Waters-Oldani Executive Recruitment, a Dallas-based consultant, has been chosen to help find Emporia’s next city manager.
City commissioners chose the company Wednesday. Several commissioners said they were impressed with the company’s nationwide reach, along with the fact that managing director Chuck Anderson had Kansas ties. Anderson is a graduate of the University of Kansas’ Department of Public Administration.
“I don’t think we’ll hold it against him that he used to live in Osage, either,” Commissioner Ray Toso joked.
“That was a hard one to get by,” Commissioner Bobbie Agler said with a grin.
A final contract, including a ceiling on expenses, could be approved by next Wednesday.
The firm will help the commission select a city manager to replace Steve Commons, who started a new job in Edmond, Okla. on Monday. Mark McAnarney, the assistant city manager under Commons, is now the interim city manager.
Waters-Oldani beat out two other finalists: the Mercer Group of Georgia and Missouri-based consultant Bob Saunders of Organizational Consultants.
“I was very impressed with Mr. Saunders in that he had been a city manager before and had been a city commissioner,” Commissioner Tom Myers said. “He was very well connected across the country and I liked his price. But I worry, since he’s a one man show, that if something should happen to him no one could take his place.”
Waters-Oldani’s proposal carries a two-year guarantee. If it should become necessary to recruit a city manager again within that period, the company will conduct the search for expenses only.
In other action:
F Commissioners raised the ceiling on the transient guest tax levied on motels and other lodging businesses to 7 percent. The tax itself, also known as the “bed tax,” will remain at 5 percent until the ordinance becomes official later in the year. At that point, the commission will vote to move it up to 6 percent.
F Commissioners signed an $8,600 supplemental agreement to finish an environmental study at the airport. By Federal Aviation Administration rules, the study must be finished before a runway extension can be pursued.
F The city approved $4.8 million in temporary notes for a variety of projects.
F The commission joined in proclaiming today an “International Day of Peace,” a United Nations-created observance. First Presbyterian Church, St. Mark’s Lutheran Church and Westminster Presbyterian Church will hold vigils throughout the day, with community members invited to visit for a few minutes and pray or meditate for peace.
F The commission gave a five-year banking contract to Commerce Bank and Trust.
F The commission re-awarded the hazardous sidewalk bid, this time to Burlington Construction for $39,954, which includes a $650 winter fee. The original low bidder, Central Concrete Construction, was unable to obtain bonds.
F Commissioners appointed Dustin Wright to the Convention and Visitors advisory board, to finish the term of Mary Shepherd.
F The commission appointed Commissioner Julie Johnson to the Regional Development Association, replacing Toso on the board.
F Commissioners appointed City Engineer Keith Beatty to the Neosho & Cottonwood Basin Water Assurance District No. 3, replacing Steve Commons.