With the city manager position vacant, the mayor and the attorney clarified that the mayor would assume the authority to sign documents and manage day-to-day operations in accordance with council-approved policies. The council was informed of the mayor’s authorization to hire for certain positions, provided recommendations from relevant departments and compliance with HR policies were met. However, questions arose regarding who would serve as the secondary signer for approvals typically reserved for the city manager.

The discussion expanded on the practicalities of the interim management arrangement, with the council expressing the need for clear delineation of roles. The focus was on ensuring operational continuity and avoiding gridlock due to the potential for an evenly split council in the absence of a tie-breaking vote. The appointment of a secondary signer was highlighted as a issue, as some council members raised concerns over the current individual’s authorization to sign at the bank. A motion was contemplated to formally designate an individual for this responsibility, underlining the council’s pursuit of procedural clarity during this transitional phase.

Concerning the city’s financial procedures, the council addressed the mayor’s emergency spending authority. The existing policy allows for emergency procurement up to $20,000, with the city manager able to authorize purchases up to $200,000 in declared emergencies. A proposal was put forth to increase oversight by having the mayor present expenditure ledgers for council approval, thus adding an additional check to the process. This measure was part of a broader conversation on the city’s purchasing policy and the delegation of authority for emergency expenses.

During the meeting, the council unanimously approved the mayor’s request to authorize the hiring of a new firefighter, contingent on the chief’s approval and the fulfillment of HR requirements.

The council also revisited the chain of command for city employees, directing them to address day-to-day issues to the mayor, who would then escalate unresolved matters to the council. This clarification was deemed necessary to maintain order and clear communication while the search for a new city manager is underway.

In addition, the council took steps to ensure the smooth transition of managerial responsibilities by confirming the return of all items previously issued to the city manager. They discussed the process for notifying banks and vendors of the change in signatories.

The meeting also surfaced inquiries from the community. A resident sought clarification on the role of the city attorney. Another resident asked for an update on the authorization of a newly created position for the deputy city manager, reflecting public interest in the city’s administrative structure.

Despite these discussions, the transcript ended before the council could address a question raised about the city’s hurricane policy and the protocol for emergency expenditures during such events. The community’s engagement, as well as the council’s deliberations on these issues, underscored the importance of transparent and effective governance during times of administrative transition.