20120112 Regular City Council Meeting - MinutesMINUTES OF THE SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF
THE CITY OF VERNON HELD THURSDAY, JANUARY 12, 2012,
IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER OF THE CITY HALL LOCATED
AT 4305 SANTA FE AVENUE, VERNON, CALIFORNIA
MEMBERS PRESENT: Davis, McCormick, Maisano, Newmire
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
The meeting was called to order at 8:02 a.m. by Mayor Pro-Tem
Davis.
The City Clerk announced that there were no changes to the
agenda.
The City Clerk announced that this was the time allotted for
public comment. The Mayor Pro-Tem inquired whether anyone in
the audience wished to address the City Council. No one
responded.
1. Search firms presentations for City Attorney search.
Independent Ethics Advisor John van de Kamp reported on the
request for proposals for a search firm for the City Attorney
appointment. He advised that two firms were selected to make
a presentation to City Council.
President and CEO William Hawkins and Brett Byers, made the
presentation for The Hawkins Company. The representatives
reported on their background, experience in the field, the
scope of service, and timeline for the City of Vernon.
Councilman McCormick inquired on the total fee. Hawkins
advised that the professional fee is $20,000, plus
reimbursable fees estimated at $3,500 for a total of $23,500.
Hawkins advised that the majority of the expenses come from
advertisement and reported on the company's intent to conduct
direct recruitment.
Mayor Pro-Tem inquired on the type of advertisement. In
response, Hawkins advised that advertisements will be
conducted within various publications and with the League of
Cities. He stated that 80% of the volume comes from
- advertising but that only 201 of the candidates considered
come from the advertisements. The advertisement is done for
transparency.
Councilman McCormick requested clarification on the timeline.
Hawkins reported that the recruitment period is six weeks, and
that the rest of the process is flexible, normally 3-4 months.
Councilman Maisano sought clarification on the preliminary
feel of the market and interest in the position. In response,
Hawkins described the challenges with the public's perception
of the City of Vernon, and how the firm plans on neutralizing
that perception so that candidates, who would not have
otherwise, considered the position. Hawkins reported on his
experience with cities like Inglewood and Compton and the
challenges they experienced there.
Special City Council Meeting Minutes
January 12, 2012
Byers addressed Councilman Newmire's concerns and confirmed
that the City Council's input will be considered when
developing the positions requirements.
Van de Kamp suggested that in these presentations, the Council
should inquire as to who will actually be conducting the
search. Van de Kamp advised that The Hawkins Company reported
that both William Hawkins and Brett Byers would be conducting
the search themselves.
Co-founder Norm Roberts stated that he and his wife conduct
the searches for Roberts Consulting Group. Roberts reported
on his background and experience, and the general process for
the recruitment.
In response to both Mayor Pro-Tem Davis and Councilman
Newmire, Roberts clarified the timeline and process.
In response to Mayor Pro-Tem Davis, Roberts reported that the
service was a flat fee of $25,000.
City Administrator Mark Whitworth advised that five search
firms had submitted proposals and requested an explanation for
why the two firms were selected to make a formal presentation.
Van de Kamp reported that in terms of expense, all the firms
were similar. The two firms were selected due to their
location and experience in the area. van de Kamp reported on
his experience in working with Hawkins on a past project.
Counsel Dana Reed recommended that Council instruct staff to
place the item on the next agenda.
Councilman Newmire stated that he would like to hear a
presentation from one additional firm. In response,
Councilman McCormick advised that the other search firms
provided similar costs but that these two were selected due to
their location.
Van de Kamp advised that the Council had been asked if they
wished to interview another firm previously. He advised that
the request could potentially delay the process three weeks.
Councilman Newmire requested an interview with Alliance
Resource Consulting.
Reed suggested that the interview be scheduled on January 17ch
so as to not delay the process. The Council can make its
decision at the Council meeting as long as it is properly
noticed.
Whitworth clarified that the third interview will occur at a
special meeting on January 17, 2012, at 8:30 a.m. The City
Council is to vote on the search firm at the regular meeting
at 9:00 a.m.
The City Clerk announced that there were no further items on the
agenda.
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Special City Council Meeting Minutes
January 12, 2012
At 9:02 a.m., it was moved by McCormick and seconded by Maisano,
that the meeting be adjourned. Motion carried.
ATT :
Wiillard Yama c i
City Clerk
William J. Davis)
Mayor Pro-Tem
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