Update: City Manager's Contract

The City Commission met in a special meeting last night. One of the items reviewed was the proposed City Manager's contract. (The other major item was the appeal of the Planning and Zoning Board decisions on the Gulfstream Hotel. I am happy to report that all three appeal requests failed on a vote of 5-0 - more later on this topic).

The Commission will be considering a revised contract based upon the discussion among the Commissioners and Mayor, and in response to public comment. Some key areas that will undergo revision are the following:

• Term of Contract: Commissioners expressed a strong preference for a straight three-year contract. No initial eight month period and no discussion regarding the eight month only contract.
• Severance: Reducing the amount of the severance pay from 1 year to 6 months.
• Residency: Eliminating the residency requirement (one of the reasons given for reducing the amount of severance.
• Termination: Establishing guidelines for dismissal for "cause".
• Benefits: Quantifying the amount of the benefit package for further evaluation.

There was also discussion regarding limiting outside employment and be subject to Commission approval. It also needs to be noted that the contract beginning date of the middle of November allows for a six month break (non-paid).

The Commission will address the revised contract in a meeting scheduled 30 minutes before the start time of their regular meeting of October 3 (5:00 p.m.).