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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 2007-04-05 (2) MINUTES CITY COUNCIL CITY OF SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO SPECIAL MEETING CITY HALL CONFERENCE ROOM 400 GRAND A VENUE 1. 2. 3. THURSDAY, APRIL 5, 2007 (Cassette Tape No.1) Call to Order 12:00 p.m. Roll Call Present: Councilmembers Addiego*, Fernekes and Matsumoto, Vice Mayor Gonzalez and Mayor Garbarino Absent: None Staff present: City Manager Nagel, City Attorney Mattas, and Assistant City Manager VanDuyn, Assistant to the City Manager Kennedy, and Public Works Director White. Other staff: Irene Soto and Shanna Ochoa. *Councilmember Addiego arrived at 12:08 p.m. Public Comments None. 4. City Clerk appointment process City Attorney Mattas discussed the options before Council to either appoint a new City Clerk for the remainder of the term within thirty days of the vacancy or hold an election with the remaining portion of the term being placed on the November ballot. He further advised that Councilor the City Manager may designate an interim City Clerk or Deputy City Clerk, to fulfill the duties of the position until the vacancy is filled. Councilman Fernekes asked about the rules which apply to filling vacancies for Councilmembers verses City Clerk. City Attorney Mattas referenced Government Code section 36512, for filling vacancies and that an option to fill a vacancy on an interim basis does not apply to the office of City Clerk as it would for an appointed City Council member. He advised Council make a decision within 30 days to make the intent clear and that there is no misunderstanding. Councilman Fernekes also asked for the cost of an election. City Manager Nagel stated that the fee of placing the position on the November election ballot would be $7,000 and that the current budget for the November election is $30,000. Councilwoman Matsumoto questioned the added cost of a special election, since a regular election is scheduled, and City Manager Nagel and City Attorney Mattas explained that the City pays the County for conducting the election and candidates pay for their ballot statements, the additional cost is for adding another item to the ballot. City Attorney Mattas stated that the Council could decide at today's meeting the direction the City might take in either appointing a City Clerk or holding an election. He recommended that Council interview applicants and then decide on a direction. Councilwoman Matsumoto stated her concerns regarding a possible popularity contest and lack of criteria posed with an election. She asked if criteria could be established for the position. City Attorney Mattas explained additional criteria could not be added without holding an election to do so. Councilwoman Matsumoto asked staff to report back to Council on the type of structures set up in other City Clerk's offices on the Peninsula, such as San Carlos and Burlingame. Councilman Addiego asked for clarification on the process and City Attorney Mattas reiterated that the position could be placed on the November election ballot if Council could not reach a consensus on the appointment. Vice Mayor Gonzalez stated that he is leaning towards an election, but still wants to interview the applicants. He feels it is important for candidates to experience the election process. Mayor Garbarino agreed with interviewing candidates, then deciding to appoint or elect the City Clerk. He concurred with Vice Mayor Gonzalez on the importance of the election process. Councilman Fernekes stated that Council should first look at the applicants' qualifications, establish questions, and then render a decision. He asked staff for a list of questions for Council's review, and to establish a schedule for interviewing applicants. City Manager Nagel asked Council to submit their questions for candidates by Tuesday, April 10. Councilman Fernekes also suggested that the interview times be lengthened to a minimum of twenty minutes. Councilwoman Matsumoto asked if the position could be reopened to applicants. City Attorney Mattas stated that Council is not legally required to open the position due to previous notification of the vacancy. Motion-Fernekes/Second Matsumoto: To establish April 19, 2007, 6:00 p.m., as a Special City Council Meeting to consider the candidates for the position of City Clerk, and interview the applicants as well as decide to appoint a candidate or hold an election; to direct staff to provide notice that additional applicants have until April 16, 2007,5:00 p.m. to submit applications, and candidates who previously submitted applications need not reapply. Unanimously approved by voice vote. SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES APRIL 5, 2007 PAGE 2 5. Adjournment Being no further business, Mayor Garbarino adjourned the meeting at 12:31 p.m. Submitted by: C'--'. 1\ (",j))(C\\LA CY/l~LL~ Sara Nichols, Deputy City Clerk City of South San Francisco Approved: ~a~ RIchard A. Garbarino, Mayor City of South San Francisco SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES APRIL 5, 2007 PAGE 3