Council Minutes : January 5, 1996 MINUTES COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF FORT MYERS BEACH SPECIAL MEETING - JANUARY 5, 1996 The Special Meeting of the Town of Fort Myers Beach was called to order at 1:00 P.M. at the NationsBank Building. Councilmembers present were: Mayor Anita Cereceda, Vice Mayor Ted FitzSimons, Councilmembers Rusty Isler, Ray Murphy and Garr Reynolds. Also present were Acting Town Manager William Mills, Interim Town Attorney Richard Roosa and Range Rider Pete Knowles. Item #3. Discussion With Pete Knowles, Range Rider Program Representative, Regarding the Selection Process for a Town Manager. Vice Mayor FitzSimons started the discussion by relating conversations he had with Mr. Bill Shenko and Sanibel City Manager Gary Price regarding the potential of contracting out for certain services needed by the town; including administrative services, perhaps with the City of Sanibel. Councilmember Murphy noted that all alternatives needed to be explored, but felt the town required an in-house manager. Mayor Cereceda felt as if certain City of Sanibel functions may be helpful, such as those provided by the Finance Department. Councilmember Isler indicated that the hiring of a full-time Town Manager should be the Council's first priority, and was hopeful that a manager profile, advertisement, and salary range could be developed at this workshop. Councilmember Reynolds echoed Councilmember Isler's opinion that the selection of a Town Manager was a number one priority. Pete Knowles then asked the Councilmembers why they voted to incorporate. Councilmember Isler stated that he voted against incorporation, but now that the town is in place likes the ability to control land use and zoning at the local level. Councilmember Reynolds voted to incorporate for control over development on the island through the zoning and permitting process. Vice Mayor FitzSimons noted he was active in the incorporation effort so that local citizens could have a direct impact on the direction of the community, including land use and zoning control, and to have the ability to solve community problems locally. Mayor Cereceda voted to incorporate to have an impact on the character of the community, to allow local people to solve local problems, and to have control over zoning and land use issues. Councilmember Murphy stated he also voted against incorporation and desires to move forward and reunite the community. Additional discussion followed regarding what Councilmembers expected to see come from the local government. Pete Knowles listed a number of governmental services the town is now responsible for and that Council needs to address in the near future. Councilmember Isler distributed a handout to Council which outlined his vision for a Town Manager profile and the needs and concerns of the town in the upcoming year. He asked Peter Knowles what salary range is recommended for the new Town Manager. Peter Knowles responded that $55,000 to $65,000 plus benefits was an average Manager's salary for a town the size of Fort Myers Beach. Discussion followed regarding the placement of an employment advertisement for the Town Manager. Councilmembers voiced their opinions on what type of person they were looking for in a manager and the skills that person should have. After further discussion, Acting Town Manager Mills was directed to finalize an advertisement for discussion and approval at Council's January 8, 1996 meeting. Pete Knowles noted that the Range Riders would make themselves available if requested to assist in the screening process. Item #4. Adjournment. There was no further business and the meeting was adjourned at 3:00 P.M. Respectfully submitted, William A. Mills Acting Town Clerk