16 - Appointment of New Fire Chief Michael Vogel

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Item No. 16 u TO: Mayor & City Council FROM: John Godwin, City Manager SUBJECT: FIRE CHIEF DATE: February 12, 2019 BACKGROUND: Section 23 of the city charter, "Council not to interfere in appointments or removals," ironically states that the council may not direct the city manager in appointment of any of his/her subordinates, yet goes on to add "the appointment of department heads shall be subject to the approval of the council." This simply means that councils are supposed to vote to ratify director recommendations from the manager, avoiding becoming involved in evaluating or considering alternative candidates in any way. STATUS OF ISSUE: As I advised the city council previously by written report, we went through an extensive selection process, culminating in interviews of six candidates, including two excellent internal candidates, over one and one-half days. At the conclusion of the interview and review process, our working group selected two finalists, and we ultimately narrowed that to one, with whom we have since negotiated a pay rate and start date. Mike Vogel, currently a deputy chief in Arlington, Texas, is scheduled to begin work as the new Paris fire chief on Monday, April 1, and should be at our February 25 meeting to be introduced to the council and the public. BUDGET: Personnel costs are wholly budgeted. RECOMMENDATION: Approve the city manager's appointment of Mike Vogel as fire chief.