, Jensen-Oldani & Associates, Inc., informed the Council that all but one of the City Manager candidates have arrived in Corpus Christi, and he conducted a briefing with the candidates last night. Mr. Oldani stated that the Council would begin interviewing the candidates at 7:00 a.m., May 8, 1986; he has prepared a list of questions for the Council's use; the Council may ask any questions they desire, but he asked that all candidates receive the same type of question in order to judge one against the other; the questions may take a different form, but the same content, for the Acting City Manager; and the questions will be asked in a rotational sequence. He stated that at the end of each interview, the candidates may ask questions of the Council. Mr. Oldani stated that he would not participate in the interviews, but will be present to facilitate the process. Mr. Oldani stated that at the conclusion of the interviews, the Council will make a preliminary evaluation of the candidates; a point assessment based on the Council's evaluation will be done at that time; after the preliminary evaluation, which should be confidential, the Council will recess and reconvene on Friday, May 9 at 7:30 a.m. He stated that on Friday, Dr. Wasson would make his presentation to the Council; the Council would then make a final evaluation; MICROFILMED ..mutes Special Council Meeting May 6, 1986 Page 2 and hopefully, the Council would be through by noon. Mr. Oldani mentioned a committee of several Council Members to negotiate with the candidate for salary. Mayor Jones stated that this was not done before, but the entire Council participated in a conference call with the chosen candidate regarding severance pay, salary, etc. He stated that his preference would be that a committee for this purpose not be formed, but the entire Council should participate. The Council indicated their concurrence. Council Member Strong stated that she had been informed that severance pay in a contract was against State law. City Attorney Hal George stated that severance pay is a part of the total benefit package, and is a part of the Compensation Ordinance. Mr. Oldani stated that he would refer to this as a Letter of Agreement, rather than a contract. Council Member Pruet asked what the purpose was for a preliminary evaluation. Mr. Oldani stated that there may be a desire to talk about each individual candidate, but that tends not to be constructive, and by having a preliminary evaluation, the Council would have a clear picture as to who the candidates of highest preference are; therefore, the Council would not have to discuss candidates that are of least preference. Mr. Oldani stated that personal references of the candidates would be given to the Council during the Friday session. Council Member Pruet inquired if the candidates would be in Corpus Christi on Friday, noting that negotiations would have to take place on that day. Mr. Oldani stated that he had informed the candidates they would be free to leave on Thursday, but he could approach them about this if the Council wished. Mayor Jones stated that they should be able to leave as soon as possible, and contract negotiations could be done over the telephone. Mr. Oldani stated that after a decision is made, an offer must be formed and approved by the City Attorney, and a reasonable amount of time should be given to the chosen candidate to think about the offer. Mr. Oldani stated that he would inform the candidates that they may stay if they like. Council Member Slavik inquired if notes could be taken. Mr. Oldani stated that he would encourage this, but he would like to collect all notes. He stated that he would also provide the Council with an evaluation sheet. ..inutes Special Council Meeting May 6, 1986 Page 3 Council Member Strong stated that it could be a close decision between two candidates, and Mr. Oldani stated that candidates could be called back again, stating that this is a technique that has been used in some searches. Further discussion followed regarding the candidates leaving on Thursday, and it was the Council's decision that the candidates should stay through Friday. Council Member Mendez inquired if the Council would be using a point totaling system on Friday, and Mr. Oldani stated that generally, there are not that many changes that take place in choices between Thursday's session and Friday. Council Member Berlanga asked on what scale the candidates would be rated, and Mr. Oldani stated that he would ask the Council to rate the candidates, without discussion, in order of preference. Council Member Berlanga asked when they would receive Dr. Wasson's report. Mr. Oldani stated that the preliminary evaluation would allow the Council to see the thought process of the group; the Council would then receive Dr. Wasson's report; additional discussion would take place; then the Council would make the final decision. Council Member Berlanga inquired if the decision of the final candidate would be discussed openly among the Council, and Mr. Oldani replied in the affirmative. Council Member Guerrero inquired as to what would happen if Mr. Oldani's report differs greatly from Dr. Wasson's report. Mr. Oldani stated that his and the Council's reactions are subjective; Dr. Wasson provides a positive check on all of the subjective reactions; Dr. Wasson gives a scientific standpoint and a total dispassionate view; and the Council is looking for consistency of opinion. Mr. Oldani stated that Dr. Wasson's opinion is objective, based on general intelligence, reasoning, etc., and he will grade that from a standard pattern. Council Member Guerrero asked what would happen if the subjective is totally different from the objective. Mr. Oldani stated that Dr. Wasson will tell the Council not to base everything on his information, and that his information is a management tool. In response to a question from Council Member Guerrero, Mr. Oldani stated that Dr. Wasson has only received a copy of the resumes and that he will not be present during Dr. Wasson's interview with the candidates. ninutes Special Council Meeting May 6, 1986 Page 4 Council Member Berlanga inquired if he could ask Mr. Oldani a question in confidence regarding one of the candidates, and Mr. Oldani stated that that would depend on what was asked or what he was asked to reveal. He stated that if he is asked to individually help or advise, he would. Mayor Jones stated that Mr. Oldani and Dr. Wasson are advisors only -- the final decision will be made by the Council. Mr. Oldani stated that many people within the State and outside of the State are watching this process to see how it is handled. Council Member Strong expressed the concern that the preliminary evaluation might eliminate someone before the Council has all of the information. Council Member McComb stated the Council should not decide until after Dr. Wasson's presentation. Council Member Berlanga stated that the Council Members should not decide until after they have interviewed the candidates and received Dr. Wasson's report. He stated that there will be another evaluation after the preliminary evaluation, and inquired if there would be any others after that. Mr. Oldani replied that there would not, unless the Council is deadlocked. City Attorney George reminded the Council that a final vote must take place in open session. Mayor Jones stated that the Council should discuss in closed session their reaction to the candidates, noting that this is not a political issue. Council Member Guerrero stated that some individuals will say in closed session what they will not say in open session. A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Best that the Council recess the Special Meeting; seconded by Council Member McComb; and passed unanimously at 6:09 p.m. * * * * * * * * * * * * * The Council reconvened the Special Meeting at 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, May 7, 1986. The Council then went into closed session under Article 6252-17, Section 2(g) V.A.C.S. to visit with the City Manager candidates. The meeting was recessed at 9:30 p.m., May 7, 1986. .,inutes Special Council Meeting May 6, 1986 Page 5 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * The Council reconvened the Special Meeting at 7:00 a.m., Thursday, May 8, 1986 at the Bayfront Auditorium Lounge. The Council then went into closed session under Article 6252-17, Section 2(g) V.A.C.S. to interview the City Manager candidates. The meeting was recessed at 5:30 p.m., May 8, 1986. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * The Council reconvened the Special Meeting at 7:30 a.m., Friday, May 9, 1986 at the Bayfront Auditorium Lounge. The Council then went into closed session under Article 6252-17, Section 2(g) V.A.C.S. to evaluate the City Manager candidates. The meeting was recessed at 1:00 p.m., May 9, 1986. * * * * * * * * * * * * * The Council reconvened the Special Meeting at 2:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of City Hall, May 9, 1986. Mayor Jones announced that the search for a new City Manager had been narrowed down to two candidates, and that Ernest Briones was not one of them. He stated that the Council is very desirous that Mr. Briones continue with the City. The meeting was recessed at 2:02 p.m. * * * * * * * * * * * * * The Special Meeting was reconvened at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers of City Hall, May 9, 1986. Mayor Jones stated that the Council had concluded their deliberations in regard to the appointment of a new City Manager and called for a motion. A motion was made by Council Member Slavik that Mr. Craig A. McDowell be named City Manager; seconded by Council Member Pruet; and passed unanimously. Mayor Jones explained the terms agreed to by the City Council and Mr. McDowell, as follows: salary, $94,000 a year with a merit review at the end of one year; car allowance, $450 per month; allocation of 20 vacation days and 12 sick leave days at the beginning of his employment; severance pay equivalent to 6 months' salary in the event Mr. McDowell is relieved of his position; payment of moving expenses of household goods from Tucson, Arizona to Corpus Christi, this amount to be repaid to the City if Mr. McDowell resigns in less than one year; living expenses in the amount of $800 a month for up to six months during .ainut es Special Council Meeting May 6, 1986 Page 6 the interim period until Mr. McDowell has completed his relocation; business expenses for travel, as budgeted, to be paid from City funds; conference dues to various professional organizations to be paid; term life insurance in the amount of $100,000 to be paid by the City with Mr. McDowell having the option to purchase an additional $50,000; expenses for one trip for spouse from Tucson to Corpus Christi for the purpose of finding housing to be paid by the City plus expenses of visits by Mr. McDowell prior to reporting, based on Council need or desire for a meeting with Mr. Briones and staff; and deferred compensation with the ICMA in the amount of $7,500 to be paid from Mr. McDowell's salary. Mayor Jones stated that the terms will be confirmed in writing and informed the Council that Mr. McDowell expressed the opinion that the terms were generous and were acceptable to him. A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Best that the terms of employment as outlined above be approved; seconded by Council Member Strong; and passed unanimously. A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Best that Acting City Manager Briones be compensated at the same salary that former City Manager Ed Martin was earning at the time of his resignation, effective from the first day he served as Acting City Manager until Mr. McDowell begins his employment with the City. The motion was seconded by Council Member Berlanga and passed unanimously. Mayor Jones complimented Mr. Briones for his performance in the capacity of Acting City Manager and the many years of service he has devoted to the City. He expressed the opinion that he hoped that Mr. Briones would continue with the City. Council Member Berlanga expressed his regret that Mr. Briones was not selected as City Manager and assured him that he has supported him from the very beginning. He stated that he believed that Mr. McDowell will be a responsible person who will be an asset to the City. Mr. Berlanga explained that during his interview with the Council, Mr. McDowell assured the Council that if he were appointed, he would see that Mr. Briones was treated with courtesy and dignity. Council Member Guerrero expressed sympathy for the pain Mr. Briones must be experiencing and stated that he had found it difficult to employ someone else. He stated, however, that at this point, everyone needed to move forward. He assured Mr. Briones of his support but also stated that he would be supportive of the new City Manager. Council Member Slavik stated that the decision had been very difficult, because there were seven well qualified applicants. She stated also that Mr. Briones has been loyal, honest and dedicated to this City and she hoped that Mr. Briones would be willing to assist Mr. McDowell. Council Member Mendez urged that the Council and the City band together to move forward because he was of the opinion that Mr. McDowell will generate a lot of good things for the City. Mr. Mendez also expressed the hope that Mr. Briones will remain to work with the new City Manager. ._mutes Special Council Meeting May 6, 1986 Page 7 Council Member McComb stated that all of the Council Members felt that the selection they had made was the best for the City. He related that Mr. Briones had informed him that the Council should do what is best for the City. Mr. McComb noted that such a statement indicated a great deal of dignity and class on the part of Mr. Briones. He, too, commented that Mr. McDowell stated that he would like to take advantage of Mr. Briones' experience, and everyone looks forward to Mr. Briones' continued dedication to the City. Mayor Jones stated that the entire process of interviewing was a very difficult task and complimented the Council Members for their dedication and demeanor. Council Member Strong commended the firm of Jensen-Oldani Associates, Inc. for their guidance during the process and expressed appreciation to Dr. David Wasson. She stated that after going through this process, she was convinced that this Council can accomplish a great deal by working together. Council Member Pruet also complimented the Council Members for their dignity and cooperation during the complicated selection process. He expressed appreciation for the work accomplished by Acting City Manager Briones. Acting City Manager Briones stated that he was sure that the decision made by the City Council was in the best interest of the City and that he would reassess his situation and make a decision in regard to his future with the City. There being no further business to come before the Council, on motion by Council Member Pruet, seconded by Council Member Strong and passed unanimously, the Special Council Meeting of May 6 was adjourned at 5:50 p.m., May 9, 1986. td:dz I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing is a true and correct copy of the Minutes of the Special Council Meeting of the City of Corpus Christi of May 6, 1986, which were approved by the City Council on May 20, 1986. WITNESSETH MY HAND AND SEAL, this the /1) day of Armando Chapa City Secretary City of Corpus Christi, Texas Luther JondA, MAYOR