The centerpiece of the meeting was the city manager selection process, with the board reviewing five candidates introduced by a representative from Narlock and Associates. This representative praised the city staff’s collaborative efforts and highlighted the rigorous outreach that resulted in approximately 56 applicants. Ultimately, five candidates were recommended for interviews, set to occur three weeks after the March 10 election. Notably, candidates Stanley Hawthorne, Michael Hellfrick, Debbie Mans, Timothy Owens, and Raymond Palmer were presented, each bringing unique experiences and strengths to the table.

Hawthorne’s extensive tenure as assistant city manager in Fort Lauderdale and subsequent consulting work in Georgia were noted, as was Hellfrick’s local ties and past roles in Treasure Island. Mans was recognized for her transformative impact as Newport Richie’s city manager, while Owens was commended for his coastal management experience. Palmer’s private sector background and customer service orientation rounded out the diverse pool.

A proposal for an informal gathering was made to foster community engagement with the candidates. This after-hours event would allow stakeholders, including city staff and community members, to interact with the candidates in a relaxed setting and provide feedback to the board. A subsequent public meeting was proposed, where candidates could present their qualifications and motivations for seeking the city manager role.

The board emphasized the importance of thorough vetting and expressed satisfaction with the consultant’s selection process, although some members suggested adding a few more candidates to ensure a comprehensive evaluation. Concerns about candidates nearing retirement age and past employment issues were discussed, highlighting the need for a candidate with long-term commitment and stability.

Logistical considerations, such as the reimbursement of travel expenses for out-of-town candidates, were addressed. The importance of finalizing the list of candidates to ensure timely scheduling of interviews was stressed, as delaying the process could result in losing candidates to other opportunities.

Parallel to the city manager discussions, the board tackled the issue of parking at Tom and Kitty Stewart Park. Residents raised concerns about non-residents occupying spaces intended for public use, leading to a proposal to make parking spots resident-only. This measure aimed to prevent workers from using the spaces and ensure availability for residents. The idea of issuing parking stickers to residents and ticketing non-residents was discussed, with the board agreeing to revisit the decision if spots remained underutilized.