HomeMy WebLinkAbout20201017 Virtual CRA Board Special Meeting - Executive Director SelectionMINUTES OF VIRTUAL SPECIAL MEETING
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR SELECTION
DANIA BEACH COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2020 - 12:00 P.M.
1. Call to Order/Roll Call
Chair Lewellen called the special meeting to order at 12:02 p.m.
Present:
Chair:
Vice -Chair:
Board Members:
Interim Executive Director:
City Attorney:
CRA Secretary:
2. Executive Director Selection
Lori Lewellen
Lauren Odman
Chickie Brandimarte
Bill Harris
Tamara James
Kathleen Weekes
Thomas Ansbro
Thomas Schneider
Chair Lewellen asked if anyone had any questions before the Board Members make their top
selections.
A brief discussion ensued regarding the process.
Board Member Brandimarte selected Mr. Chen.
Board Member Harris selected Mr. Chen, Mr. Blatt and Mr. Hall.
Board Member James had no one to add to the list.
Vice -Chair Odman selected Mr. Blatt, Mr. Brett, and Mr. Chen.
Chair Lewellen selected Mr. Chen and Mr. Blatt.
Board Member James noted she would recommend eliminating Mr. Brett.
Vice -Chair Odman agreed to remove Mr. Brett.
Discussion ensued regarding Mr. Chen, Mr. Blatt and Mr. Hall.
Chair Lewellen felt Mr. Chen was eminently qualified and has TIF-less experience.
Board Member Harris said he would like Mr. Chen and Mr. Blatt to come into IT Parker to give
a public presentation.
Vice -Chair Odman favored Mr. Chen; he lives, eats, and breathes CRA. Mr. Blatt was
interesting and smart; he is very thoughtful. If Mr. Chen is offered the position and unavailable,
she would want Mr. Blatt.
Board Member Brandimarte spoke in favor of Mr. Chen because of his experience and
knowledge. He meets all of the qualifications.
Board Member James agreed; it is surprising to her that the Board is all on the same page. She
does not want to prolong the process and Mr. Chen will not be around for long with all of his
experience. She is excited and proud of the Board.
Chair Lewellen felt because everyone favors Mr. Chen, presentations are not necessary. She
agreed Mr. Blatt should be selected as number two, because of his resourcefulness, if Mr. Chen
was unavailable.
Linda Gonzalez, Director of Human Resources, noted Mr. Chen's minimum compensation
request was $150,000, and benefits would have to be worked out as well. She addressed the pay
range for this position; the Board would have the right to adjust the pay range. With someone
coming in with this much experience, it would be acceptable to pay him at the maximum of the
range.
Discussion ensued regarding the pay range.
All agreed with the compensation Mr. Chen requested.
Discussion ensued regarding benefits.
Chair Lewellen felt we should look at Department Director benefits and stay consistent with sick
leave and vacation accrual.
Human Resources Director Gonzalez noted former Director Williams' contract was a fair
contract and negotiations with Mr. Chen could start with those benefits.
Board Member James questioned a tier approach; we could start out like we did with former
Director Williams and then in a year, re-evaluate the benefits.
Further discussion ensued.
Human Resources Director Gonzalez said it is reasonable to have an annual review, including
performance increases.
City Attorney Ansbro noted he needs to know the severance period the Board has in mind.
Minutes of Virtual Special Meeting 2
Executive Director Selection
Dania Beach Community Redevelopment Agency
Saturday, October 17, 2020 —12:00 p.m.
The Board agreed to 12 weeks.
Chair Lewellen asked to see the contract before it is presented to Mr. Chen.
Human Resources Director Gonzalez confirmed an offer would be put out soon in order to not
jeopardize the opportunity.
Board Member James motioned to select Michael Chen as the CRA Executive Director
pending a background check; seconded by Vice -Chair Odman. The motion carried
unanimously.
City Attorney Ansbro confirmed the contract would be presented at the November 10, 2020
CRA Board meeting, and would be modeled after former CRA Director William's contract;
negotiations would follow. An offer to Mr. Chen would be made in the meantime.
3. Adjournment
Chair Lewellen adjourned the meeting at 12:31 p.m.
ATTEST:
Z
THOMAS SCHNEIDER, CMC
CRA SECRETARY
Approved: November 10, 2020
Minutes of Virtual Special Meeting
Executive Director Selection
Dania Beach Community Redevelopment Agency
Saturday, October 17, 2020 — 12:00 p.m.
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