Broken Arrow City Council
Meeting of: 07-21-2015
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Office of the City Attorney
Title:
title
Consideration, discussion, and possible appointment of a City Manager and possible direction for the City Attorney to draft an Employment Agreement for consideration at the next City Council Meeting
End
Background:
On July 17, 2015, the Council interviewed two finalists for the position of City Manager. The two candidates were Larry Mitchell and Michael Spurgeon.
Mr. Mitchell currently serves as Executive Director of the Yukon Economic Development Authority. Previously, he served as City Manager for the Oklahoma cities of Lawton, Owasso, and Okmulgee. Mr. Mitchell also served as City Administrator for the City of Saco, Maine.
Mr. Spurgeon currently serves as the Director of Administration for the City of St. Charles, Missouri. Previously, he served as City Manager for the City of Miami, Oklahoma, Township Business Administrator for Pemberton Township, New Jersey, and Township Manager for Eastampton, New Jersey.
Both of these candidates have excelled in current and previous management positions and have demonstrated exceptional leadership skills. The recruitment process focused on candidates with excellent vision and the stated objective of City leaders to continue its emphasis on retail and commercial job growth, public safety, and high standards for quality of life.
In the meeting of July 19, 2015, the Council authorized Scott Reilly of Affion Public, the City’s executive search firm, to extend an offer to Michael Spurgeon for the position of City Manager. The Council further authorized Mr. Reilly to enter into negotiations with Mr. Spurgeon for a compensation and benefits package. Finally, the council directed Staff to prepare an agenda item providing for appointment of a City Manager at this meeting.
Staff will be prepared to update the City Council on the status of the negotiations. If complete, the Council may appoint a City Manager and direct the City Attorney to prepare an Employment Contract formalizing the appointment, setting for an effective date of employment, and outlining all compensation and benefits.
Cost: As budgeted and pursuant to an Employment Agreement
Prepared By: Beth Anne Wilkening, City Attorney
Reviewed By: Assistant City Manager
Approved By: Russell M. Gale, Acting City Manager
Attachments: None
Recommendation:
1. To appoint a City Manager.
2. To direct the City Attorney to prepare an Employment Agreement for consideration at the next City Council Meeting.