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- New manager a few steps closer
- SUNNYSIDE (3-24-98)--When Sunnyside gets a new city manager, it's probably going to be the right guy or gal.
Reporters covering last night's workshop became increasingly aware of their own sore rumps as councilmen carefully crafted the hiring process.
Whoever comes on board will be paid from $54,492 to $66,252. Perks and fringies are still up for discussion.
He will need top skills in relations with the public, labor, staff, the council, and outside agencies. He also needs to be an ace at finance and budgeting.
The new manager will take the helm of a city with an ethnically diverse population, a $21-million annual budget, and 92 full-time employees. He'll delegate work to a city attorney, police chief, fire chief, and directors of finance, planning, parks/recreation, and public works.
Ads for the post likely will be placed in the Sunnyside Daily Sun-News, Tri-City Herald, and Yakima Herald Republic. Also considered were metro papers throughout the Northwest and Northern California.
- A screening committee for Ms. or Mr. Right likely will be named by March 30. Each councilman will name a surrogate to represent himself. Committee members needn't live in Sunnyside city limits, but each must have strong ties to the town. The committee chair will be named by Mayor Ed Prilucek.
- Though nothing is set in concrete, the process will probably go something like this:
- During initial screening, the committee will keep applicant names secret.
- "The City Council and media will be kept informed of the process and progress, but information that could breach the confidentiality of the applicants will not be provided", said a draft.
- After screening, the committee will forward seven names to staff and council.
- "During this process, the screening committee will strive to maintain confidentiality of applicants, and will not allow other influences into their selection process," said the document.
- Interview dates will be set, likely over a two-day period. All seven candidates will take the hotseat the first day, with the top three coming back the second.
- If the council can't reach consensus on the top three, they left open an option to start again from scratch.
- In other business, the council discussed helping new and existing businesses in town or those ready for annexation. The issue arose with C.Speck Motors' request to have the city annex its car dealership east of town.
- The city has had a policy since 1993 of helping new businesses in many ways, if the business enhances the Sunnyside's quality of life, creates jobs, or increases tax revenues for the city. C-Speck is expected to increase various tax revenues by around $100,000 a year.
- Help rendered to new or existing businesses usually includes extending city streets and utilities on public lands to the business location.
- The council agreed to study the city's existing policy, with an eye toward revisions later on.
- "Whatever we come up with, I want to make sure it treats all businesses equally and fairly,' said Councilman Chad Werkhoven.