Board of Directors

MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL- CALLED MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE CITY OF SILOAM SPRINGS, BENTON COUNTY, ARKANSAS, HELD MARCH 13, 2023 The City of Siloam Springs, Arkansas, met in special- called session at the City of Siloam Springs Administration Building on March 13, 2023. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Judy Nation. Roll Call: Allen, Carroll, Hunt, Rissler, Blair, Wiles, Smiley— Present. City Representatives Present: Christina Petriches, Acting City Administrator; Renea Ellis, City Clerk; Chief Jeremey Criner, Fire Department; and Chief Allan Gilbert, Police Department. The only item on the agenda was the matter of appointing a screening committee with regard to review of the city administrator applications. The mayor announced there would be no public comment during this meeting. She went on to give an overview of the previous process that was used in the hiring of a city administrator. Director Allen made a motion, which was seconded by Blair, to appoint a city administrator applicant screening committee consisting of Jonathan Barnett, Arthur Hulbert, and David Allen. Director Carroll indicated he didn' t agree with a city director being on the committee and thought it best to have at least five people on the committee, including members from various sectors of the public. Director Hunt also said she would like to see more than three members, up to seven, and agreed with the reasons for having five to seven members. Smiley agreed with the five to seven members, doesn' t believe a board member should sit on the committee, and would like to see the mayor appoint seven members to the committee. Rissler asked what the committee would do; what the application system process did; and how they were scored. The mayor explained what the process had been, including recommendations to the board. Petriches stated we use manual applications, and if qualifications are met, they are considered. Rissler recommended we create a sheet showing qualified or not qualified. Smiley made an amendment to the motion to have the mayor choose the selection committee, to include a total of at least seven members, and not include a board member, to be brought to the board for approval. Hunt asked for clarification. Allen stated what he believed the screening committee would be responsible for doing before the board selects. The motion was seconded by Carroll. Motion failed 3- 4 with Blair, Wiles, Rissler and Allen voting no. Wiles stated he believed seven members were" overkill" and five would be agreeable if Allen concurred. Smiley and Hunt both stated they didn' t believe a board member should be on the committee of at least five. Allen pointed out two board members had HR experience should be utilized. Following lengthy discussion, including names of the previous selection committee, along with names for possible nominees for the current committee, a second amendment to the original motion was made by Rissler for the committee to include a representative from Simmons, Randy Torres, Arthur Hulbert, Jonathan Barnett and David Allen, which was seconded by Allen. Hunt asked why a Board member needed to be in on the screening process if the Board ultimately made the decision. Hunt also stated the citizens could decide who should be in charge of the nominations. Hunt then made a motion to approve the names presented, less any board member; seconded by Smiley. Board of Directors Meeting Minutes Page 12 March 7, 2023 Discuss continued. The mayor called for a vote. Motion failed, 3- 4 with Wiles, Blair, Rissler and Allen voting no. Allen indicated he would remove his name if Rissler would agree to sit on the committee. Wiles made a motion to approve the committee with the four names previously presented, removing Allen and adding Rissler. The motion was seconded by Allen. A recess was called so Rissler could consider the motion. The mayor reconvened the meeting. Hunt made a motion to table this item to the next regular meeting to allow citizens to be present, which was seconded by Carroll. Allen indicated opposition; Smiley agreed to tabling to allow citizen input. The mayor called for a vote. The motion failed, 3- 4 with Rissler, Allen, Wiles and Blair voting no. The mayor called for a vote on the motion Barnett, Simmons representative, Hulbert, Tones, naming the committee with Rissler replacing Allen. Matt Feyerabend stood up and announced he was leaving in protest. Motion passed, 4- 3, with Carroll, Smiley and Hunt voting no. The City Administrator, HR and the committee were instructed to prepare a set of guidelines. Jay Williams, City Attorney, asked if this committee will be allowed to eliminate applicants or only rank and recommend applicants. The mayor indicated that would be one of the guidelines set. Rissler asked if the Board could go into executive session. Williams instructed it could not. Rissler asked that executive session be added to the next agenda. With no further business, a motion to adjourn was made by Allen and seconded by Smiley. Nation called for a vote. Motion passed unanimously. Meeting adjourned. ATTEST: APPROVED: 964+ 71' Renea Ellis, City Clerk, CAMC/ CMC Judy Nation, Mayor ootirmisaullik pRP..!, rFs aa letertio y SILOA M SEAL SPRINGS I iiontrnnito0 SPRINGS, nrmmrum` co