05:38The search for a new city manager was a focal point, with commissioners examining the qualifications of applicants and debating who should advance to the interview stage. The selection committee recommended six candidates, but commissioners scrutinized their backgrounds, raising concerns about their fit for the role. Particular attention was given to the educational and professional experiences of candidates like Carolyn Marquest and Derek Martin. Marquest was noted for her business background, which some felt lacked the necessary public administration experience, while Martin’s focus on technology and public works was seen as potentially too narrow.

02:01Christina Mar, who has been acting as interim city manager, was also a topic of discussion. Despite not meeting all the specified requirements for the permanent role, her professionalism and commitment were recognized. One commissioner suggested that she could gain valuable experience under a new manager, potentially preparing her for future opportunities.

32:22The commission agreed to interview a list of recommended candidates, including Greg Elliott, Patrick Jordan, Carolyn Marquest, Derek Martin, Jeff Shoebridge, and Fred Vancesco, the latter meeting minimum qualifications despite not being recommended. Concerns were raised about candidates’ experiences in other states, with debate over their adaptability to Florida’s governance style. The urgency of the hiring process was emphasized, with suggestions to conduct initial Zoom interviews on April 8th to expedite the selection while balancing candidates’ current job commitments.

41:32Preparations for the Zoom interviews included drafting letters to candidates and providing them with necessary documents like the budget and organizational chart. The commission debated whether to live-stream these interviews, ultimately deciding against it, opting for in-person attendance to maintain the integrity of the process. Questions for the interviews were carefully selected to ensure they aligned with the city’s needs, with commissioners collaboratively refining their strategy for a fair and efficient assessment of candidates.

01:15:39In addition to the city manager search, the commission considered collaborating with the county for maintenance assistance, particularly in preparation for an expected influx of visitors for an upcoming event. The proposal involved using county workers for tasks like cleaning tennis courts and parks. Commissioners discussed whether this required a formal vote, emphasizing the importance of public input and transparency. It was suggested that the city manager could proceed without a vote, provided the commission was kept informed.

01:24:12The upcoming Catfish Parade and recent discussions with state representatives in Tallahassee regarding municipal projects also featured in the meeting. Commissioners planned for a unified presence at the parade and shared their experiences of engaging with state officials on funding for local projects amidst changing property tax legislation.