HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-08-27 Council Minutes - Special MeetingMayor Porter called the meeting to order at approximately 5:30 p.m.
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Mayor Porter led those assembled in the Pledge of Allegiance.
There were present:
Pat Porter, Mayor Ryan Marquis, Vice -Mayor (arrived at 5:40 p.m.)
Terry Bookey Robert Molloy
Tim Navarre Brian Gabriel
Mike Boyle
comprising a quorum of the Council.
Also in attendance were:
Rick Koch, City Manager
Krista Stearns, City Attorney
Sandra Modigh, City Clerk
3. Agenda Approval
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Council Member Molloy MOVED to approve the agenda as presented and
requested UNANIMOUS CONSENT. Council Member Bookey SECONDED the
motion. There being no objections, SO ORDERED.
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Carol & reas, 609 Maple Drive - Kenai, addressed Council to thank City
Attorney Krista Stearns for her services to the City and community.
City of Kenai Meeting Minutes Page 1 of 4
August 27, 2012
Mayor Porter advised the purpose of the special meeting was to conduct
interviews with three candidates for the city attorney position and further noted
the interviews would be conducted in open session.
Council discussed the interview questions provided by the city attorney.
Vice -Mayor Marquis entered the meeting at 5:40 p.m.
City Attorney Stearns reviewed the interview process and material with Council.
l: Interviews of City Attorney Candidates (Scott Bloom, Theresa Hillhouse,
Robert Owens)
Council conducted interviews in open session of city attorney candidates in the
following order: Robert Owens, Theresa Hillhouse, and Scott Bloom.
2. Review and Discussion of City Attorney Candidates
(Clerk's Note. An executive session may be held regarding subjects that
tend to prejudice the reputation and character of any person to discuss the
City Attorney candidate interviews (AS44.62.310(c)(2).)
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Vice -Mayor Marquis MOVED to enter into executive session regarding subjects
that tend to prejudice the reputation and character of any person to discuss the
city attorney candidate interviews (AS44.62.310(c)(2)]. Council Member Bookey
SECONDED the motion.
Council Member Boyle noted he would not be in favor of making a decision on
the candidates this evening.
VOT E.*
YEA: Bookey, Boyle, Gabriel, Molloy, Marquis, Navarre, Porter
NAY:
Mayor Porter reconvened the meeting in open session.
Vice -Mayor Marquis advised the Council came to a consensus decision to offer
the city attorney position to Scott Bloom.
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August 27, 2012
MOTION:
Vice -Mayor Marquis MOVED to offer the city attorney position to Scott Bloom
and Council Member Bookey SECONDED the motion.
Council thanked all three candidates for participating in the interview process
and for their interest in the City.
VOTE:
YEA: Bookey, Gabriel, Molloy, Marquis, Navarre, Porter
NAY: Boyle
MOTION PASSED.
3. Discussion /Action -- Direction Regarding City Attorney Recruitment
MOTION:
Vice -Mayor Marquis MOVED to create a committee of three council members
consisting of Mayor Porter, himself, and Terry Bookey to work with the city
attorney to review and attempt to negotiate a contract and draft an agreement
to be presented to Council for consideration. Council Member Molloy
SECONDED the motion and requested UNANIMOUS CONSENT. There being no
objections, SO ORDERED
4. Discussion /Action -- City Attorney Transition
Council Member Molloy recommended continuing the employment of City
Attorney Stearns until a new city attorney is retained for various reasons.
Council continued to discuss options related to keeping Stearns on staff during
the transition and hiring outside counsel as needed.
MOTION:
Council Member Navarre MOVED to have the city manager bring to Council at
the September 5 meeting, a recommendation for appointment of an interim
attorney. Council Member Gabriel SECONDED the motion.
Council Member Molloy and Boyle spoke in opposition of the motion.
Council and administration discussed appointment of an acting city attorney
pursuant to Kenai Municipal Code.
Council recessed,fro 10:12 p.m. until 10:15 p.m.
With the consent of Council Member Gabriel, Council Member Navarre
WITHDREW his motion.
City of Kenai Meeting Minutes
August 27, 2012
Council Member Navarre MOVED to accept City Attorney Stearns resignation
effective September 5, 2012. Council Member Gabriel SECONDED the motion.
Council Member Molloy declared a point of order for Stearns to participate in
discussion related to her resignation to which Mayor Porter accepted the
discussion.
Council and Stearns continued discussion regarding the actual date of
resignation and options for transitional work for the City.
VOTE:
YEA: Bookey, Gabriel, Marquis, Navarre, Porter
NAY: Boyle, Molloy
MOTION PASSED.
MOTION;
Vice -Mayor Marquis MOVED to direct the city attorney to contract with outside
counsel if necessary to cover a transition period beginning after September 5.
Council Member Bookey SECONDED the motion.
After further discussion related to the need for the motion, Vice -Mayor Marquis
WITHDREW his motion with the concurrence of Council Member Bookey.
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Council Member Molloy MOVED to have a short -term contract with Stearns as
a consultant to return to Kenai, for up to three days, to assist Scott Bloom in
transition. Council Member Boyle SECONDED the motion.
Council Member Navarre MOVED to amend the motion to insert "if needed."
Council Member Boyle SECONDED the motion and requested UNANIMOUS
CONSENT. There being no objections, SO ORDERED.
UNANIMOUS CONSENT on the main motion as amended was requested by
Council Member Navarre. There being no objections, SO ORDERED.
. 0
There being no further business before the Council, the meeting was adjourned
at approximately 10:39 p.m.
Minutespprepaied and submitted by
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City of Kenai Meeting Minutes Page 4 of 4
August 27, 2012