The primary issue that dominated the meeting was the resolution 2024 r153, concerning the retention agreement with Sniff and Melman PA for the employment investigation. Commissioners grappled with the anticipated $30,000 cost, questioning the necessity and the impact on the community’s finances. The lack of documentation and formal grievance policy regarding the investigation added to the commissioners’ apprehension. The debate revealed a concern about the transparency of the process, particularly regarding the attorney’s communication with the city manager about a contract extension. This culminated in A discussion about the city manager’s role during the meeting, with a request for him to leave the room while the commission deliberated, and even the audio feed was turned off for a period.

Further complicating the matter was the city manager’s probationary period, with commissioners divided on the need for an extension. The lack of clear documentation and formal procedures was highlighted, prompting a call for a summary of the investigation’s concerns while maintaining confidentiality. The commission’s responsibility and the role of the Human Resources department in such matters were also put under the microscope, with suggestions to involve external bodies like the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission for an impartial investigation.

The absence of the city attorney added to the challenges faced by the commission, leading to discussions about whether to postpone agenda items that required legal advice or to proceed with the counsel at hand. Frustrations were apparent as commissioners debated the merit of tabling items versus moving forward with the available resources. Eventually, the commission decided to table certain items and seek the availability of the employment attorney for further discussions.

In addition to the investigation, the commission tackled the city’s strategic goal-setting process, emphasizing the need for measurable objectives and transparency. They discussed the creation of a responsive and engaging environment for both employees and the community, including the implementation of a remote work policy under specific circumstances, and the consideration of a Citizens Academy to educate the populace on city processes.

Community engagement was a recurring theme throughout the meeting. Commissioners discussed the necessity of improving response times to inquiries, the importance of professional development to minimize reporting errors, and enhancing the city’s visibility through collaborations with the Chamber of Commerce and other initiatives.

Lastly, the commissioners contemplated ways to increase engagement with city departments, drawing inspiration from programs like Tampa’s and exploring the personalization of departments through social media. A request was made to establish timelines for certain initiatives, with a focus on quality assurance for city projects and monthly updates on department performance and budget tracking. The completion of the north side Tiff from 11 Street Corridor and the potential ribbon cutting for the St John’s Avenue project were also acknowledged.