MINUTES FOR THE SPECIAL MEETING OF THE
CAPE CORAL CITY COUNCIL
Monday, March 26, 2012
Council Chambers 2:00 p.m.
Eric Kuehn, resident, stated that he was disappointed they did not give each of the City Manager candidates time to come forward and sell themselves.
Charlie Myers, resident, stated he asked the Council last week to give him two reasons why they would hire a particular candidate or at least list what they want in a new City Manager. He stated he rated the candidates, adding the highest got a 3.5 out of a perfect 5. He suggested they pick the top two and then get more candidates to interview.
Linda Prince, resident, asked Council to chose the best City Manager they could, adding that she trusted them to hire the best candidate.
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DISCUSSION AND DECISION ON HIRING A CITY MANAGER
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Ed Green
Barbara Lipscomb
Mark Needham
Leonard Sossamon
John Szerlag
Councilmember Chulakes-Leetz stated he would look for a City Manager who would follow policies, had combined experience, and one that others would like to have.
Councilmember McClain stated he looked for projects started, completed, and what the outcome was. He mentioned he would like to know how they got along with the directors and how they felt about the City. He stated the candidates were free to say whatever they wanted.
Councilmember McGrail stated he was looking for someone with the ability to work with the entire Council and who dealt well with the challenges they faced.
Mayor Sullivan stated he wanted to find out how much they knew about all City services. He stated his questions were very specific. He wanted to make sure they made educated decisions, would have the courage to tell Council what the right direction was, and would follow Council’s suggestions. He recommended the Council have two sets of votes, one for the primary candidate and one for the secondary.
City Attorney Menendez suggested they narrow the candidates down to two to choose from to avoid plurality.
Councilmember McClain suggested the straw poll method.
Discussion held regarding whether to use the straw poll method.
Straw poll was taken.
Councilmember Chulakes-Leetz recommended that the City Clerk go through the ballots, read the name of the Council Member and the vote they cast, and announce the totals.
City Clerk van Deutekom announced the straw poll votes: Erbrick/Mark Needham, John Szerlag, McClain/Ed Green, Mark Needham, McGrail/Leonard Sossamon, John Szerlag, Nesta/Ed Green, Mark Needham, Mayor Sullivan/Mark Needham, John Szerlag, Carioscia/Ed Green, John Szerlag, Chulakes-Leetz/Ed Green, John Szerlag, Donnell/Ed Green, Mark Needham. She stated the vote tallies are as follows: Ed Green 5, Mark Needham 5, Leonard Sossamon 1, John Szerlag 5.
Mayor Sullivan suggested each Council Member nominate two candidates, one primary and one secondary.
Discussion was held regarding the voting procedure.
Council nominated the following primary candidate: Erbrick/Needham, McClain/Needham, McGrail/Szerlag, Nesta/Needham, Sullivan/Szerlag, Carioscia/Szerlag, Chulakes-Leetz/Szerlag, and Donnell/Needham.
City Clerk van Deutekom announced the votes: Needham 4, Szerlag 4.
Further discussion held regarding the two top candidates.
Councilmember Chulakes-Leetz moved, seconded by Councilmember Erbrick to initiate a contract with John Szerlag for the City Manager position and that Mark Needham be named the first runner up in the event that the contract with Mr. Szerlag becomes unattainable.
Council polled as follows: Erbrick, McClain, McGrail, Sullivan, Carioscia, Chulakes-Leetz, and Donnell voted “aye.” Nesta voted “nay”. Seven “ayes” and one “nay.” Motion carried.
Councilmember Chulakes-Leetz moved, seconded by Councilmember Carioscia to send a vote of confidence to John Szerlag by a unanimous message.
Council polled as follows: Erbrick, McClain, McGrail, Nesta, Sullivan, Carioscia, Chulakes-Leetz, and Donnell voted “aye.” All “ayes.” Motion carried.
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TIME AND PLACE OF FUTURE MEETINGS
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A City Council Workshop meeting was scheduled for Monday, April 2, 2012, at 4:30 p.m., in Council Chambers.
A Committee of the Whole meeting was scheduled for Wednesday, April 4, 2012, at 5:00 p.m., in Council Chambers.
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There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 3:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Rebecca van Deutekom, CMC
City Clerk