HomeMy WebLinkAbout11042020 City Council Special Meeting Packet Seward City Council
Agenda Packet
•
Special City Council Meeting
Wednesday, November 4, 2020
Council Chambers, City Hall
S:30 p.m.
PUBLIC NOTICE
TEMPORARY PROCESS FOR
CITIZEN COMMENTS AT NOVEMBER 4, 2020
SEWARD CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING
The Seward City Council will hold a Virtual Special Meeting on Wednesday, November 4, 2020.
Because the City of Seward is currently experiencing a declared public health emergency due to
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), alternate methods for providing Citizen Comments and
Public Hearing Testimony has been created.
How To Submit Your CITIZEN COMMENTS
1. Email your WRITTEN comments to clerkgcityofseward.net no later than 2:00 p.m. on
Wednesday, November 4, 2020.
• Identify whether you want your comments READ ALOUD at the meeting or EMAILED
to council upon receipt. In response to your email, you should expect to receive a
verification email from the clerk confirming the method of delivery — if you do not
receive this email,please call the clerk at 224-4045.
• Comments requested to be read aloud will be delivered verbally to council by the City
Clerk at the appropriate time during the meeting.
2. If you wish to be called on the telephone during the meeting to provide your comments
TELEPHONICALLY, send an email request to the City Clerk along with your contact
information to clerkLcityofseward.net, including your full name and the telephone number
you wish to have called.
• The clerk must receive your request no later than 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 4,
2020.
• Identify whether you wish to be called during the FIRST or SECOND citizen comment
period, or both.
• If you wish to be contacted for the first Citizen Comment period, please be prepared to
answer your phone starting at 5:30 p.m.
• If you wish to be contacted for the second Citizen Comment period, there is no estimate
of time to expect the call. In response to your email, you should expect to receive a
verification email from the clerk—if you do not receive this email, please call the clerk at
224-4045.
• All Citizen Comments will be timed and limited to three minutes (first period) or five
minutes (second period). The telephone number will be called ONE time; if there is no
answer, the clerk will move on to the next citizen.
THERE WILL BE NO IN PERSON COMMENTS FOR THIS MEETING.
How To Virtually ATTEND The Meeting
1. The meeting will be Live Streamed on the city's YouTube page. Log onto YouTube and type
"City of Seward Alaska" into the search bar.
2. Listen on the radio. Tune to KIBH-FM 91.7
3. Watch on television. Tune into GCI Cable Channel 9.
SPECIAL MEETING REQUEST
Pursuant to Seward City Code 2.10.030 (2), this is to serve as the written notice
calling a Special City Council Meeting on Wednesday, November 4, 2020 at 5:30
p.m. for the purpose of-
Discuss the recruitment of a new permanent City Manager
Go into executive session regarding the Jesse Lee Home,
per SCC 2.10.010 (b) (3) matters pertaining to
threatened or pending litigation
The meeting will commence in the City Council Chambers, City Hall, 410 Adams
Street, Seward. All interested persons are invited to attend the meetings.
This special meeting was scheduled by city council
at the October 26, 2020 city council meeting.
Upon this request the City Clerk will give due and proper notice as required by SCC
2.10.032
(No business shall be transacted other than stated above.)
SPECIAL MEETING NOTICE
Pursuant to Seward City Code 2.10.030 (2), this is to serve as the written notice
calling a Special City Council Meeting on Wednesday, November 4, 2020 at 5:30
p.m. for the purpose of-
Discuss the recruitment of a new permanent City Manager
Go into executive session regarding the Jesse Lee Home,
per SCC 2.10.010 (b) (3) matters pertaining to
threatened or pending litigation
The meeting will commence in the City Council Chambers, City Hall, 410 Adams
Street, Seward. All interested persons are invited to attend the meetings.
Posted: Tuesday, October 27, 2020
City Hall bulletin board
U.S. Post Office
Harbormaster's Building
Seward Community Library Museum
Published: Seward Journal, City Calendar, October 28 &November 4, 2020
The City of Seward, Alaska
Special City Council Meeting
Wednesday, November 4, 2020 5:30 p.m.
Christy Terry 1. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor
Term Expires 2022 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Tony Baclaan 3. ROLL CALL
Vice Mayor
Term Expires 2022 4. CITIZEN COMMENTS ON ANY SUBJECT EXCEPT
THOSE ITEMS SCHEDULED FOR PUBLIC HEARING
Sue McClure [Those who have signed in will be given the first opportunity to speak. Time
Council Member
is limited to 3 minutes per speaker and 36 minutes total speaking time for this
agenda item.]
Term Expires 2023
5. APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND CONSENT AGENDA
Sharyl Seese [Approval of Consent Agenda passes all routine items indicated by asterisk
Council Member (*). Consent Agenda items are not considered separately unless a council
Term Expires 2021 member so requests. In the event of such a request, the item is returned to
the Regular Agenda]
John Osenga 6. NEW BUSINESS
Council Member A. Other New Business
Term Expires 2021 1. Discuss the recruitment of a new permanent City
Liz DeMoss Manager. ............................................... Pg. 2
Council Member 7. CITIZEN COMMENTS[There is no sign in for this commentperiod.
Term Expires 2023 Time is limited to five(5) minutes per speaker.]
Ristine Casagranda 8. COUNCIL AND ADMINISTRATION COMMENTS &
Council Member RESPONSE TO CITIZEN COMMENTS
Term Expires 2022
9. EXECUTIVE SESSION
A. Go into executive session regarding the Jesse Lee Home,
per SCC 2.10.010(b)(3)matters pertaining to threatened
or pending litigation. ................................ Pg. 23
Norm Regis
Acting City Manager 10. ADJOURNMENT
Brenda Ballou
City Clerk
Brooks Chandler
City Attorney
City of Seward, Alaska Council Agenda
November 4, 2020 Page I
Memorandum
Date: November 4, 2020
From: Brenda Ballou, City Clerk
RE: Options for New Permanent City Manager Hire
BACKGROUND
The two most recent permanent city manager hires were conducted in late 2018/early 2019, and
the summer of 2011. The hiring of an interim city manager occurred in the summer of 2018.
Different methods were used for the hires: in-house and through a recruiting firm.
2011 Permanent: In 2011, former city manager Philip Oates submitted his resignation with 90
days' notice. The city council directed former city clerk Johanna Kinney to advertise for the
position, gather the applications, and prepare council for reviewing and scoring the candidates.
Council reviewed and updated the job description and interview questions. Council made an
offer to their first choice candidate, which was later rescinded, and then made an offer to Jim
Hunt which was accepted.
2018 Interim: In 2018, following Jim Hunt's resignation, council directed city clerk Brenda
Ballou to advertise for an interim city manager rather than a permanent because council wished
to wait until after the municipal election to recruit for the permanent hire. The position was
advertised, applications were gathered, candidates were reviewed and scored in a public work
session, and interviews were conducted. Council selected Jeff Bridges as their first choice
candidate for interim city manager for an approximate 6-month hire.
2018 Permanent: In late 2018, interim city manager Jeff Bridges brought forward the idea of
using a vendor to conduct the search for the next new permanent city manager. Bridges cited the
advantages as including: broad reach, skills test, strenuous background checks, and professional
advertising materials. With council approval, Bridges issued an RFP for recruitment firms, and
council hired GovHR in January, 2019 to handle the recruitment of the city's next permanent city
manager. Former city manager Scott Meszaros was hired, after the declination of first choice
candidate Erin Reinders.
RECRUITMENT CHOICES
Council has the option to choose any method for recruitment they wish:
• In-House: Similar to previous, council would review and update the city manager job
description, advertisement, and interview questions, the position would be advertised as
widely as possible, and applications gathered. Applications would be reviewed at a work
session, finalists would be determined, and then interviews (in person or virtual) would
be scheduled. Council would meet in executive session to discuss interview results and
2
decide which candidate to make an offer to. A negotiating team would be assigned to
extend an offer and settle a contract.
• Recruiting Firm: Council may use the services of GovHR again for recruitment of a
new permanent city manager; we simply have to notify GovHR in writing. There will be
some travel expenses involved, but no additional cost against the contract.
GovHR Contract: It is the policy of GovHR to assist our clients until an acceptable
candidate is appointed to the position. Therefore, no additional professional fee would be
incurred should the City not make a selection from the initial group of recommended
candidates and request additional candidates be developed for interview consideration.
Additional reimbursable expenses may be incurred should the situation require consultant
travel to Seward beyond the planned four visits. Upon appointment of a candidate,
GovHR provides the following guarantee: should the selected and appointed candidate, at
the request of the City or the employee's own determination, leave the employ of the City
within the first 24 months of appointment, we will, if desired, conduct one additional
recruitment for the cost of expenses and announcements only, if requested to do so within
six months of the employee's departure. In addition, in accordance with the policy of our
firm as well as established ethics in the executive search industry, we will not actively
recruit the placed employees for a period of five years.
RECOMMENDATION
Council consider which recruitment approach they wish to pursue and give direction to the city
clerk to either begin the advertisement process for in-house recruitment, or to contact GovHR in
writing to start the vendor process.
3
2011 Permanent Hire Sponsored By: City Clerk
CITY OF SEWARD,ALASKA
RESOLUTION 2011-102
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEWARD,
ALASKA, APPROPRIATING $6,783.42 FOR EXPENDITURES RELATED
TO THE 2011 CITY MANAGER HIRE
WHEREAS, in .Lune 2011, City Manager Phillip Oates submitted his resignation
effective September 30, 2011 which the City Council accepted via Resolution 201 1-054: and
WHEREAS, the City Council directed the City Clerk to coordinate efforts to hire a new
City Manager; and
WHEREAS, costs associated with this process have included advertising the vacancy,
travel for in-person interviews, coordinating lunches and a community reception; and
WHEREAS,the costs associated with the hiring of the City Manager are not budgeted in
the Mayor and Council's budget; and
WHEREAS, it was discussed and directed by the Council for the Clerk to come to the
City Council after the position was hired to ask for those costs to be appropriated within the
Mayor and Council budget; and
r. WHEREAS, travel, advertising, and promotion costs related to the City Manager hiring
process are listed as follows:
Travel (101-1110-5140): $3,698.70
Advertising(101-1110-5120): $2,080.20
Promotions (101-1110-5730): $1,004.52
WHEREAS, the City Clerk's Office respectfully requests appropriation for costs
expended for the hiring of the City Manager.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA THAT:
Section 1. Funds in the amount of$6,783.42 are hereby appropriated from the General
Fund Fund Balance Account Number 101-0000-3050 to the following accounts: $3,698.70 to
:Mayor and Council Travel account number 101-1110-5140; $2,080.20 to Mayor and Council
Advertising account number 101-1110-5120; $1,004.52 to Mayor and Council Promotions
account number 101-1110-5730.
Section 2. This resolution shall take effect immediately.
i
4
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
RESOLUTION 2011-102
PASSED AND APPROVED by the City Council of the City of Seward, Alaska,this 14"' day of
November, 2011.
THE CITY OF SEWARD,ALASKA
(2jfia-
DavidvSeawMV,Mai or
AYES: Valdatta, Bardarson, Shafer, Casagranda, Terry, Seaward
NOES: None
ABSENT: Kell
ABSTAIN: None
ATTEST:
1 Z�0 tk
Jo canna Kinney, ,MC
ty Clerk
(City Seal)
10
4ft r°°yGj a s
r
s
sw
plppp•i•a••
l
5
Council Agenda Statement
Meeting Date: November 14, 2011
To: Mayor and Council
From: Johanna Kinney, City Clerk
Agenda Item: Reimbursement to Mayor and Council funds for City Manager Hire Expenses
BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION:
Upon the resignation of City Manager Phillip Oates, Council directed the City Clerk to coordinate the
logistics of hiring a new City Manager on the behalf of the City Council. The Clerk's Office assisted the
Council in advertising the vacancy in several media outlets, by arranging travel costs for in person
candidate interviews, and promotional events including lunch with the candidates and a community
reception for the top three candidates.
INTENT:
During the process, it was determined through council discussion that the City Clerk should come back to
the council with the costs associated with this process for appropriation as these costs were not budgeted in
the Mayor and Council budget for this year.
The breakdown of these costs are as follows:
$2,080.20 for advertising in the Alaska Municipal League classifieds, Monster.com, Anchorage Daily
News, GovJobs, ICMA, Seward Phoenix Log, Alaska Journal of Commerce, and the Seward Journal.
$3,698.70 travel for flights from Valdez, Missouri, and Idaho, rental cars, lodging, and meals for three
candidates.
$1,004.52 for lunch and community reception on the day of in person interviews.
CONSISTENCY CHECKLIST: Where applicable, this resolution is consistent with the Seward City
Code, Charter, Comprehensive Plans, Land Use Plans, Strategic Plan and City Council Rules of Procedures
or Other Plans or Policies.
FISCAL NOTE:
Funds in the amount of$6,783.42 are to be appropriated from the General Fund Fund Balance Account.
Approved by Finance Department:
ATTORNEY REVIEW: Yes No X
RECOMMENDATION: jot,
Approve Resolution 2011- , appropriating funds for costs associated with the hiring of the City Manager.
� a3
6
2018 Interim Hire
City of Seward,Alaska City Council Special Meeting Minutes
July 26 2018 Volume 40, Page 486
Main Motion Passed Yes: Towsley,McClure,Casagranda,Seese
No: Squires
Other New Business
Discussion of hiring process, deadlines, and appointment of members to negotiate a contract
for an interim city manager:
1. Memorandum by city clerk
2. City manager job description
3. Seward city manager public recruitment notice for advertising in the newspapers
4. Interim city manager contract(example enclosed for Marvin Yoder dated December,
2006)
Casagranda was concerned that the employees would not be overloaded with work,and that
hiring an interim city manager was held expeditiously.
Earnhart said the Alaska Municipal League(AML)had a list of interim city managers who
were readily available to step in and fill the role of interim city manager.
McClure stated that there has been a public expression of waiting until after the October,
2018 election to conduct the hiring process
Council directed the city clerk to make the following updates to the public notice of the Interim City
Manager Opening: strike the words,"area wide year-round population 5,000"and replace it with the
words, "city-wide population of approximately 2,700"; add the words, "...and parking"to follow,
"...streets,parks&recreation";change the average number of cruise ships from 50 to 73;and,strike
the words, "Required to be a resident of the City of Seward..." and replace it with the words,
"Required to reside in the City of Seward...".
Council directed the city clerk to make the following updates to the Interim City Manager
Employment Agreement:under Rates of Pay and Terms of Agreement,change the first paragraph to
read,"[Name] agrees to devote full time on behalf of the City and not engage in any other business,
unless approved by council,and have overall responsibility and authority designated under Seward
City Code (SCC) 3.05.015."; change the rate of pay to "[Blank]" per month; change the rate of
annual leave accrued to "[Blank]" per month of service or "[Blank]" hours per year•, and, under
Housing/Moving Expenses, change the words to read, "...a one-time sum of[Blank] for moving
expenses...".
Discuss the process for advertising and hiring an Interim City Manager, and direct the city
clerk to advertise for the position.
Council directed the city clerk to advertise the job opening in the Seward Journal on August 1 & 8,
2018,and also in ADN for one time each of those two weeks.As well,council directed the city clerk
to advertise the job opening online in the following places by Monday,July 30,2018: International
City Managers Association(ICMA)website,Alaska Municipal League(AML)website,Seward City
City of Seward,Alaska City Council Special Meeting Minutes
July 26, 2018 Volume 40, Page 487
News,MyAlaska website,and optionally on the International Institute of Municipal Clerks(HMC)
website, and the Alaska Association of Municipal Clerks (AAMC) website.
Council set the deadline for receiving Interim City Manager applications on Monday, August 13,
2018 at 5:00 p.m.
Schedule a work session to conduct public interviews for Interim City Manager applicants.
Council scheduled a work session to conduct public interviews for Interim City Manager applicants
on Thursday, August 16, 2018 at 5:15 p.m.
Council would hold a special meeting immediately following the adjournment of the work session to
discuss the candidates.
Direct the City Manager to coordinate with the Division of Community and Regional Affairs
(DCRA) to schedule a review of administration, personnel, and city council by a Local
Government Specialist. Direction previously given May 29, 2018.
Council directed the city manager to coordinate this review.
INFORMATIONAL ITEMS AND REPORTS —None
COUNCIL COMMENTS
McClure thanked everyone for coming tonight and said she appreciated the involvement.
Towsley thanked everyone for coming to take part in the process. Moving forward, she
wanted to proceed with what was best for the city.
Squires thanked Hunt for his service to the city and thought he did a good job for the city;
there were a lot of projects underway that still needed attention. He thanked everyone for coming
tonight and staying through the meeting, and thanked the attorney for his advice tonight. Squires
thanked Bruce Jaffa for being reappointed to PACAB.
CITIZEN COMMENTS
Bruce Jaffa said it was a very interesting meeting tonight; tonight's topic was one of the
most important roles for council to attend to. The city manager had a tremendous responsibility and
had to make important decisions. Although he lived out of town, Jaffa said he had heard many
confusing things from citizens — he cautioned council to not get caught up in the minutia, and
encouraged everyone to keep their eye on the big picture and what was best for the community of
Seward.
Cheryl Seese wanted to say for the record that Jim Hunt had not been treated fairly or with
respect and dignity; she thought that was very wrong. She did not understand the point of council's
8
2018/2019 Permanent Hire
Sponsored by: Bridges
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
RESOLUTION 2019-001
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEWARD,
ALASKA, AWARDING A CONTRACT FOR CITY MANAGER
RECRUITMENT SERVICES TO GOVHR USA AND APPROPRIATING
j
FUNDS
WHEREAS, City Administration issued a request for proposal for recruitment services
in order to fill the vacant City Manager position; and
WHEREAS, the request was properly advertised in a newspaper of local circulation for
the required two-week period and sent to a variety of state and national recruitment firms; and
WHEREAS, the City received five proposals properly submitted and opened publicly by
the Assistant City Manager and City Clerk on December 21, 2018; and
WHEREAS, Seward City Council held a work session on January 3, 2019 to score and
discuss the proposals; and
f WHEREAS, Seward City Council identified GovHR USA as the proposal best suited for
the fulfillment of the Seward City Manager position; and
WHEREAS, the contract with GovHR USA consists of a recruitment fee of $14,000,
;j expenses not to exceed $6,500 and advertising fees of up to $2,500. Additional expenses will be
incurred for the travel and accommodations for candidates interviewed; and
4
WHEREAS, GovHR USA will conduct additional recruitment services for the cost of
expenses and announcements if the selected candidate separates from the City within 24 months
1 of a contract agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
' CITY OF SEWARD,ALASKA that:
Section 1. The city manager is hereby authorized to enter into a contract with GovHR
USA, an executive recruitment service, for the purposes of hiring a city manager, in substantial
form as attached hereto.
Section 2. Funding in the amount of $23,000 is hereby appropriated from the General
Fund Reserves account no. 01000-0000-3400 to the city manager contracted services account no.
0 1 000-1 1 20-7009.
Section 3. This resolution shall take effect immediately upon adoption.
ti
i
i
9
1
CITY OF SEWARD,ALASKA
RESOLUTION 2019-001
PASSED AND APPROVED by the City Council of the City of Seward, Alaska, this
14`n day of January, 2019.
THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
David Squires,May r
AYES: Towsley, Lane, Osenga, Horn, McClure, Squires
NOES: None
ABSENT: Seese
ABSTAIN: None
ATTEST:
renda J. Ballo N C
City Clerk
`.x* rxxreda .
(City Seal.� OF Se""'..�,v
i I SEAL
. s
10
Agenda Statement
Meeting Date: January 14, 2019 '
To: Seward City Council
From: Jeff Bridges, Interim City Manage
Agenda Item: City Manager Recruitment Services
BACKGROUND & JUSTIFICATION
Seward City Council directed Administration to advertise a Request for Proposal for executive
recruitment services. The request was properly advertised per Seward City Code and sent to a variety
of State and National recruitment firms. The City received five proposals, all deemed to have been
properly submitted by the City Clerk and Assistant City Manager during the proposal opening on
December 21",2018. Seward City Council held a work session on January 3',2019 to review,score
and discuss the proposals and select their desired firm.Council identified that the proposal submitted
by GovHR USA was best suited for the fulfillment of the Seward City Manager position.
INTENT: To authorize the Interim City Manager to sign and award a contract with GovHR USA for
City Manager recruitment services for a total project cost of $23,000 ($14,000 recruitment fee,
$6,500 for recruitment expenses and $2,500 for advertising costs).
CONSISTENCY CHECKLIST: Yes No N/A
1. Comprehensive Plan X
Strategic Plan: The mission of the City of Seward government it is to
2. provide quality leadership, operate efficiently and be responsive to the X
desires of its residents
3. Other (list):
FISCAL NOTE:
Funding for this recruitment effort was not included in the budget. Therefore, an appropriation will
be requested from General Fund reserves.
Approved by Finance Department: '
ATTORNEY REVIEW: Yes X No
RECOMMENDATION:
Council approve Resolution 2019-001, awarding a contract with GovHR USA for City Manager
recruitment services for $23,000.
86
GovHR Contract
GovHRUSA
GovTetnpSU5A
CONTRACT
THE CITY OF SEWARD ALASKA
AND
GovHR USA LLC
The City of Seward,Alaska("Client")agrees to retain GovHR USA, LLC("Recruiting Firm")for the purpose
of assisting in the recruitment and selection of the City Manager, in accordance with GovHR's Proposal
dated December 5, 2018.The terms of the Proposal are incorporated herein and shall become a part of
this contract.
INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR: The services provided by Recruiting Firm under this agreement are
provided as an independent contractor. Nothing in this agreement shall be construed as creating the
relationship of principal and agent,joint venturers,or employer and employee, between Recruiting Firm
and Client.
i
ASSIGNMENT:This agreement and all of its provisions are binding on and inureto the benefit of Recruiting
Firm and Client and their respective successors and permitted assigns,but neitherthis agreement nor any
of the rights,interests,or obligations hereunder may be assigned by either party without the priorwritten I
consent of the other.
{SON-DISCRIMINATION: Recruiting Firm does not discriminate in referrals, or consent to discrimination
by its clients,against any candidate on the basis of age,race,color, religion,disability,sex,national origin,
or veteran status.
GOVERNING LAW:This agreement will be governed by and enforced in accordance with the laws of the
State of Alaska. The parties agree that state and federal courts within the State of Alaska shall have
exclusive jurisdiction over any litigation brought or arising out of this agreement.
TOTAL PROJECT COST:$23,000($14,000 for recruitment fee,$6,S00 for recruitment expenses and$2,500
for advertising costs).
PAYMENT TERMS: GovHR will invoice the City in accordance with the terms outlined in the Proposal.
Payment is due within 30 days of receipt of the invoice.Payments not received within 30 days will incur a
2% monthly surcharge.
ADDITIONAL SERVICES: Any additional services shall be requested by Seward City Council and will be
negotiated and agreed to as an addendum to this contract.
630 Dundee Road,Suite 130,Northbrook,IL 60062
Local:847,380.3240 Toll Free:855.68GovHR(855.684.6847) Fax:966.401.3100 GovHRUSA com
EXECUTIVE RECRUITMENT INTERIM STAFFING MANAGEMENT AND HUMAN RESOURCE CONSULTING
i
12
3
GovHRUSA
GovTemp%USA
ACCEPTED: A--rf[s r
THE CITY OF SEWARD.ALASKA
BY:
TITL . MCI
DAT A �� tLO -.. � ��C
GovHR USA,L.0
BY: s.tS� V LML. a ���1JJ gA�g��®asn.yg��
TITLE: A s��2.vr"� /C.c—�llr}ht'`+ o°m� OF 0,�.:
DATE: SEAL
_
1
� 4
t
i
630 bundee Road,Suite 130,Northbrook,IL 60062
Local:847.380.3240 Toll Free:855.68GovHR(855.684.6847) Fax:866.401.3100 GovHRUSA.com
EXECUTIVE RECRUITMENT INTERIM STAFFING MANAGEMENT AND HUMAN RESOURCE CONSULTING
13
GovHR Proposal GovHRUSA
GovTempsUSA
December 5, 2018
Ms. Brenda Ballou
City Clerk
City of Seward
P. O. Box 167
410 Adams Street
Seward, AK 66994
Dear Ms. Ballou:
Thank you for the opportunity to provide you with a proposal for the City Manager recruitment and selection
process for the City of Seward. GovHR USA ("GovHR") prides itself on a tailored, personal approach to
executive recruitment and selection, able to adapt to your specific requirements for the position.
Qualifications and Experience
GovHR is a public management consulting firm serving municipal clients and other public-sector entities on
a national basis. Our headquarters offices are in Northbrook, Illinois. We are a certified Female Business
Enterprise in the State of Illinois and work exclusively in the public sector. We have 11 full time and 8 part
time employees and 23 project consultants. GovHR offers customized executive recruitment services and
completes other management studies and consulting projects for communities. Please note the following
key qualifications of our firm:
➢ Since our establishment in 2009, our consultants have conducted hundreds of recruitments in 29
states, with an increase in business of at least 30% each year. Twenty-eight (28%) of our clients
are repeat clients, the best indicator of satisfaction with our services.
➢ Surveys of our clients show that 94% rate their overall experience with our firm as Outstanding and
indicate that they plan to use our services or highly recommend us in the future.
➢ Our state of the art processes, including extensive use of social media for candidate outreach and
skype interviews with potential finalist candidates, ensure a successful recruitment for your
organization.
➢ Our high quality, thorough Recruitment Brochure reflects the knowledge we will have about your
community and your organization and will provide important information to potential candidates.
➢ We provide a two-year guarantee for our recruitments. Less than 1% of our clients have had to
invoke the guarantee.
➢ The firm has a total of twenty-three consultants, both generalists and specialists (public safety,
public works, finance, parks, etc.), who are based in Arizona, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan,
and Wisconsin, as well as five reference specialists and eight support staff.
Our consultants are experienced executive recruiters who have conducted over 600 recruitments, working
with cities, counties, special districts and other governmental entities of all sizes throughout the country. In
addition, we have held leadership positions within local government, giving us an understanding of the
complexities and challenges facing today's public-sector leaders.
630 Dundee Road,Suite 130, Northbrook, Illinois 60062
Local: 847.380.3240 Fax: 866.401.3100 GovHRUSA.com
EXECUTIVE RECRUITMENT • INTERIM STAFFING • MANAGEMENT AND HUMAN RESOURCE CONSULTING
14
HR USA
Gn Te p,Ul
Page 2
GovHR is led by Heidi Voorhees, President, and Joellen Earl, Chief Executive Officer. Ms. Voorhees
previously spent 8 years with the nationally recognized public-sector consulting firm, The PAR Group, and
was President of The PAR Group from 2006 — 2009. Ms. Voorhees has conducted more than 250
recruitments in her management consulting career, with many of her clients repeat clients, attesting to the
high quality of work performed for them. In addition to her 12 years of executive recruitment and
management consulting experience, Ms. Voorhees has 19 years of local government leadership and
management service, with ten years as the Village Manager for the Village of Wilmette, IL. Ms. Earl is a
seasoned manager, with expertise in public sector human resources management. She has held positions
from Human Resources Director and Administrative Services Director to Assistant Town Manager and
Assistant County Manager. Ms. Earl has worked in forms of government ranging from Open Town Meeting
to Council-Manager and has supervised all municipal and county departments ranging from Public Safety
and Public Works to Mental Health and Social Services.
Attached to this proposal is a list of the more than 125 successful top Manager-level recruitments (City
Manager, Village Manager, County Administrator, etc.) conducted by GovHR consultants since the firm's
inception in 2009.
Consultant Assigned
GovHR Vice President Steve Veitch will be responsible for your recruitment and selection process. He will
be assisted by a home office Recruitment Coordinator and a Reference Specialist. Mr. Veitch's biography
is attached to this Proposal and his contact information is:
Steve Veitch
Vice President
GovHR USA
Telephone: 480-216-9203
Facsimile 866.401.3100
Email: Sve itch(a)govhrusa.com
Mr. Veitch is currently working on the City Auditor recruitment for Dallas, Texas. He has conducted three
successful recruitments for Unalaska, including the City Manager and the Fire Chief in 2017, and the
Finance Director in 2016.
A complete list of Mr. Veitch's and GovHR's clients is available on our website at www.govhrusa.com
References
The following references can speak to the quality of service provided by GovHR:
Unalaska, AK
(City Manager, 2017)—Steve Veitch
(Fire Chief, 2017)—Steve Veitch
(Finance Director, 2016)—Steve Veitch
Erin Reinders
Assistant City Manager
43 Raven Way
Unalaska, AK 99685
(907) 581-1251
ereindersa-ci.unalaska.ak.us
Yuma County, AZ(County Administrator, 2015) - Steve Veitch
Felicia Frausto
15
HR USA
G-T-p,Ul
Page 3
Human Resources Director
98 S. Main Street
Yuma, AZ 85364
928-373-1171
Felicia.Fraustoa-yumacountyaz.com
La Vista, NE (Finance Director, 2014) —Steve Veitch
Kevin Pokorny
Director, Administrative Services
8116 Park View Blvd
La Vista, NE 68128
(402) 331-4343
kpokornya-cityofla vista.org
Lake Forest, IL(City Manager, 2018)— Heidi Voorhees
Robert T. E. Lansing, Mayor
City of Lake forest
390 E. Wisconsin Ave.
Lake Forest, IL 60045
847-226-0511
lansingr(cDcityoflakeforest.com
Meriden, CT(City Manager, 2018)— Heidi Voorhees
Marci Nogueira
Director of Human Resources
142 East Main Street
Meriden, CT 06450
203-630-403Mnogueiraa-meridenct.gov
Scope of Work
A typical recruitment and selection process takes approximately 175 hours to conduct. At least 50 hours of
this time is administrative, including advertisement placement, reference interviews, and due diligence on
candidates.We believe our experience and ability to professionally administer your recruitment will provide
you with a diverse pool of highly qualified candidates for your City Manager search. GovHR clients are
informed of the progress of a recruitment throughout the entire process. We are always available by mobile
phone or email should you have a question or need information about the recruitment.
GovHR suggests the following approach to your recruitment, subject to your requests for modification:
Phase I— Position Assessment, Position Announcement and Brochure Development
Phase I will include the following steps:
➢ One-on-one or group interviews will be conducted with elected officials, appointed officials, staff,
business community representatives and any other stakeholders identified by the client to develop
our Recruitment Brochure. The Proposal assumes up to two full days and one night depending
upon the client's needs. We can also utilize dedicated email and surveys to obtain feedback from
stakeholder groups. Previous clients have invited community leaders to meetings with our
consultants; other clients have developed surveys for the community or organization; and some
clients request we use a combination of these methods to fully understand community and
16
HR USA
Gn Te p,Ul
Page 4
organizational needs and expectations for the next City Manager. We will work closely with you on
the format that best meets your needs.
➢ Development of a Position Announcement.
➢ Development of a detailed Recruitment Brochure for your review and approval.
➢ Agreement on a detailed Recruitment Timetable — a typical recruitment takes 90 days from the
time you sign the contract until you are ready to appoint the finalist candidate.
Phase II —Advertising, Candidate Recruitment and Outreach
We make extensive use of social media as well as traditional outreach methods to ensure a diverse and
highly qualified pool of candidates. In addition, our website is well known in the local government industry
—we typically have 5,000 visits to our website each month. Finally, we develop a database customized to
your recruitment and can do an email blast to thousands of potential candidates.
Phase II will include the following steps:
➢ Placement of the Position Announcement in appropriate professional online publications. In
addition to public sector publications and websites, outreach will include Linkedln and other private
sector resources. We can provide the City with a list of where we intend to place the position
announcement, if requested.
➢ The development of a database of potential candidates from across the country unique to the
position and to the City, focusing on the leadership and management skills identified in Phase I as
well as size of organization, and experience in addressing challenges and opportunities also
outlined in Phase I. This database can range from several hundred to thousands of names
depending on the parameters established for the outreach. Outreach will be done in person, and
through e-mail and telephone contacts. GovHR consultants have extensive knowledge of the
municipal government industry and will personally identify and contact potential candidates. With
more than 600 collective years of municipal and consulting experience among our consultants, we
often have inside knowledge about candidates.
Phase III —Candidate Evaluation and Screening
Phase III will include the following steps:
➢ Review and evaluation of candidates' credentials considering the criteria outlined in the
Recruitment Brochure.
Candidates will be interviewed by skype or facetime to fully grasp their qualifications, experience
and interpersonal skills. The interviews include asking specific questions about their experiences
and skill sets as well as asking questions specific to the City Manager. We will ask follow up
questions and probe specific areas. By utilizing skype or facetime we will have an assessment of
their verbal skills and their level of energy for and interest in the position.
➢ Formal and informal references and an internet/social media search of each candidate will be
conducted to further verify candidates' abilities, work ethic, management and leadership skills,
analytical skills, interpersonal skills, ability to interact with the media, and any areas identified for
improvement.
17
HR USA
Gn Te p,Ul
Page 5
➢ All resumes will be acknowledged and contacts and inquiries from candidates will be personally
handled by GovHR, ensuring that the City's process is professional and well regarded by all who
participate.
Phase IV— Presentation of Recommended Candidates
Phase IV will include the following steps:
➢ GovHR will prepare a Recruitment Report that presents the credentials of those candidates most
qualified for the position.You will advise us of the number of reports you will need for the individuals
involved in this phase of the recruitment and selection process.We provide a binder which contains
the candidate's cover letter and resume. In addition, we prepare a "mini" resume for each
candidate, so that each candidate's credentials are presented in a uniform way. GovHR will provide
you with a log of all candidates who applied. You may also review all the resumes, if requested.
➢ GovHR will meet with you on-site to review the Recruitment Report and expand upon the
information provided. The report will arrive two to three days in advance of the meeting, giving you
the opportunity to fully review it. In addition to the written report, we will spend 2 to 3 hours
discussing the candidates by reviewing their skype interviews and providing excerpts from the
references we will have conducted on the individuals.
Phase V—Interviewing Process
Phase V will include the following steps:
➢ After the Recruitment Report is presented, the Interviewing Process will be finalized including the
discussion of any specific components you deem appropriate, such as a writing sample or oral
presentation.
➢ GovHR will develop the first and second round interview questions for your review and comment.
GovHR will provide you with interview books that include the credentials each candidate submits,
a set of questions with room for interviewers to make notes, and evaluation sheets to assist
interviewers in assessing the candidate's skills and abilities.
➢ GovHR will work with you to develop an interview schedule for the candidates, coordinating travel
and accommodations. In addition to a structured interview with the City, the schedule will
incorporate a tour of Seward's facilities and interviews with senior staff, if the City so desires.
➢ Once candidates for interview are selected, additional references will be contacted, along with
verification of educational credentials, criminal court, credit, and motor vehicle and records checks.
➢ GovHR recommends a two-step interviewing process with (typically) five or six candidates
interviewed in the first round. Following this round,we strongly suggest that two or three candidates
are selected for second round interviews. Again, we will prepare a second round of interview
questions and an evaluation sheet.
➢ GovHR consultants will be present for all the interviews, serving as a resource and facilitator.
Phase VI —Appointment of Candidate
➢ GovHR will assist you as much as you request with the salary and benefit negotiations and drafting
of an employment agreement, if appropriate.
18
HR USA
Gn Te p,Ul
Page 6
➢ GovHR will notify all applicants of the final appointment, providing professional background
information on the successful candidate.
Citizen Involvement in the Recruitment Process
GovHR has entered into an exclusive strategic partnership with Polco. Polco provides the tools for
municipalities to collect citizens'views. Community responses are validated using the local voter database
to verify the responses. Civic engagement is enhanced by using websites, widgets, and apps to meet the
citizens where they are. Citizens become more active and informed participants in the process by voicing
their views to municipal leaders and other citizens. Polco makes voicing opinions accessible, easy and
convenient. It is an excellent tool that can be used to solicit input during the recruitment process and can
be used in the future for a wide variety of purposes related to civic engagement. This is an optional service.
Pricing available upon request.
Leadership/Personality Assessments
GovHR has experience working with a wide variety of leadership and personality assessment tools,
depending on the qualities and experiences the client is seeking in their candidates. These include but are
not limited to Luminaspark, Caliper, DISC and others. Typically these tools cost $300 per candidate to
administer. This fee is not included in our proposal.
Recruitment Schedule
A detailed recruitment schedule will be provided in Phase I. The recruitment and selection process typically
takes 90 days from the time the contract is signed until the candidate is appointed. We can work with you
on a shorter process, should you so desire. Our typical recruitment process includes the following
milestones and deliverables:
➢ Weeks 1 -2 On-site interviews of City officials and staff, development and approval of
recruitment brochure
Deliverable: recruitment brochure
➢ Weeks 3 -8 Placement of professional announcements; candidate identification,
screening, interview and evaluation by consultant
➢ Week 9 Consultant recommendation to the City of qualified candidates
Deliverable: recruitment report
➢ Week 10 Selection of candidate finalists by the City; additional
background and reference checks, report preparation and presentation
Deliverable: interview reports including suggested questions
and evaluation sheets
➢ Weeks 11-12 Interviews of selected finalist candidates; recommendation of final candidate;
negotiation, offer, acceptance and appointment
19
HR USA
Page 7
Summary of Costs Price
Recruitment Fee: $14,000
Recruitment Expenses: (not to exceed) 6,500
➢ Expenses include consultant travel, postage/shipping, telephone,
support services, candidate due diligence efforts. copying etc.
Advertising: 2,500*
*Advertising costs over $2,500 will be placed only with client
approval. If less than $2,500, Client is billed only for actual cost.
Total: $23,000**
**This fee does not include travel and accommodations for candidates interviewed. Recruitment brochures
are produced as electronic files. Printed brochures can be provided, if requested, for an additional cost of
$900.
The above cost proposal is predicated on four consultant visits to the City;the first for the recruitment brochure
interview process (up to two full days and one night, depending upon the client's needs; if additional days are
needed they will be billed at $500 per half day and $950 for a full day, plus additional hotel charges, if
required); the second to present recommended candidates; and the third and fourth for the candidate
interview process (second round interviews are often scheduled a week or so following the first round
interviews). Any additional consultant visits requested by the City will be billed at $125/hour; $500 for a half
day and $950 for a full day. The additional visits may also result in an increase in the travel expenses and
those expenses will be billed to the client.
Payment for Fees and Services
Professional fees and expenses will be invoiced as follows:
1st Payment: 1/3 of the Recruitment Fee (invoice sent upon acceptance of our proposal).
2"d Payment: 1/3 of the Recruitment Fee and expenses incurred to date (invoice sent following the
recommendation of candidates).
Final Payment: 1/3 of the Recruitment Fee and all remaining expenses (invoice sent after recruitment is
completed).
Recruitment expenses and the costs for printing the Recruitment Brochure will be itemized in detail.
Payment of invoices is due within thirty (30) days of receipt (unless the client advises that its normal
payment procedures require 60 days.)
Philosophy
Executive search is an important decision-making process for an organization and our primary goal is to
provide our client with the information to make the best hiring decision. Our firm's executive recruitment
philosophy embraces a professional process of integrity, trust, and respect toward all parties involved, and
complete commitment toward meeting the expressed needs and desires of our client. All of our services
20
Guarantee
HR USA
Gn Te p,Ul
Page 8
are handled by principals of the firm who have established and well-regarded reputations in the search
field, as well as actual operating experience in the public management fields in which they now consult.
Each has impeccable professional credentials and unblemished personal reputations. Keeping both our
client and prospective candidates informed on the status of the recruitment on a regular basis is also an
important part of our recruitment process. Our work is carried out in an open manner with particular attention
given toward seeking out critical factors of a client's organization and governance, and utilizing such
information respectfully and discreetly in seeking out candidates who truly have the ability to meet the
expectations and needs of the client—working strenuously in developing a fully qualified, "best match"
candidate pool for client consideration. Our process includes assistance in the critical final interview and
selection phases of the recruitment, and availability to both client and candidate for months following the
appointment. Our process was developed and refined over the years to meet the special, and often unique,
needs and circumstances facing our local government, public management, and related not-for-profit
clients.
GovHR Guarantee
It is the policy of GovHR to assist our clients until an acceptable candidate is appointed to the position.
Therefore, no additional professional fee would be incurred should the City not make a selection from the
initial group of recommended candidates and request additional candidates be developed for interview
consideration. Additional reimbursable expenses may be incurred should the situation require consultant
travel to Seward beyond the planned four visits.
Upon appointment of a candidate, GovHR provides the following guarantee: should the selected and
appointed candidate, at the request of the City or the employee's own determination, leave the employ of
the City within the first 24 months of appointment, we will, if desired, conduct one additional recruitment for
the cost of expenses and announcements only, if requested to do so within six months of the employee's
departure.
In addition, in accordance with the policy of our firm as well as established ethics in the executive search
industry, we will not actively recruit the placed employees for a period of five years.
Why Choose GovHR?
We ask you to consider the following as you deliberate:
➢ We are a leader in the field of local government recruitment and selection with experience in more
than 29 states, in communities ranging in population from 1,000 to 1,000,000. More than 28% of
our clients are repeat clients showing a high level of satisfaction with our work. We encourage you
to call any of our previous clients.
➢ We are committed to bringing a diverse pool of candidates to your recruitment process.We network
extensively with state, city and county management associations, attending more than 20 state and
national conferences each year. In addition, we support and attend the meetings of Women
Leading Government, the International Hispanic Network, the California Network of Asian Public
Administrators, and the National Forum for Black Public Administrators.
➢ We conduct comprehensive due diligence on candidates. Before we recommend a candidate to
you, we will have interviewed them via Skype, conducted reference calls, and media and social
media searches. Our knowledge of local government ensures that we can ask probing questions
that will verify their expertise.
➢ We are your partners in this important process. You are welcome to review all the resumes we
receive, and we will share our honest assessment of the candidates.
21
HR USA
G-T-p,Ul
Page 9
➢ Our goal is your complete satisfaction. We are committed to working with you until you find the
candidate that is the best fit for your position.
We believe we have provided you with a comprehensive proposal; however, if you would like a service that
you do not see in our proposal, please let us know. We can most likely accommodate your request.
This proposal will remain in effect for a period of six months from the date of the proposal. We look forward
to working with you on this recruitment and selection process!
Sincerely, /
Judith M. Schmittgens
Corporate Secretary and Compliance Manager
GovHR USA
Attachment: Consultant Biography
ACCEPTED BY THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
BY:
TITLE:
DATE:
22
FJLH
BOYD, CHANDLER, FALCONER & MUNSON, LLP
ATTORNEYS AT LAW
SUITE 302
911 WEST EIGHTH AVENUE
ANCHORAGE, ALASKA 99501
TELEPHONE:(907)272-8401
FACSIMILE:(907)274-3698
bcf@bcfaklaw.com
MEMORANDUM
TO: Seward City Council
FROM: Samuel C. Severin, City Attorney
RE: Friends of the Jesse Lee Home
DATE: September 23, 2020
Friends of the Jesse Lee Home had title to the Jesse Lee Home by virtue of a quitclaim
deed recorded in 2015. The deed contained a condition that the Friends of the Jesse Lee Home
must complete certain improvements to the property by August 31, 2019. If the conditions were
not met,property ownership reverted back to the City. The conditions were not met. The City
Council held a special meeting on August 30, 2019 to vote on whether to extend the contract for
one year to allow the Friends of the Jesse Lee Home to complete the required improvements.
The Council voted against extending the time allowed in the deed. The City took possession of
the property shortly thereafter.
Abatement of the Jesse Lee Home began on August 31. On September 2, the Friends of
the Jesse Lee Home filed a suit seeking to enjoin the project. On September 3, the Court issued a
temporary restraining order, ceasing abatement and demolition for 10 days. The City objected to
the issuance of the order,particularly in light of the failure to post a security.
After a two-hour hearing on September 8, the court required Friends of the Jesse Lee
Home to post a security of$72,000. The security is money posted with the court to protect the
defendant (the City) for damages resulting from the issuance of the order if the suit is not
meritorious. The $72,000 has been posted.
On September 10, the City filed a counterclaim requesting the court declare that Seward
has valid title to the property. The counterclaim also requests money damages for delay caused
by the lawsuit.
On September 14, the City filed a motion for declaratory judgment asking the court to
rule that title belongs to the City. The Friends of the Jesse Lee Home has not yet filed their
opposition to that motion.
Also on September 14, Friends of the Jesse Lee Home filed a motion for a preliminary
injunction. Based on that motion, the court extended the temporary restraining order to
September 17 and set a hearing, where each side was allotted 50 minutes to argue or present
evidence.
23
Friends of the Jesse Lee Home Deed Memorandum
September 23, 2020
Page 2
The September 17 hearing was held. Friends of the Jesse Lee Home focused largely on
legal argument, arguing that despite the clear language or the reverter clause, further due process
was required prior to the City taking possession or abating the home. The City used
demonstrated that the real reason the Friends of the Jesse Lee Home was unable to complete the
project on time was that at least $4.3 million in grant funding from the state was revoked due to
improper use of$2.7 million in grant money. Jackie Wilde testified regarding the plans for the
property, including use of a state grant in the amount of$1,073,441.36 that expires in June of
2021. She also testified to the difficulty with stopping and starting abatement, and the difficultly
of completing a time-sensitive and weather-dependent project when the court stopped the project
after abatement began.
On September 23rd, the Court issued another order extending the temporary restraining
order until September 30. Friends of the Jesse Lee Home must post a security in the amount of
$536,720.73 by 4:30 p.m. on September 30, or the temporary restraining order dissolves. If they
do post the security, the court will issue a preliminary injunction.
24