Council authorizes negotiation with Paul Cook for interim city manager

The North Plains City Council on Aug. 20 voted to authorize the city attorney to negotiate a contract with Paul Cook for the position of interim city manager. Council members said Cookaligned best with the temperament the city needs while the council completes its recruitment for a permanent hire.

Council deliberations followed in-person interviews with two finalists, Tim Johnson and Paul Cook. During work session conversation, several councilors described Johnson as direct and audit-focused while describing Cook as a listener who prioritizes coalition building. Council members moved from discussion into open session and the presiding officer asked for a motion. "The council authorizes the city attorney to negotiate with Paul Cook for interim city manager," a councilor moved; the motion was seconded and carried on a voice vote. The chair declared, "All in favor of the motion say I... Motion carries."

Council also appointed Councelor Rustin and Councelor Warrington to work with the city attorney on compensation and benefits, and set a target to review a negotiated contract at a special meeting proposed for Aug. 26. Members said the goal would be for the interim manager to begin around Sept. 1 if negotiations and approvals proceed on that timeline.

The motion to authorize negotiation and the appointment of a negotiation subcommittee are administrative steps that begin the formal contract process; the full negotiated contract will be presented to the council in public for approval. The council emphasized that compensation details are negotiated by the city attorney and the designated council representatives and will be disclosed when the contract comes back to the full council for a vote.