Independence council hears SGR outline of city manager recruitment, then votes to meet in closed session

Councilwoman McCandless opened the session of the Independence City Council to begin the city manager selection process, saying the council had received 36 applications and that SGR would present its top recommendations for the semifinalist stage. “We received, let me make sure I'm correct, 36 applications,” McCandless said.

Billy Owens of SGR, the firm leading the recruitment, told the council the next steps are to recommend and rank semifinalists, distribute a written questionnaire to those candidates, and hold brief, 30-minute interviews with semifinalists. “From those semifinalists, we'll probably cut it down to potentially ... up to 10 candidates who will go on to a next stage,” Owens said, describing a later round that would include fuller candidate books and in-person finalist days.

Owens and Rebecca Flurry of SGR said finalist days are often structured with rotating panels of staff, council and community members, and they recommended arranging a community tour in Independence so finalists can see both the city’s strengths and operational challenges. “It will give them an opportunity to see Independence,” Owens said, and to determine whether the fit is right for both the city and the applicant.

McCandless reminded members that candidate materials are confidential HR matters. “Just as a reminder that these matters are HR, that makes them confidential,” she said, stressing the council’s obligation to protect applicants’ information.

A council member identified later in the meeting as Suzanne said she had expected weekly updates during the process and asked SGR for more direct communications. Owens agreed SGR can provide direct updates if the council prefers.

SGR asked the council to submit ranking scores quickly; Owens said submitting scores by the end of business the following day would allow SGR to schedule virtual interviews for semifinalists. McCandless clarified that scores received after that deadline would not be counted.

After the discussion, a motion to move into a closed session to review candidate-specific information was made, seconded and approved. City clerk Adam called the roll; six council members voted yes, and the council entered closed session to review HR materials related to the search. The council did not announce a public vote or other action during the open portion of the meeting.

The next procedural step is for council members to submit their scores by the stated deadline so SGR can finalize semifinalist selections and arrange virtual interviews; the council then plans to reconvene for semifinalist review and later finalist in-person visits and community engagement.