City Commission moves to start outside recruitment work for next city manager; staff to research contracts and RFQ options

The City Commission agreed to begin the process of hiring an outside search firm to recruit the next city manager and asked purchasing staff to research state contract and cooperative-purchasing options. Daryl, the city attorney, recommended a public RFP (or RFQ) to reduce litigation risk and ensure transparency. Commissioners cited previous delays tied to investigations and compliance reviews and said they want a process free of perceived bias. “To insulate the city and the commission yourselves, I do I would highly recommend seeking and going the RFP route,” Daryl said. Commissioners also discussed using existing state contracts or cooperative purchasing agreements if available and directed purchasing to report back with options and vendor availability. Logistics discussed included a scope of work for the search firm, a short advertisement window (commissioners suggested as few as 14 days where feasible), and commission-led scoring of proposals to keep staff out of the selection step. Purchasing staff said they will start research immediately and return with results including available statewide contract vendors and cooperative options. The commission also emphasized an interest in outside counsel or consultant involvement to keep the hiring process independent of city staff and to avoid perceived conflicts. No formal procurement award was made at the meeting; the commission gave staff direction to proceed with research and prepare a scope of work and timeline for award or for a special meeting if faster action proves necessary.