HomeMy WebLinkAboutminutes.council.20190903Special Meeting Aspen City Council September 3, 2019
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RESOLUTION #95, SERIES OF 2019 – Proposed City Manager Employment Agreement for Sara Ott.......... 2
Special Meeting Aspen City Council September 3, 2019
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At 4:00 p.m. Mayor Torre called the special meeting to order with Councilmembers
Richards, Hauenstein and Mullins present.
RESOLUTION #95, SERIES OF 2019 – Proposed City Manager Employment Agreement for Sara Ott
Public comment
1. Toni Kronberg said on the long range schedule I thought this was the work
session for city offices. Congratulation Sara. I think she will do a good job. I
thought the decision was going to be made in a public discussion. I’m happy that
Sara got to train under Steve Barwick. Only one of the candidates were qualified
for the job of city manager. She does not feel the process was transparent.
Jim True, city attorney, said the agenda item is resolution 95 proposing the approval
and authorizing the Mayor to execute the contract with Sara Ott. The memo outlines
the process which got us here including interviews with candidates and public input.
Based on direction given to staff, we commenced discussions with Ms. Ott for the
contract in the packet. Last week in executive session there were further discussions
regarding terms. The contract in the packet is appropriate to bring forth to the pubic.
The resolution approves the contract and authorizes the mayor to sign. There are 4
alternatives for consideration. No decision has been made t o this point. Council can
approve the resolution. Council can continue the matter to continue negotiations on key
points. Council can reject the resolution and either direct staff to negotiate with another
candidate or open up the process. The decision is discretionary with the city council.
Besides myself, this is the only direct hire by city council. We have gone through the
terms of the contract and feel they are what was proposed and discussed.
Councilwoman Mullins said I thought the process was done quite well. It was a nation
wide search. We started with community, council and employee engagement to come
up with a candidate profile. The final interviews with council were preceded with meet
and greets and presentations. We asked a lot from the candidates. Sara rose to the
top for me because of her experience, leadership and fortitude over the last 9 months.
The search was through and comprehensive.
Councilman Hauenstein stated the process was very open and as open as our recruiter
has ever seen. There were 2 days of meetings with stakeholders to help write the job
profile. It was a national search. We whittled the 64 down. It is our decision to
determine if the candidates were adequate and their qualifications. We chose Sara
because of her experience and education. Being at the helm of the city for the last 8
months. We decided to negotiate with her. I think the city would have been served well
by any of the candidates. I think we made an appropriate and wise decision.
Councilwoman Richards moved to approve Resolution #95 to approve a contract with
the city and Sara Ott, appointing Ms. Ott as city manager. Seconded by Councilwoman
Mullins.
Councilwoman Richards said for me Sara has been chosen for her talents, training and
intellect, not because she served under Steve Barwick. Having her fully impowered will
set her free with her training and intellect. I’m looking forward to a new start. The
council and community have high expectations and I think we will be well rewarded.
Council needs to give clear direction and make sure we are goal oriented at all times.
Special Meeting Aspen City Council September 3, 2019
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The council manager relationship is special. I think this is the beginning of a new
exciting chapter for Aspen. We are experiencing mutual trust.
Mayor Torre reading for Skippy said I am 100% behind Sara and will give everything I
can to see her be the most successful city manager in Aspen history. She is an expert
in her field and ready to put horsepower in this machine. We are all in this together,
let’s go.
Mayor Torre said the job Sara is taking over is not for everybody. We are very lucky.
Her training and experience and commitment to the community and job will set her
apart. I’m so glad you are leading this team.
Councilwoman Mullins said I felt so lucky that you applied for this position. It will be
very challenging. We are here to support you. While you can help us it is more
important for us to be behind you.
Councilman Hauenstein said we have seen change in the last 8 months. We have been
open and transparent. I’m looking forward to us setting the policy and handing it off to
the city manager to implement. I’m very happy for the community.
All in favor, motion carried.
Ms. Ott said thank you, I genuinely appreciate the opportunity and I’m looking forward
to supporting the community staff and reaching the aspen idea. Thanks to my family for
supporting me through this process.
Linda Manning
City Clerk