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;
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Special Council Meeting
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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.
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Special Council Meeting
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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.
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Special Council Meeting
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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.
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Special Council Meeting
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* * * * * * * * * * * * * *
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
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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.
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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