06 City Council Special Mtg Min 12-15-06
SPECIAL MEETING
OF THE CITY COUNCIL, CITY OF PARIS
December 15, 2006
The City Council of the City of Paris met for a special meeting at 6:00 P. M. Friday,
December 15, 2006, at the City Council Chamber, 107 E. Kaufman, Paris, Texas.
Present:
Mayor:
Richard Manning
Council Members: Tim Ray; Curtis Fendley; Mary Ann
Fisher, Mayor Pro Tern; Kevin Gray; Jesse
James Freelen; and Don Wilson
City Staff:
John Lestock, Assistant City Attorney; and
Janice Ellis, City Clerk
1. Mayor Manning called the meeting to order.
Shawn Napier gave the invocation.
2. Pledge of Allegiance.
Council Member Ray led the pledge.
3. Consideration of and action on the appointment of an interim City Manager.
Mayor Manning said he wanted to have this meeting to get input from the Council as
to who they wanted to consider for interim. He also said there were several firms that could
provide them with an interim City Manager and provided Council with literature from Texas
First Group.
Mayor Manning asked John Lestock to clarify the Temporary Restraining Order. Mr.
Lestock advised Council that pending litigation was not on the Agenda, so it could not be
discussed in detail. He stated the Order did not prohibit the City from appointing an interim
City Manager.
Council Member Wilson said rather than putting up names, they should go with a
firm. He thanked Mayor Manning for getting the literature from Texas First Group.
Mayor Manning said he also had several pages of firm names he had received from TML.
Council Member Fendley said they had used Texas First Group and the person they sent did
Special City Council Meeting
December 15, 2006
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a good job. Mayor Manning asked for Council's approval to contact Texas First Group in
order to get an interim.
Council Member Fendley made a Motion to allow Mayor Manning to contact the
Texas First Group, see what is available, and look at starting the process with them after the
public hearing on December 28th. Council Member Freelen seconded the Motion. The
Motion carried, 7-ayes, O-nays.
Council Member Wilson asked for clarification on the Motion. He said he wanted
Mayor Manning to go ahead and contact the group, so they could start working on this in
order to get someone after the first of the year. Council Member Fendley said that was his
intention.
4. Consideration of and action on appointment of counsel, Lynn Pahm & Ross, LLP, to
assist in transition of city manager.
Mayor Manning said this firm had worked for the City for several years and could be
of help to the City. Council Member Fendley wanted to know if they would be on a retainer
or on an as is needed basis. Mayor Manning said on an as is needed basis to give Council
legal advice during this situation. He stated that he wanted to make sure the public hearing
was conducted legally. Council Member Wilson said he thought it was a good ideal. Mayor
Manning said if there is a severance agreement, they could utilize the firm. Council Member
Fendley asked if money was budgeted for legal counsel and John Lestock answered in the
affirmative.
A Motion to approve was made by Council Member Fisher and seconded by Council
Member Wilson. Motion carried, 7 ayes - 0 nays.
Mayor Manning stated he thought they should get some information about the
procedures. He asked about having a meeting on Tuesday, December 19th to get guidance
from the law firm. He stated he also could give them any additional information from Texas
First Group. Council Member Wilson said he thought it was a good ideal. Mayor Manning
said they need the firm to guide them, if it is in executive session or what, to deal with
whatever they have to deal with.
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December 15, 2006
Page 3
5. Adjournment.
There being no further business, Council Member Free1en made a Motion to adjourn
and Council Member Fisher seconded the Motion. The meeting was adjourned at 6:15 p.m.
RICHARD MANNING, MAYOR
JANICE ELLIS, CITY CLERK