The discussion began with the commissioners selecting their top 15-20 questions to ask the candidates. After a vote, 15 questions received at least two votes, which were then scrutinized to ensure everyone was comfortable with them. The commissioners aimed to streamline the interview process by considering the relevance and avoiding potential overlap of the questions.

A candidate for the city manager position, Chuck Anderson, presented a 10-minute plan to engage with the city commission, community leaders, and department heads. Anderson discussed assessing the city’s emergency management, financial health, and ongoing projects. He also emphasized the importance of establishing a work-life balance and building engagement within the city.

The candidate outlined plans for public engagement through town halls and forums, focusing on the city’s budget and economic development. Furthermore, the candidate proposed a six-month progress report to the commission and initiating professional development opportunities for staff, emphasizing the value of environmental stewardship and sustainability.

In response to the interview questions, the candidate discussed decision-making approaches and shared previous experiences, such as managing a difficult situation with an airport manager and encountering a disruptive citizen during a city commission meeting. The candidate stressed the importance of citizen engagement and the need for continuous improvement and collaboration to manage the city’s opportunities and challenges.

The meeting also featured a discussion on the economic development of Yampa Street, where a former member of the Kona Brewing team shared insights into the process of revitalizing the area. Strategies for attracting developers and businesses to Treasure Island were discussed, highlighting a CIP-first approach and the importance of collaboration with local construction companies.

Public safety was another key topic, with discussions on recruitment challenges in the police department and the establishment of a paramedic program. The candidate detailed efforts to improve communication with police department applicants and the collaborative efforts with police and fire chiefs.

The commission covered the need to negotiate beneficial deals for the city and property owners, the potential addition of full-time employees to various city departments, and the importance of community development. There was a focus on building relationships with external entities, such as the City Managers Association and Chamber of Commerce leaders, to develop partnerships.

The candidate’s involvement in various development programs and economic projects was highlighted, including discussions on impact fees, the spread of misinformation online, and the management of economic development projects. The candidate emphasized the importance of collaboration, process improvement, and public engagement in these initiatives.

Finally, the commission inquired about the candidate’s apprehension about taking on the job, the approach to working with city staff, and the potential for establishing a Community Redevelopment Agency for funding downtown construction. The candidate expressed confidence in their ability to communicate with staff and promote staff development and attrition planning.