Fort Walton Beach Council agenda — 09-04-12 regular — reading text

hired from out of the local area. Mr. Rigdon advised he has read and reviewed all of the applications and feels that Acting City Manager Michael Beedie is qualified and the right person for the position, and that the City should promote from within. Mr. Rigdon stated appointing Mr. Beedie at this time would not only save the city money, but would save employees another eight weeks of uncertainty regarding the leadership of the City. Mr. Rigdon moved to appoint Michacl Beedie as City Manager. Mr. Rynearson seconded motion. Mr. Rynearson stated his feeling this is the right way for the City to proceed, and noted Mr. Beedie has handled various issues and situations with tact in his role as Acting City Manager. Mr. Reeves stated his support for Mr. Beedie and asked for the thoughts of his fellow councilmembers. Mr. Nabors stated Mr. Beedie has done a great job in his role as Acting City Manager; however, he believes the hiring process should be followed through to ensure the best candidate is selected, and noted there are always expenses incurred with the hiring process. City Council of Fort Walton Beach Page 6 Pack 13 Regular Meeting Minutes August 14, 2012 Mr. Goodwin stated his feeling that Mr. Beedie is an asset to the City, but that he agrees the process is necessary as the City has come this far and it needs to be followed through. Mr. Goodwin did express concern over possible expenses and that the City should investigate ways to keep down any costs dealing with the process. Dr. gossom reiterated her feeling on Mr. Beedie' s ability, but noted the process was circumvented with the hiring of the last three city managers and ended negatively for the City, and she also believes the hiring process should be followed. Dr. gossom further stated her thoughts that following the process through would give Mr. Beedie the opportunity to hold his own against the other applicants. Mr. Rigdon moved to appoint Michael Beedie as City Manager. Mr. Rynearson. seconded motion and it failed by a vote of 3 to 4 RESULT: DEFEATED 13 TO 41 MOVER: Bull Rigdon, Council Seat 6 ° SECONDER: Dick Rynearson, Council Seat 7 c AYES: Dennis Reeves, Bull Rigdon, Dick Rynearson a NAYS Bobby Griggs, joyce gossom, Trey Goodwin, Bobby Nabors a N Ms. Hanks continued discussion and advised the target dates for interviewing applicants is between September 1 and 10, and she will define those dates and inforin Council. N Further discussion included the cost of background checks and what the checks entail, possibly T setting a cap for reimbursements for interviews; and exploring the possibility of local businesses H partnering and providing a portion of their services or adjusting fees for applicants so that the City can save costs. 5 2 Ms. Hanks stated that although background checks for employees are done in -house at cheaper c costs, social media and reference checks are more involved and are often contracted out to remain objective. Ms. Hanks explained social media backgrounds often provide information regarding ethics violations, arrest records, and so forth. Mr. Goodwin moved to set a cap in the amount of $200. 00 per applicant for background checks. Mr. Nabors seconded motion and it failed 3 to 4. RESULT: DEFEATED 13 TO 41 MOVER: Trey Goodwin, Council Seat 4 SECONDER: Bobby Nabors, Council Seat 5 AYES: Bobby Griggs, Trey Goodwin, Bobby Nabors NAYS: joyce gossom, Dennis Reeves, Bull Rigdon, Dick Rynearson Council discussion included the importance of background checks in providing necessary information on applicants, and that previous discussion included the fact the hiring process needs to be followed, and background checks and related costs are part of the process. Mr. Goodwin also discussed reimbursements and that 500.00 would be a maximum, stating if someone wants the job they should be willing to invest some money as well. City Council offort Walton Beach Page 7 Picket Pg, 14 Regular Meeting Minutes August 14, 2012 Discussion followed regarding allowing Ms. Hanks to follow her discretion regarding reimbursements, in that the City may need to invest more in candidates that may travel longer distances; and that the City's travel policy in regards to reimbursement of mileage, meals, and lodging should be followed. Mr. Goodwin moved to cap the reimbursement for applicants to $ 500.00. Motion failed for lack of a second. Dr. gossom stated that for a professional position of the level of the City Manager, incurring costs by the entity seeking the services is not unusual. There was no further discussion on this issue. N CITY MANAGER REPORTS The Acting City Manager requested a workshop be scheduled to discuss the Landmark Center E project. Consensus of Council was to hold a public workshop on Tuesday, August 28 at 5 pm c before the regularly scheduled meeting. 0 The Acting City Manager announced the budget hearings on Wednesday, September 5, and a Wednesday, September 19, both starting at 5: 30 pm. Q NN He also asked for volunteers to help with the shoreline cleanup and plantings at the Brooks Landing Waterfront Park, and announced the ribbon cutting for the park is scheduled for N T Thursday, August 30, at 9: 30 am. CITY ATTORNEY REPORTS None. MAYOR/COUNCIL COMMENTS The Mayor congratulated the Buccaneer Gift Shop for being in business for 40 years in the City. The Mayor stated he attended the National Night Out at Target, in partnership with the law enforcement community, and that there was a great turnout, and that next year perhaps it could be held at one of the City's parks. He advised of a Restore Act Meeting that City Staff will attend; and informed he received a letter from the ISO and congratulated the Fire Department for maintaining their Level III certification. The Mayor also informed that he along with several Councilmembers will be attending the Florida League of Cities conference next week in Hollywood, Florida, and requested that the Finance Director be given permission to pool travel from councilmembers who have not used their travel funds to those who will be traveling to the conference to offset costs. Mr. Nabors moved to allow the Finance Director to pool travel funds for councilmembers to offset costs for the remainder of this budget year. Dr. gossom seconded motion and it carried unanimously RESULT: ADOPTED [ UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Bobby Nabors, Council Seat 5 SECONDER: joyce gossom, Council Seat 2 AYES: Griggs, gossom, Reeves, Goodwin, Nabors, Rigdon, Rynearson City Council ofFort Walton Beach Page 8 9 Pcket P9 :1 a Regular Meeting Minutes August 14, 2012 ADJOURNMENT: 7: 20 pm Approved: Mayor: Attest: N r3d City Clerk w 0 R 0 a a al N 0) N T T U)d zm C 0 U w U Y G LV w d City Council ofFort Walton Beach Page 9 j  Final Minutes City of Fort Walton Beach