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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSpecial Council Minutes 10-13-08Dublin City Council SPECIAL MEETING OF DUBLIN CITY COUNCIL Monday, October 13, 2008 Council Chambers — 8:30 p.m. Mayor Chinnici-Zuercher called the Monday, October 13, 2008 Special Meeting to order at 8:30 p.m. at the Dublin Municipal Building. Present were: Mayor Chinnici-Zuercher, Vice Mayor Boring, Mr. Gerber, Mr. Keenan, Mr. Lecklider, Mr. Reiner, and Ms, Salay. Staff present: Mr. Harding, Mr. Smith, Chief Epperson Mayor Chinnici-Zuercher noted that the purpose of the Special Meeting is to finalize the profile for the City Manager search, and to provide feedback to the consultant via conference call. Also present was Brittiny Dunlap, This Week newspapers. Mayor Chinnici-Zuercher noted that Mr. Harding's memo outlines two options for approaching the topic tonight. One suggestion is that Council could review the profile, discuss any potential changes, and then call Mr. Dority to review the changes. It was the consensus of Council to opt for this process tonight. and recommend any changes. Mayor Chinnici-Zuercher noted that the consultant has proposed a timeline for the search process. If there are any conflicts for Council for the dates tied to any decision- making, the members should communicate these conflicts to Mr. Harding or to the Clerk by October 20 so that the timeline can be adjusted, if needed. Council proceeded with review of the various portions: Ideal Candidate Mayor Chinnici-Zuercher asked if a Master's degree should be required, versus indicating "preferred," how would that reduce the pool of candidates? Mr. Harding responded that if Council establishes this as an absolute requirement, Mr. Dority would screen strictly for the Master's degree, and potentially limiting the pool of applicants. Using the term "preferred" would include other potential candidates who do not possess a Master's degree. Council still has the discretion to choose the best candidate from the pool. Mayor Chinnici-Zuercher stated that when candidates apply for a position in a community such as Dublin, would the vast majority have a Master's degree? Mr. Harding responded affirmatively, but the percentage may be 70 or 75 percent of the candidates. Mr. Reiner added that perhaps Council would not want to exclude someone with two bachelor's degrees related to the profession. Mr. Harding agreed, noting that worthwhile experience would also be a factor for consideration. It was the consensus of Council to leave the language of "Master's degree preferred" in the profile. City Council Special Meeting October 13, 2008 Page 2 Experience Mr. Lecklider stated that there is a typo in this portion — the word should be completion and not complete. Mayor Chinnici-Zuercher asked if there are any questions related to the terminology used. There were no questions. Mayor Chinnici-Zuercher asked how the consultant will analyze and "grade" the applications, based on what is submitted. Ms. Salay responded that she understands Mr. Dority will prescreen the applications and will bring to Council the top candidates that he believes meet the criteria, based on their resume and his knowledge of them, based on his screening. Mr. Harding stated that Mr. Dority will provide the resume and analysis of the top 12-14 candidates. Mr. Keenan noted that the terminology indicates, "familiarity with municipal water/sewer utility extension related to economic development." He wants to ensure this is broad enough to include the type of negotiations related to the Columbus/Marysville/Union County utility matters. Mayor Chinnici-Zuercher noted that perhaps the phrase should be broadened, and not limited to economic development. Vice Mayor Boring added that perhaps this should specify the ability to negotiate with other entities for services. Mr. Keenan stated that the term "familiarity" may not be strong enough. Ms. Salay suggested "experience" as a substitute. Vice Mayor Boring added that she is interested in a candidate who can negotiate in the best interests of Dublin with other government entities. Mayor Chinn ici-Zuercher suggested that perhaps it should state "experience with negotiating municipal water and sewer utility extensions." Mr. Keenan noted that the specific language "208 Plans" should be included, as it is an EPA -mandated plan and very important in this negotiation. Mr. Lecklider agreed with making specific reference to this regulation in the profile. Council concurred. Working Styles, Skills, Knowledge and Abilities Vice Mayor Boring noted that the negotiation skills are included in this section, Personal Characteristics Vice Mayor Boring suggested that she would like to add something such as "a person with vision but possesses an ability to consider and honor the past." She explained that this would include understanding the City's history and what is important to the City in moving forward. In other words, viewing things in the context of what has occurred in the past practice. Perhaps "a person who will consider and honor the past." City Council Special Meeting October 13, 2008 Page 3 Mr. Keenan stated that "past" would need to be defined in terms of policies or practices. Mr. Gerber noted that the second to last bullet point under Working Style, Skills, Knowledge and Abilities addresses that. Mr. Keenan suggested language regarding a person helping Council to make decisions in the context of past policymakers' decisions. Discussion continued. Mayor Chinnici-Zuercher summarized that Council is seeking a visionary candidate who honors the history of the City which brought it to where it is today. Leading Issues Ms. Salay suggested that an important item to be included is the City's two percent income tax and its critical role in the City's continued success. A candidate would need to be aware that retail development is not something Dublin seeks out, as opposed to some other states where their tax base is different, Vice Mayor Boring stated that would also tie in with the important of economic development issues. Mr. Keenan stated that all of this thought process is laid out in the Community Plan, which was recently updated. Mayor Chinnici-Zuercher noted that this fact is not mentioned in the draft, however, and should be emphasized as Ms. Salay has suggested. Ms. Salay stated that adding one sentence, such as "The City of Dublin's economic development is driven by The second paragraph under "Continued Economic Development" should make reference to the continuing economic development of Dublin — not just the northwest quadrant. This can be accomplished by striking, "the northwestern quadrant of Dublin" in this sentence, Ms. Salay noted that page 2 of Leading Issues makes reference to "complementary public and private investments across the river toward Sawmill Road." She was not quite sure how this area rose to the level of being in the top three of the area plans referenced. Mayor Chinnici-Zuercher agreed. Mr. Keenan noted that this is a large vision, encompassing the land across the river. Vice Mayor Boring expressed confusion about the language as well. Mr. Lecklider commented that it encompasses what was discussed with Planning Commission earlier tonight — the Stratford project and the roadway. Mr. Keenan summarized that the concept is larger than just Historic Dublin, and this makes reference to it. Mayor Chinnici-Zuercher pointed out that only Council has detailed knowledge about the nuances of all of this language, and perhaps no changes are needed in targeting an outside candidate. Council agreed. City Council Special Meeting October 13, 2008 Page 4 Mayor Chinnici-Zuercher noted that the last sentence of the Regional Relationships section, "Over the years ... " should be eliminated. Council concurred with removing this as well as the previous sentence in this section. Mr. Harding pointed out an error in the section "Continued Economic Development" where it should state "just to the north of US 33." Mr. Lecklider noted that in the first paragraph of this same section, "Innovations" should more correctly be "Innovation." Mr. Harding pointed out that in the section, Regional Relations, the township references are not correct. It should be Washington and Jerome Townships. Ms. Salay suggested stating, "surrounding townships" as the City enjoys positive relationships with many of them. Vice Mayor Boring noted that the intent is to point out the various counties, school districts and townships within the City of Dublin. Council concurred and suggested adding Jonathan Alder School district as well. Mr. Harding asked if the City of Marysville should be added in the first couple of lines of this regional relationships section. Mayor Chinnici-Zuercher responded that it is included in the language "other Township and City jurisdictions throughout the metropolitan Columbus region." Mr. Harding proceeded with the phone call to Mr. Dority. Mayor Chin nici-Zuerche r thanked Mr. Dority for his work to date on the process. Council believes the profile captures very well the ideal candidate for Dublin City Manager. There are some Mr. Harding summarized the following changes directed by Council: • Page 1, under "Experience" — sentence related to experience with water and sewer utility extensions, incorporate language such as desire experience in negotiating water and sewer agreements and specifically 208 Plans. • Bullet point #4 under "Experience the last word should be "completion" — not "completing.,, • Under "Personal Characteristics" add a bullet point regarding a person of vision that possesses the ability to consider and honor the past — past meaning the City's past history. Mayor Chinnici-Zuercher continued: • Under "Leading Issues" — the first sentence should include "Central Ohio Innovation Center"— not "Innovations." • Second paragraph, first sentence should read, "The COIC is the immediate project crucial to the continuing economic development of Dublin (Remove the words " northwestern quadrant of." • Fourth line, second sentence, it should state "north of US 33" and not "north, across US33." Ms. Salay added: City Council Special Meeting October 13, 2008 Page 5 • Council believes it is important to emphasize in the appropriate location that the City's revenue is derived primarily from its two percent income tax so that out-of- state candidates have an understanding of that. Some candidates from outside Ohio may come from an area where retail tax base is important to their local economy. Mayor Chinnici-Zuercher noted: • On page 2 of "Leading Issues," under regional relations, after Hilliard, add Jonathan Alder School District. Instead of Union Township, it should be Jerome Township. • Delete the last two sentences of this paragraph. Mr. Dority thanked Council for their care in reviewing the document. He will bring back a full draft of the review to Council prior to publishing it. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:07 p.m. Clerk of Council