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Commission debate over city‑manager hiring process ends with motion to evaluate interim manager failing
Summary
A move to direct staff to evaluate the interim city manager failed for lack of a second; commissioners and residents debated whether to pause for a rigorous national search, use a citizen panel and rely on HR or the clerk to manage applications.
A proposal to direct city staff to evaluate Interim City Manager Kevin Hogancamp failed at the Feb. 9 Atlantic Beach commission meeting after a motion received no second.
Commissioner Bole moved to adopt a resolution directing staff to evaluate the interim manager and to present recommendations prior to any national search. "You've moved it. Do we have a 2nd? Hearing none, the motion fails," Mayor Ford said, ending the effort without a vote.
Public speakers and several commissioners framed the debate as one of process, not personal criticism of Hogancamp. Mitch Reeves urged transparency and suggested routing resumes to the clerk rather than HR or the interim manager: "I recommend... have all resumes sent directly to one of the employees that report to you directly, which would be the clerk," he said, arguing the commission should retain hiring responsibility.
Hogancamp told the commission he did not initiate the agenda item and said HR is handling the process to avoid conflicts. "I did not sign the agenda item as is customary, and city manager‑initiated items to ensure that I didn't assume any responsibility from which I would directly benefit," he said.
Several commissioners emphasized vetting, background checks and the potential role of a citizen committee and search firm. Bob Blanco, the HR director, said a draft RFP exists but awaits commission direction to initiate it.
Commissioners discussed timing, the effect of upcoming elections on managerial tenure, and the practicalities of conducting background checks and candidate interviews. No formal policy change was adopted; the commission will revisit recruitment logistics, an RFP and citizen‑committee membership in forthcoming meetings.
The record shows the commission debated both urgency and process: some speakers urged a deliberate national search and a vetted candidate pool, while others said the interim manager deserves a trial period before decisions are made.
