Fort Pierce commission authorizes negotiations with Richard Chess for city manager; names Shay Johnson interim

FORT PIERCE, Fla. — The Fort Pierce City Commission on Feb. 19 voted to authorize the city attorney to begin contract negotiations with Richard Chess to become the city—s next city manager and, pending those negotiations, unanimously appointed Deputy City Manager Shay Johnson as interim city manager.

The commission—s authorization to begin negotiations with Chess passed 3-2 after commissioners debated whether to hire an internal candidate, Linda Cox, or one of several outside finalists. Commissioner Gaines, Commissioner Johnson and Commissioner Taylor voted in favor; Mayor Hudson and Commissioner Broderick voted against. The commission later voted, 5-0, to install Shay Johnson as interim city manager while final contract talks proceed.

The vote follows the commission—s interviews of a short list of finalists and a staff briefing that identified a residency issue for one outside finalist. City Attorney Hedges told the commission that "it is not a requirement within our charter that they live within the city limits, but it's been a contract requirement that you all have required in the past," and that the job posting had asked whether applicants were "willing to relocate into the city." Hedges said the issue had been raised so the commission would be aware in advance of candidates who do not currently live inside Fort Pierce city limits.

Commissioners spoke at length about competing priorities in the choice: the desire for rapid change and local institutional knowledge versus the benefits of outside experience and immediate capacity to review budgets and operations. Commissioner Taylor, who voted to authorize negotiations with Chess, said he had looked for a candidate with extensive budget and finance experience and connections that could be useful to the city. Commissioner Broderick described Chess's auditing and transit management background and said he wanted "fresh eyes" to find problems the city might not see from inside.

Linda Cox, the city clerk and an internal candidate, drew supporters who said she already knows city operations and has a ready plan for near-term changes. Commissioner (full name on the dais) argued that Cox "has a plan ready to execute starting tomorrow morning," and that the city could review the manager—s performance after six months if changes were not happening as expected.

After the negotiation-authorizing vote, the commission turned to staffing for the interim period. Attorney Hedges advised that with the recent termination of the prior city manager's employment the commission must select an interim city manager and that either deputy city manager or an outside interim could be considered. Deputy City Manager Jack Andrews and Deputy City Manager Shay Johnson were discussed as internal interim options; Andrews indicated he planned to leave in April, and Johnson said he had reservations only because "you don't know what you don't know" when stepping into the top role temporarily. Ultimately the commission appointed Shay Johnson by unanimous vote.

The commission also discussed an outside option for an interim manager, including assistance from the Florida League of Cities; staff said they would explore that possibility and report back at the March 3 meeting if the commission wanted more information.

What the commission approved tonight is authorization to negotiate a contract with Richard Chess; the commission did not complete a final hire or publish contract terms. Staff said HR and the city attorney would begin negotiations immediately and bring contract documents and a formal resolution back to the commission at an upcoming meeting. The commission scheduled consideration of formal contract documents and a resolution for the March 3 meeting.

Votes at a glance: The motion authorizing the city attorney to begin negotiations with Richard Chess passed 3-2 (Gaines, Johnson, Taylor yes; Broderick, Mayor Hudson no). The motion appointing Shay Johnson as interim city manager passed 5-0.

Staff next steps include negotiations with Chess, preparation of a contract and a resolution for a future meeting, and continuing support and oversight for Shay Johnson in the interim role.