Council to pursue additional planning-director interview amid concern about candidate pool

Councilmembers discussed the recent round of interviews for the city’s planning director and agreed to pursue an additional candidate recommended by former local planning leadership while continuing to consider the candidate interviewed last week.

One councilmember said the candidate interviewed last week was “sensational” but urged that the council also interview Mr. Bowman (identified in the meeting as a candidate based in Memphis) because a former planning director had recommended him and the city should “uncover every stone” before making a selection. The council asked staff to attempt to schedule an interview with the additional candidate this week if possible so the process does not delay hiring.

Several councilmembers praised the top candidate from last week for experience and competence and said they were concerned about losing that candidate to other offers if the process is delayed. Council discussion noted uncertainty about the out-of-town candidate’s reasons for leaving his current post (which he attributed to a change in mayoral leadership) but did not treat that as disqualifying. The council asked staff to coordinate schedules and return with availability for any additional interviews.

No formal appointment or final vote occurred at this meeting; the council’s direction was to proceed quickly with any additional interviews while continuing consideration of candidates already interviewed.