Okaloosa County BOCC — November 4, 2012 — reading text

Credit Excellent Bankruptcy No Records Found Education Confirmed Employment Confirmed -11- Packet Pg. 280  -12- Reference Notes Christopher Morrill 6.1.a.b Packet Pg. 281 Attachment: Colin Baenziger (1222 : Search Firm for Position of County Administrator)  6.1.a.b Reference Notes Christopher Morrill Michael Brown, City Manager, City of Savannah, GA, (912) 658-3523 Mr. Brown hired Mr. Morrill in 1988. He recognized his strong skill set and wanted him to be a part of his management team. When Mr. Morrill went overseas to perform international services, Mr. Brown thought so highly of him that he held positions open for him. He simply wanted him back and on his team. Mr. Morrill is a very skilled manager and a remarkable person. He combines precise analytical Attachment: Colin Baenziger (1222 : Search Firm for Position of County Administrator) skills with an upbeat and optimistic personality. He is diplomatic with those he serves and considerate to their wants and needs. Mr. Morrill’s background makes him a strong candidate. He was in the Peace Corp for two years in Ukraine. He also spent time in Northern Ireland, Peru, and South Africa with the Kellogg National Leadership Program. He wrote a local government finance law for South Africa cities and modeled if after what local governments do in the United States. Mr. Morrill has led many redevelopment projects in Savannah. The redevelopment of Ellis Square is a recent one and involved redeveloping one of Savannah’s squares that was first established in the 1700’s. At some point, the square had been turned into a parking lot. Mr. Morrill noted that the lease was expiring and suggested the City redevelop the area as community square. He took the lead on the project and coordinated with developers and city groups. He also oversaw the financing of the project. The new community square is a huge success and is surrounded by shops and restaurants, and includes an underground parking structure. Another project Mr. Morrill headed was Savannah River Landing, a fifty-four acre undeveloped tract adjacent to the historic downtown. Mr. Morrill coordinated with the developers to include an expansion of the river walk, retail stores, two hotels, single family homes, restaurants, and office buildings. He was the manager of the public part of the project. He forecast the cost of the necessary infrastructure, worked with the developers, rallied the support of the County and schools, and also sold the tax allocation district proposal to the voters. The project is underway and is much anticipated by the community. Mr. Morrill listens well and is able to identify the essence of what someone is trying to say. He is a good communicator. He also is empathetic and patient. Often the City Council prefers to speak with him rather than the City Manager. He is easier to talk to and knows how to hold his ground. He is a good public speaker. He took a private sector speaker training course that monitored, criticized and improved his speaking skills. He is comfortable presenting. Mr. Brown, as the City Manager, spends most of his time working with the Council to keep their interests on track. They are often difficult and demanding. He is not able to do much of what he used to do as City Manager. The Metro Police Department also demands much of his time and attention. As a result, he has turned over much of the day-to-day management of the City to Mr. Morrill. That includes projects, budgeting, pension plan changes, and policy initiatives. Although, Mr. Morrill has not officially held the title of City Manager, in reality he has had more -13- Packet Pg. 282  6.1.a.b Reference Notes Christopher Morrill experience in urban city management than some City Managers in other cities. He has dealt with a high poverty rate, a large area of public housing, and many inner city problems. Mr. Morrill is an ICMA (International City/County Management Association) Credentialed Manager. Through the ICMA he worked with an area in Indonesia to develop their tourism and the historical preservation of the Sultan’s Water Palace Complex. This effort was to preserve and restore 50 acres of historic land. He helped the City get grant funding to restore the area. He also helped them write the first historical preservation ordinance. Along with the restoration of Attachment: Colin Baenziger (1222 : Search Firm for Position of County Administrator) the Water Palace, a beautiful shopping corridor was created. Working with the largely Muslim country of Indonesia has educated Mr. Morrill. He was able to associate with the U.S. Ambassador to Indonesia and experience governmental processes in another country. Again, even though Mr. Morrill does not hold the official title of City Manager, he has the experience and skill set to take this position. Mr. Brown highly recommended him although it would be a huge loss to him personally and to Savannah to have Mr. Morrill leave. Adjectives or Phrases Used to Describe Mr. Morrill:  Strong family man,  Diplomatic,  Considerate,  Articulate,  Humble,  Well traveled,  Bright, and  Optimistic. Strengths: Analytical skills, financial ability and diverse experience. Weaknesses: None identified. Lise Sundrla – Executive Director, Savannah Development and Renewal Authority, Savannah, GA – (912) 651-6973 Ms. Sundrla has known Mr. Morrill since 2001. They have worked as colleagues. The Savannah Development and Renewal Authority is not a city department. As a separate entity they have coordinated economic development in the downtown area of Savannah. Mr. Morrill has been a critical component for much of the redevelopment in downtown Savannah. He has engaged the City and partnered with other agencies. He was integral to the planning efforts of Ellis Square. This area had been a historical square but was developed into a parking lot. He spent several years cobbling together the funding to restore the area to its original purpose of a public space. An underground parking lot was constructed along with several shops, restaurants and businesses. He was a guide and a mentor to the developers and to -14- Packet Pg. 283  6.1.a.b Reference Notes Christopher Morrill the Renewal Authority on several issues and concerns regarding the project. He also spent many hours working with the Council to gain its support. Mr. Morrill created strategic goals to focus on revitalizing the Martin Luther King corridor, once a premier historical African American neighborhood bustling with life. The placement of an overpass on I-16 stunted the growth of the area and limited the access to other areas. He has pressed for the overpass to be removed. By doing so, our lost street connections and nine acres of developable land would be reclaimed. He has negotiated local option sales tax and capital Attachment: Colin Baenziger (1222 : Search Firm for Position of County Administrator) improvement dollars to fund the project. He coordinated the efforts of the City, the Renewal Authority and other private entities to stimulate the integral corridor. Already, a full size grocery store has opened in the area. Another major project Mr. Morrill has orchestrated was Savannah Landing located in eastern downtown Savannah. The area has been underdeveloped since 1909. He secured the funds and involved the necessary agencies. The development links and compliments the historic downtown area. It also opens up connections to six lost streets and expanded the river walk 2,000 feet. Public squares were donated back to the City. Mr. Morrill petitioned for the first tax allocation to be used to support the economic development of the area. Oddly, when it is time to make a presentation to the City Council, the person who is best is Mr. Morrill. They often try to do things that are not in the best interest of the City. They rely on Mr. Morrill to give them honest criticism and advice. He can speak on their level. Ms. Sundrla trusts Mr. Morrill implicitly, which she considers a bold statement. She has approached him with personal and political issues. He has offered guidance and solutions to support her efforts. He is gifted with people. He respects others and in turn is well respected. He has excellent communication skills and is an attentive listener. Mr. Morrill would be a fine choice for City Manager. He is well qualified. He has the skills and the character to lead. Adjectives or Phrases Used to Describe Mr. Morrill:  Reliable partner,  Thorough planner,  Engaging,  Mentor,  Respected, and  Gifted with people. Strengths: Team building, vision, people skills, and communication skills. Weaknesses: None identified. -15- Packet Pg. 284  6.1.a.b Reference Notes Christopher Morrill Lester B. Johnson III – Assistant City Attorney, City of Savannah, GA – (912) 238-5100 Mr. Johnson has known Mr. Morrill since 2001. Mr. Morrill has a fine personality and a calm demeanor. He has a good rapport with the citizens of Savannah. He also has a good working relationship with his staff and with the elected officials. Mr. Morrill oversees the financial and budget concerns. He keeps a meticulous budget. One of the results is that the City has not needed to use any of its reserves since Mr. Morrill became the Attachment: Colin Baenziger (1222 : Search Firm for Position of County Administrator) Assistant City Manager. As another of his responsibilities, he oversees the Recorder’s Court. He makes sure the Court is making more money than the operating budget. He has worked closely with Mr. Johnson to find ways for the Court and the Judge to be more efficient. Mr. Morrill also oversees all problems with ordinance violations. One of the trickier situations involved the some wealthy and very powerful residents of