NEW CITY CHARTER IN RESTROSPECT. Pensacola City Manager Tom Bonfield addressed the Charter Review Commission on March 17, 2008. At that time, Bonfield had 30 years of local government administration, including 23 years as a city manager and nearly 10 as Pensacola city manager. Bonfield emphasized the professional training and ethical standards of his position. Among the prohibitions on him in this position were political activities except for voting. He also could not own investment property, except for his residence, and was committed to serving the best interests of all citizens, not just those who support a particular point of view or who are associated with a particular power base in the community. Among those weighing in on this presentation are CRC chair Crystal Spencer, League of Women Voters' Sharon Barnett, John Peacock and Jim Reeves. EXCERPT OF THE MINUTES: City Manager Bonfield presentation points: = Summarization of professional background - Credentialed manager - International City County Management Association (ICMA) - Professional and ethical standards by which all ICMA members must adhere - Understanding of Council-Manager form of government and its structure in general - Appointment and removal of City Manager - Duties of City Manager - Question of national "movement" to the Mayor-Council form of government and its statistical validity Upon completion of his presentation, City Manager Bonfield offered to answer specific questions of the CRC. Those questions included: • Out-dated provisions of the City charter • Unique issue of Civil Service requirement in the City of Pensacola -- moving issue forward to Legislature • Question of City Manager's requirement to reside within city limits CRC CHAIRPERSON SPENCER: Indicated that it would be helpful if City Manager Bonfield and staff review the city's Charter and provide a written report of glaring issues in the charter that are no longer relevant. Also indicated that a paper from the League of Women Voters and their concerns would be helpful as well.March 5, 2008 5 CITY MANAGER BONFIELD: Commented that he and staff would be glad to provide a report of those things that are not really policy oriented. He did not want to get ahead of the CRC and its work. Questions to City Manager Bonfield continued: • CRC budget being funded by sale of surplus city property -- status of sale • Current expenditure of CRC funds for Ms. Stopp and Mr. Freedman • Model City Charter's address of strong political leadership • City Manager's initiative to bring forward issues to Council for action • Manager and staff process for addressing issues facing city • Goal setting/visioning workshop of Council -- what's working, what needs to be improved • A City Manager's knowledge of his/her role(s) • Present charter and operating procedures of Council to provide for setting the strategic agenda for the City • City Manager's sensibility to the politics involved with Council • City's operation likened to a business model • ICMA's membership of City and County administrators • City Council's evaluation of the City Manager • Process for Council Members to present items and/or ideas to Council • City Manager's involvement in political issues endorsed by the Council • Mayor-Council form of government modeled after the federal system • City Manager's role in referendum issues • City Manager Bonfield being a bright spot in direction in political process • Sources of expected leadership • City Manager's working relationship with Mayor Due to the lateness of the hour, Chairperson Spencer wanted to allow for comments from the citizens. The following citizens spoke before the CRC to address their concerns: Sharon Barnett -- questioned the implementation of the Civil Service act, Home Rule, issues to be considered by the CRC, and League would behappy to present a paper and answer any questions from the CRC Council Member Sam Hall - informed the CRC that the Comprehensive Plan is available on-line John Peacock -- distinct differences between the Council--Manager form of government and the Mayor-Council form of government CRC CHAIRPERSON SPENCER: Asked if anyone else had questions of City Manager Bonfield. Commented that she did not want to cut off discussion by the CRC, but wanted to be sure the citizens had a chance to March 5, 2008 6 speak considering the lateness of the hour. She further indicated the CRC's appreciation of City Manager Bonfield addressing the CRC. CITY MANAGER BONFIELD: Thanked the CRC for the opportunity and indicated that he would be happy to address the CRC again in the future if requested.

• published: 23 Jun 2014
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