TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL

FROM: CITY MANAGER

DATE: NOVEMBER 21, 2006

SUBJECT: CITY MANAGER RECRUITMENT

RECOMMENDATION
Endorse the City Manager recruitment process so far and approve the proposed recruitment process over the next few months.

BACKGROUND
On May 2, 2006 the City Council received a letter from the City Manager announcing his intention to terminate his employment with the City at the end of the working day on December 21, 2006. On August 1, 2006 the City Council selected the executive search firm of Avery Associates to conduct the recruitment. An Ad Hoc Committee of Councilmembers Clark and Stern had previously been appointed to work with the search firm during the recruitment process

The closing date for receiving applications for the City Manager position was November 3, 2006. On November 4, 2006 the City Manager Recruitment Ad Hoc Committee met with Bill Avery of Avery Associates to review the applications. The Committee agreed on the most qualified applicants who will be interviewed by Mr. Avery over the next few weeks. When Mr. Avery has completed his screening interviews, he will recommend the most qualified applicants for further interviews.

DISCUSSION
The Ad Hoc Committee agreed that it would not be desirable to rush the recruitment process by trying to schedule final interviews and make a hiring decision prior to the holidays. The Ad Hoc Committee is recommending the following process and approximate timetable:

December 3, 2006 Bill Avery will complete the screening interviews
And make his recommendations for the most qualified candidates to the Ad Hoc Committee.

December 2006 The Ad Hoc Committee will recommend a list of candidates to be interviewed by the City Council.

January 2007 The City Council will interview the recommended
candidates and make a hiring decision.

March 1, 2007 The new City Manager will report to work.

During the period between December 22, 2006, and the start date for the new City Manager, the Ad Hoc Committee acknowledges that an Interim City Manager will be needed. The options available to the City Council include appointing the Assistant City Manager, a Department Head or a former City Manager to perform the interim duties of the City Manager. Former City Manager Paul Bussey has indicated that he would be available during the first few months of 2007.

Respectfully Submitted,

Les Evans
City Manager