City of Mexico Beach Special Meeting Minutes TUESDAY, MAY 20, 2025 - 9:00 AM The City of Mexico Beach City Council met in a scheduled special meeting on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at 9:00 am at the Public Works Building in Mexico Beach. Mayor Wolff and thet following Councimembers were present: Linda Hamilton, Jason Adams . Steve Cox and Erik Fosshage. Also present: City Clerk, Tammy Brunson, Interim City Administrator Mell Smigielski, and City Attorney, Tim Sloan. I. Call to order: Mayor Wolff called the meeting to order at 9:00 am. II. Overview for Hiring City Administrator:.Mayor Wolff opened the meeting with the previous discussions about hiring a firm and also contacting Bay County to see their hiring method of a city administrator. Mayor Wolff introduced Mark Ryan who is a retired City Manager and a volunteer Senior advisor for the FCCMA/ICMA. Mr. Ryan outlined four options for recruitment: handling it internally, using an executive search firm, utilizing the senior advisor program or a hybrid approach. He also shared details about the Titusville city's recruitment process and the selection of Colin Baenziger Associates as their executive search firm. Mr. Ryan explained the advantages of using an executive search firm, including their network, background checks, and marketing efforts. He also described the Senior Advisor program, where he would help create a recruitment brochure and score applicants quantitatively. He emphasized the importance of background checks and past recruitment projects in other communities. Mayor Wolff asked about the involvement of Mr. Ryan in the recruitment process if they hire an executive search firm. Mr. Ryan clarified that he would not be involved if decision was made to hire a firm, as it would compete with his role. Mr. Adams asked about the cost of background checks if they go with the Senior Advisor program. Mr. Ryan shared his experience with Monticello and recommends using professional background checks. Mr. Cox asked about the timeline variation between the Senior Advisor program and an executive search firm. Mr. Ryan states that an executive search firm can expedite the process, while the Senior Advisor program would take longer. Mr. Cox asked Mr. Ryan what is the key for a successful City Administrator. Mr. Ryan stated that communication is key and a sense of humor as well. Mr. Fosshage thanked Mr. Ryan for his detailed presentation and expressed his support for the executive search firm option. Ms. Hamilton highlighted the benefits of the executive search firm proposal from Colin Baenziger Associates, including a set price and warranty. Mr. Ryan confirms his positive experience with thé firm and their competence. Mayor Wolff suggested piggybacking on Titusville's process to expedite the recruitment. Mr. Smigielski confirmed the ability to piggyback under Florida Law and outlined the necessary steps and documentation. Mayor Wolff proposed moving forward with the piggybacking option and hiring Colin Baenziger Associates. Mr. Fosshage supports the decision, emphasizing the benefits of a search firm and the timely process. Mr. Fosshage motioned to piggyback off of the existing City of Titusville process and contract to hire Colin Baenziger Associates as the City's executive search firm. Ms. Hamilton seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously 5 -0. Mayor Wolff stated that he would be out the next council meeting on May 27th and Ms. Hamilton, Mayor Pro-Tem would be out as well. The council agreed to reschedule the meeting until June 3, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. Mr. Smigielski stated that he wanted the public to know how the City would pay for the hiring firm. He stated that $50k was put aside in this year's budget for a JLAC consultant as a result of the JLAC findings. The City staff is handling this and would be appropriate to repurpose that money towards the $32k for the hiring firm. City of Mexico Beach Special Meeting Minutes TUESDAY, MAY 20, 2025 - 9:00 AM III. Adjournment: Mr. Adams motioned to adjourn at 9:33 a.m.. Ms. Hamilton seconded the motion. Attest: PaNm4 Bnumon Mayor, Richard Wolff City Clerk, Tammy Brunson