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CHARTER ISSUES ADVISORY COMMITTEE
April 18, 2002

MINUTES

Volusia County Library Support Center
1290 Indian Lake Road
Daytona Beach, Florida 32124
5:30 p.m.

Roll Call

The meeting was called to order by Committee Chair Jon Kaney at 5:35 p.m. Those present were Jack Ascherl, Doug Daniels, Maryam Ghyabi, Senta Goudy, James Huger, Jon Kaney, Charles Matousek, Allen Watts, Linda White, Matt Greeson and Dona DeMarsh from the County Manager’s Office, and Dan Eckert, County Attorney. Also present was Summer Clayton, Joie Alexander, and Matt Grimison.

Approval of Minutes of the Meeting of April 11, 2002

Matt Greeson indicated a change to the minutes. The public participation section has attributed to Joie Alexander, Jack Ascherl's proposed changes that were approved by the committee. Ms. Alexander’s suggestions were giving the State of the County Address that progress on all goals outlined in prior year be addressed and adequate progress given with an indication that the goal is carried over until the next year. Jimmy Huger made a motion to approve the minutes as corrected. Linda White seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

Discussion Regarding the Position of Chair of the Volusia County Council

Jon Kaney introduced Tom Kelly, former Volusia County Manager. Dr. Kelly addressed the committee on several issues. He began by stating that divisions have always existed throughout the world, but that it is currently more difficult to build consensus.

Dr. Kelly stated that leadership is not a product of a system. That a person in a leadership position must have the ability to build consensus, be articulate, have the ability to control during disruptive situations, have a strong desire to achieve, be goal oriented, and have a high emotional IQ – the ability to be in intense , confrontational situations and not lose control.

He further stated that when a Chair is setting goals for the State of the County address, he should build community consensus. Dr. Kelly stated that he is not in favor of an at-large elected chair, but can understand the reasoning behind the decision. He is opposed to having a full-time chair, as it causes great internal controversy and is in opposition to the Council/Manager form of government.

Dr. Kelly stated that he opposed the independent auditor being appointed by the County Council as proposed by Jon Kaney. He stated that the internal auditor gives the County Manager a list of things to audit. Dr. Kelly suggested this list be forwarded to the County Council for their comments.

In addition, Dr. Kelly stated that the fastest growing form of government is the Council/Manager form of government and that the most important part of our charter is the non-interference clause, according to Dr. Kelly. After concluding, he opened the floor for questions.

Senta Goudy stated that she felt having a chair for more than one term was very beneficial. Tom Kelly agreed.

Senta Goudy stated that she wanted to hear from Howard Tipton. Matt Greeson will arrange to have Howard speak.

Allen Watts asked how Dr. Kelly was able to keep the Council from being involved in adminstrivia. Dr. Kelly responded that he kept them involved in the excitement of change.

Linda White asked Dr. Kelly why he thought the group was put together. Dr. Kelly stated that two reasons were the cities unhappiness with the County over the CRA issue and increasing squabbling among the council members.

Jon Kaney asked if this charter can work for anyone besides Dr. Kelly. Yes, stated Dr. Kelly, there are many qualified people to fill the role of County Manager.

Senta Goudy stated she would like to hear from elected officials as well.

Doug Daniels stated that he wants the charter to create a job that people want. He further stated that Ben Johnson raised $270,000 for a county-wide campaign. He stated that undesireable candidates will not be able to raise large amounts of money. Mr. Daniels continued by stating that the chair should not be a full-time position – a $70,000 salary should be part time and that the chair should be able to have other employment.

Charles Matousek stated that we may call the position parttime but it is in reality a full-time position. Dr. Kelly stated that the reason they keep themselves so busy is that they have to be re-elected every two years.

Future speakers were discussed. The following are potential speakers: Lance DeHaven Smith, Howard Tipton, Bill Frederick, Rich Crotty, John Delaney, and Linda Hood.

Linda White wanted to discuss full time versus part time again. The following motion was made and approved: the Charter will not require the Chair to be full time, nor preclude outside employment and will be silent on the issue.

Jack Ascherl opened up the discussion on salary. He made a motion that members receive 50% and the Chair receive 60% of the state guidelines for county commissioners. The motion failed 5 to 4.

Allen Watts made a motion to pay 75% of the state guidelines. That motion failed 8 to 1.

Jack Ascherl made a motion that the members receive 50% of the state guidelines for county commissioners. It was approved unanimously.

A motion was made that the Council Chair receive 100% of the state guidelines by Charles Matousek. The motion passed 5 to 4 with Jon Kaney, Allen Watts, Jack Ascherl and Jimmy Huger dissenting.

With no further business to discuss the meeting was adjourned at 7:35.

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