CITY OF ROCKY RIVER

JUNE 29, 2006

The Special Meeting of Council was called to order by Mr. Hurtuk, Acting President of Council at 5:04 p.m.

Council Members Present: Mr. Gollinger, Mr. Moran, Mr. Hunt, Mr. Hurtuk, Mr. Hagan

Mrs. Bobst

Absent: Mrs. Bartolozzi

Administration: Acting Mayor Bobst, Mr. Linden, Mr. Thomas

Law Director: Mr. Bemer

Press: Mrs. McKenzie, Ms. Mitchell

The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.

Acting President Hurtuk noted that there was one item on the agenda of this meeting.

AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION: NONE

RESOLUTION NO. 90-06 BY BRIAN A. HURTUK

AN EMERGENCY RESOLUTION APPOINTING PAMELA E. BOBST AS MAYOR OF THE CITY OF ROCKY RIVER

1^ST READING

Moved by Mr. Hurtuk, seconded by Mr. Gollinger and Mr. Moran, that the rule requiring that Resolution No. 90-06 be read on three separate days be suspended, and that Resolution No. 90-06 be placed upon its passage:

Discussion: Mr. Hurtuk explained that an ordinance or resolution is often read three times. Because the Charter places time constraints on the appointment process, Mr. Hurtuk moved for a suspension of the rule to allow immediate passage.

Vote: Gollinger - aye Moran - aye Hunt - aye Hurtuk - aye

Hagan - aye Bobst - aye

6 ayes 0 nays PASSED

Moved by Mr. Hurtuk, seconded by Mr. Hunt, that Ordinance No. 37-06 be passed as read:

Discussion: Mr. Hurtuk called upon each member of Council to comment on the resolution:

Mr. Gollinger recalled Mrs. Bobst's introduction to Council by Bob Frost to fill an unexpired term. At the next election, all members provided support for each other. Mr. Gollinger commented that he has enjoyed working with Mrs. Bobst and thinks that she has done a fine job. He urged her to continue the programs begun by Mayor Knoble, and he indicated that he was looking forward to working with her in her new role.

Mr. Hagan commented briefly on the process, stating that at the resignation of Mayor Knoble on June 9, Council had 60 days to fill the vacancy. Part of the debate in Council concerned looking at all potential candidates. The final consensus was to look within Council where there were three interested. Mr. Hagan would have favored a more open forum, with other candidates invited. Having aired his opinion as he promised, he offered congratulations to Mrs. Bobst and encouraged her to do this new job with the energy and enthusiasm which she displayed in leading Council. He encouraged open communication with Council and residents and aggressive action on many fronts including storm and sanitary sewers, the reaping of the vast store of knowledge of Director Jim Linden before his retirement, an aggressive street paving program, attending to repairs both above and below, revitalization of Center Ridge Road, and a program to restore the City's housing stock. He added that he looked forward to working with her.

Mr. Moran said that he has enjoyed the opportunity to see what is happening on Council. He has enjoyed working with his colleagues, the public in attendance at meetings, and the community. He values the audience because these are the residents who are involved and concerned with the community. He pointed out that more than five candidates were seriously considered, both within and outside of Council. Each was discussed at length, and the three on Council were seen to be the best qualified. Mr. Moran is confident that Mrs. Bobst will do an excellent job.

Mr. Hunt congratulated Mrs. Bobst, and commented that the during the initial steps of the appointment process which resulted in his being on Council, he appreciated her guidance and assistance. He noted that the residents or the City are fortunate to have someone like her who reaches out, and that her track record speaks for itself in her handling of Council meetings and the job of Council President. He said that he is looking forward to working with her.

Mr. Hurtuk indicated that Mrs. Bartolozzi, who could not be present this evening, said that she first heard of Mrs. Bobst's competence and ability as a consensus builder from her husband, Jim. When adversity struck and Mrs. Bartolozzi assumed a place on Council, she realized first hand what an excellent job she does.

Under the City's Charter, the Mayor is the CEO who sets policy and manages the City on a day-to-day basis. Council's function is to control the pursestrings. Mr. Hurtuk said that each acts in a different capacity, and in choosing a new mayor, he realized that this is not a popularity contest, but a consideration to decide who is the best person to continue the daily operation of the City for the next 18 months. The consensus was that Mrs. Bobst is a good choice. Before final discussions, Mr. Hurtuk contacted directors in the Administration asking if any were interested in the job. All declined and when asked who they would recommend, all chose Mrs. Bobst.. Mr. Hurtuk said that he echoes all the positive comments already heard, noting that Mrs. Bobst has the time, the talent, knowledge, and an understanding of the budget to be able to do the job. He also praised her consensus-building abilities.

Vote: Gollinger - aye Moran - aye Hunt - aye Hurtuk - aye

Hagan - aye Bobst - abstain

5 ayes 0 nays 1 abstention PASSED

At this point, Mr. Hurtuk introduced State Representative Sally Conway Kilbane who administered the oath of office to Mrs. Bobst.

Mayor Bobst then thanked Representative Conway Kilbane, a longtime friend, whom she has regarded very highly for her work in the state legislature for the district and for Rocky River.

• •She thanked Gretchen Burt, her administrative assistant and her Council colleagues for the last 10˝ years, both current and past.
• •She said that she is appreciative of Council support and looks forward to a strong and productive relationship, pledging to continue the aggressive development plan for sewer rehabilitation. She praised Council members, pointing out that they are continuing the tradition of commitment to the process and of service to the community.
• •She also thanked Mayor Knoble who worked with her for several weeks to insure a seamless transition. Business as usual has continued because of the time he spent reviewing files, working with the directors and introducing her to officials of other cities.
• •She added that the administrative staff, which has gone through two transitions, are all committed professionals, responsive to the residents and focused on their responsibilities.
• •Finally, she expressed gratitude to the many members of the community who have expressed concern and wished her well.

Acting President Hurtuk then announced that there is now a vacancy in City Council. Letters of interest and resumes are being accepted through July 12 at 4:00 p.m. by the Clerk of Council. The term will run through the end of next year. Mr. Hurtuk noted that, by Charter, the appointment must be made within 30 days, so he expects that Council will make the appointment on July 28 or July 29.

As there was no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 5:35 p.m.

__________________________________ _____________________________

Brian A. Hurtuk Misao Kurokawa

Acting President of Council Clerk of Council