Official Minutes of MARION COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS December 14, 2015 The Marion County Board of County Commissioners met in a workshop session at 8:19 a.m. on Monday, December 14, 2015 in Commission chambers atthe Marion County Governmental Complex located in Ocala, Florida. Upon roll call the following members were present: Chairman Kathy Bryant, District 2; Vice-Chairman Carl Zalak, District 4; Commissioner David Moore, District 1; Commissioner Stan McClain, District 3; and Commissioner Earl Arnett, District 5. The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of our Country. Commissioners/County Employees - Chairman Bryant advised that the workshop was scheduled this morning to hold interviews for the County Administrator position. She noted that the Board of County Commissioners (BCC) must operate in the Sunshine; therefore, the interviews are being recorded. The Deputy Clerk received a 22 page Agenda and a sma" binder entitled, "Marion County, Florida, County Administrator Recruitment Portfolio". Vice President Mark Morien, GovHR USA, "Iinois, provided an overview of the Agenda, noting candidates will meet with Department Directors to answer questions later this morning and he wi" bring those comments back to the BCC for consideration this afternoon. A luncheon will be held for candidates at the Growth Services Training Room, followed by one-on-ones with Commissioners. The Board will then reconvene at 3:45 p.m. to discuss and select the final candidates to proceed to a second round of interviews. Commissioner McClain referred to the small binder, which included the results of two tests performed by the candidates (Learning Styles Inventory test (problem solving) and the Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Mode Instrument) and questioned the scoring method for those type of tests. Mr. Morien provided a brief overview of how those type of personality tests are scored. Chairman Bryant advised that the following 15 Interview questions wi" be asked of each applicant: 1. In your estimation, how is our Marion County Administrator position a good professional "match" for your strengths and interests? 2. How would you establish open communication and maintain productive relationships between the County Administrator and the County Board? 3. County government is unique in that there is an elected County Board and elected Constitutional Officers. How would you maintain relationships and communication with these Constitutional Officers? 4. Marion County, like many local governments, has faced extremely challenging economic times. Please provide some insights into how you have adjusted to manage in both "good", as well as "tough" financial times. 5. Marion County is committed to a conservative fiscal philosophy. Please tell us about your current or previous organization's approach to fiscal policy and how it compares or contrasts to that of Marion County. 6. Te" us about your development of a long term financial plan for your organization including identifying creative alternative revenue sources for Book U, Page 1229
Transcript
Official Minutes of MARION COUNTY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
December 14, 2015
The Marion County Board of County Commissioners met in a workshop session at 8:19 a.m. on Monday, December 14, 2015 in Commission chambers atthe Marion County Governmental Complex located in Ocala, Florida.
Upon roll call the following members were present: Chairman Kathy Bryant, District 2; Vice-Chairman Carl Zalak, District 4; Commissioner David Moore, District 1; Commissioner Stan McClain, District 3; and Commissioner Earl Arnett, District 5.
The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of our Country.
Commissioners/County Employees - Chairman Bryant advised that the workshop was scheduled this morning to hold interviews for the County Administrator position . She noted that the Board of County Commissioners (BCC) must operate in the Sunshine; therefore, the interviews are being recorded.
The Deputy Clerk received a 22 page Agenda and a sma" binder entitled, "Marion County, Florida, County Administrator Recruitment Portfolio".
Vice President Mark Morien, GovHR USA, "Iinois, provided an overview of the Agenda, noting candidates will meet with Department Directors to answer questions later this morning and he wi" bring those comments back to the BCC for consideration this afternoon. A luncheon will be held for candidates at the Growth Services Training Room, followed by one-on-ones with Commissioners. The Board will then reconvene at 3:45 p.m. to discuss and select the final candidates to proceed to a second round of interviews.
Commissioner McClain referred to the small binder, which included the results of two tests performed by the candidates (Learning Styles Inventory test (problem solving) and the Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Mode Instrument) and questioned the scoring method for those type of tests. Mr. Morien provided a brief overview of how those type of personality tests are scored .
Chairman Bryant advised that the following 15 Interview questions wi" be asked of each applicant:
1. In your estimation, how is our Marion County Administrator position a good professional "match" for your strengths and interests?
2. How would you establish open communication and maintain productive relationships between the County Administrator and the County Board?
3. County government is unique in that there is an elected County Board and elected Constitutional Officers. How would you maintain ~ productive relationships and communication with these Constitutional Officers?
4. Marion County, like many local governments, has faced extremely challenging economic times. Please provide some insights into how you have adjusted to manage in both "good", as well as "tough" financial times.
5. Marion County is committed to a conservative fiscal philosophy. Please tell us about your current or previous organization's approach to fiscal policy and how it compares or contrasts to that of Marion County.
6. Te" us about your development of a long term financial plan for your organization including identifying creative alternative revenue sources for
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funding of us about your in examining an organization from to
bottom, and in recommending which may include a change in delivering services, in levels, etc., for sustainability of the organization Economic development is an important component to Marion Cou future. Tell us about an economic development project in your community which you are particularly proud What was your direct role in this and how was this project a success for your community? While Economic Development is certainly essential, it must be done wh being sensitive to community and concerns. Tell us about an Economic Development project which initially may have been incompatible
a segment of the community, how did you "win them over"? 1 us about your with a community strategic plan
with your Elected Officials for a 5 community road map and the future? What role did you development?
11. What types of communication you to effectively to citizens and keep them informed and engaged with their local government? In your opinion, what been the most effective means?
1 How do you approach working with citizen groups, neighborhood associations or other groups have an interest in local government policies and services?
13. Please tell us what you have had in labor relations and union negotiations. Have you the "point person" in negotiations?
14. What do you consider as your abilities as an Administrator? In what areas are you seeking in?
1 How would you describe your making style with respect to your direct reports?
(Ed. Note: Question 7 was not applicant.) followed up 5 subsequent questions:
1. Given the longer-term in what tenure could you reasonably consider committing to Marion County?
2. Are there any events in your life that may reflect upon your performance or which would be awkward or if reported upon by the news
3. You are aware that the we are offering is $180,000+/qualifications. Is this salary acceptable to you, part of the contractual negotiations?
4. We've asked you a lot of today. What questions do you of us, and would you like add anything we didn't cover? Based on your knowledge the County and our discussion today, are you still interested in being for our County Administrator conducted the interview with James M. Arkens, who
a 2 document listing his career accomplishments.
was a recess at meeting reconvened members present.
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December 14, 2015
The Board conducted the interview with candidate Albert M. Penksa, Jr.
There was a recess at 10:28 a.m. The meeting reconvened at 10:47 a.m. with all members present.
The Board conducted the interview with candidate Christopher M. Rose.
Commissioners - Chairman Bryant referred to the Agenda, noting a second round of interviews is scheduled for tomorrow and questioned whether the Board wants to perform the candidate evaluations now or wait until after the one-on-ones are held with the applicants. It was the general consensus of the Board to reconvene this afternoon at 3:45 p.m. to discuss candidate evaluations.
There was a recess at 11:43 a.m. The meeting reconvened at 3:54 p.m. with all members present. Also present was
County Attorney Matthew G. Minter.
Commissioners/County Employees - Chairman Bryant welcomed everyone back to debrief and comment on earlier interviews. She stated the Board now has some evaluations and discussion to address.
Chairman Bryant questioned whether the Board had any questions far the GovHR representative. She stated the Board will now scare each of the 3 applicants, noting the scores are zero (qualified), one (lacking) or three (superior). It was noted that there is no two for scoring .
In response to Commissioner Zalak, Chairman Bryant stated question No.7 should be crossed out.
The Board scared each of the 3 applicants and presented the score sheets to staff to total.
Mr. Morien asked if the candidate and Commissioner name is on each of the score sheets in case there are any questions. In response to Chairman Bryant, County Attorney Minter opined that each Commissioner should put their name on the score sheets, as well as the candidate's name.
Human Resources (HR) Director Amanda Tart collected the score sheets and after totaling, presented them to Mr. Morien.
Mr. Morien advised of the scores, as follows: Mr. Arkens - 223; Mr. Penksa - 184; and Mr. Rose - 141.
Chairman Bryant asked if the Board is comfortable with what has been done today. She advised that she did not feel the need to go through another round of interviews tomorrow, noting the differential between first and second is pretty big.
Commissioner McClain agreed and stated he was able to ask a few more followLip questions during the one-on-one meetings with each candidate. He advised that there are no other questions he would ask the candidates tomorrow that was not asked today.
Commissioner Moore noted he saw no value of another round of interviews tomorrow.
Chairman Bryant inquired if the Board was comfortable offering Mr. Arkens a position with Marion County.
Commissioner McClain thanked Mr. Marien for bringing 3 good candidates to the Board for interviews. The candidates had strengths and weaknesses, but overall were 3
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candidates. that unless is some reason why the Board should not, then they should follow through with
Chairman concurred, noting that Mr. Arkens a lot to bring to the especially with on some of issues that the county will face moving forward. Chairman Bryant noted Mr. Arkens proven that he the ability and willingness to do what his Board directs.
Commissioner Zalak stated was struggling, but that Mr. Arkens out performed and did a good job today; however, he has been measuring the applicants
the Interim County Administrator and is not sure he got to where is willing to take
Commissioner Moore stated while Mr. Arkens is , was not sure he a good fit. that he too is the applicants against the county's
Interim County Administrator. Commissioner Moore stated he would put the Interim County Admi against any applicant last time or this time.
Chairman Bryant stated the Interim County Administrator done a phenomenal job and having through the they have not come up with anyone that measures up to who has been in the position at this point in time. It was general consensus of Board to
Chairman stated if wants to go in of the Board and a
County Administrator.
In response to Commissioner Chairman advised that will negotiate with Mr. Bouyounes if that is consensus of the Board. She suggested the contract be brought back at the BCC on January 12, 1
Mr. Minter presented an 8 handout, which included a 2 page Memorandum; a 5 page Agreement the Marion County Board of Commissioners (Employee Name) with comments; and a 1 document in to Florida § 215.425. compensation prohibited; severance pay. noted Mr. Morien the contract on former contract if the Board is okay with that based on changes he noted then he could make a new contract tonight.
Chairman Bryant suggested Mr. Bouyounes be whether he is willing to accept the of County Administrator. Interim County Administrator Mounir Bouyounes that he is humbled by where they are at and the questions the Board has asked, been on more than one if he was willing to do this job. He he asked to give the a fair going through the process, but if cannot find someone they are 100 (%) comfortable with and he is asked up then will more than happy fill the position of County Administrator. Mr. Bouyounes stated if this is the direction wants to take they need to sit down and talk about contract. He will continue the Interim County Administrator until a contract is in Bouyounes he is willing to move forward and work with the Board on
McClain how each Commissioner would able to provide input as it to Chairman the County Attorney can email a copy of Commissioner to send back to Mr. Minter. Mr. Minter concurred advised that he will make copies of with his comments now and provide to each Commissioner for them to any
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additional comments. Commissioner Moore commented on county employees' opinion of Mr.
Bouyounes, which was a factor in his decisions. Chairman Bryant advised that first time the Board went through the interview
Droce~;s she did not have a comfortable feeling, but was comfortable going through the this time, but not 100%. Mr. Marien brought forth some great
cand but noted county has in-house staff who done a phenomenal job, which she kept completely separate. though it was completely still was not 100% at with the great candidates that were brought before the Board.
Mr. Morien thanked the Board for the opportunity to work with each Commissioner. He himself to make telephone calls to each of the candidates.
Chairman Bryant the Board will need time to through the contract. if a Commissioner changes they should provided to County
Attorney. She directed Mr. Minter to provide her with a copy of the revised contract once all changes made. Chairman Bryant advised she Mr. Bouyounes will then be in negotiations. She stated contract will brought back at the January 12, 2016 meeting.
Mr. Minter advised that Jared Barkman, Assistant to the County Administrator, wanted to confirm that all other candidate interviews are being cancelled. Chairman Bryant stated that is Mr. Minter noted it was the consensus of the Board that all other interviews are cancelled.
