City Attorney Performance Evaluation Committee

City Attorney Search Committee City Hall 10 N. Division St. – Conference Room 302B Battle Creek, MI September 24, 2013 10:00 A.M. Present: Mayor Susan Baldwin, Comm. Andrew Helmboldt, Comm. Mary Lou Ramon Absent: None. Staff Present: Victoria Houser Call to Order: Comm. Helmboldt called the meeting to order at 10:00 A.M. Nomination of Committee Chair: A motion was made by Mayor Baldwin, supported by Comm. Ramon, to elect Comm. Helmboldt as City Attorney Search Committee Chair. All yes, none opposed. Motion approved. Public Comment: None. Approval of Minutes: A motion was made by Comm. Ramon, supported by Mayor Baldwin, to approve the City Attorney Search Committee meeting minutes of September 16, 2008 and September 22, 2008. All yes, none opposed. Motion approved. Review and Purpose of the City Attorney Search Committee: Comm. Helmboldt stated the purpose of the Committee was to search for a replacement for retired City Attorney Eileen Wicklund. Comm. Helmboldt further stated the Committee would be reviewing Interim City Attorney Jill Steele’s credentials and performance as Interim City Attorney. Comm. Ramon noted the past practice of the Committee was to consider the current Interim City Attorney for the position, instead of starting an extensive and costly search. Mayor Baldwin agreed with Comm. Ramon, stating it was past practice to first consider the current Interim City Attorney for the position, as the City and the Commission have experience working with her. Discussion: Comm. Ramon stated she reviewed Ms. Steele’s resume and considered her current performance as Interim City Attorney, stating she was very impressed with Ms. Steele’s experience and performance. Comm. Ramon stated Ms. Steele was a good litigator, noting the City case load is 1 decreasing, stating this is not something the City has seen recently. Comm. Ramon also noted Ms. Steele manages her time well, stating she also follows through on inquiries, expressing her confidence in Ms. Steele. Mayor Baldwin referenced several items on Ms. Steele’s resume, noting she graduated with honors from Western Michigan University, and graduated in the top 10% of her class at Cooley Law School, also noting she had experience with her own law practice, as an instructor and served as Chairperson of the Hope Township Zoning Board of Appeals. Mayor Baldwin also noted Ms. Steele has maintained her professional development and stays current on legal changes. Comm. Helmboldt agreed with Comm. Ramon and Mayor Baldwin, stating Ms. Steele has a strong commitment with the City, noting she is a strong litigator, and complimenting her service on one of her community boards. Comm. Helmboldt asked the Committee if they would like to seek references from City department managers regarding her performance. Comm. Ramon stated she did not feel additional references were necessary, stating that if there had been problems with Ms. Steele’s performance, it would have been indicated previously. Comm. Ramon stated Ms. Steele was well respected by staff. Comm. Ramon also noted she has heard positive references from the Calhoun County Court staff. Mayor Baldwin stated Ms. Steele had great attention to detail; always assuring things were done properly. Comm. Ramon recommended the Committee consider a 3 year contract for Ms. Steele, as has been customary for previous City Attorneys. Comm. Ramon stated a contract less than 3 years would not be fair. Mayor Baldwin agreed, noting the contract would require annual reviews. Mayor Baldwin stated Russ Claggett, Employee Relations Director, would draft a contract for Ms. Steele. Mayor Baldwin further stated the committee could recommend Ms. Steele for the position, authorizing the Mayor to negotiate the contract. Ms. Houser read the Reports to the Commission from the September 16, 2008 commission meeting along with the October 7, 2008 resolution authorizing the Mayor to enter into a 3 year agreement with Eileen Wicklund for the position of City Attorney. A motion was made by Comm. Ramon, supported by Mayor Baldwin, to recommend to the City Commission to hire Jill Steele as the City Attorney with a 3 year contract based upon the previous City Attorney’s contract, with details to be finalized at the following commission meeting. All yes, none opposed. Motion approved. Adjournment: The City Attorney Search Committee meeting was adjourned at 10:29 AM. 2 3