The process of hiring a new Sonoma City Manager begins

This Monday, the Sonoma City Council will authorize the current, but retiring City Manager, Carol Giovanotto, to send a Request for Proposals (RFP) to recruiting firms which specialize in finding and hiring city managers.

Typically, the hiring of a professional recruitment firm includes evaluating the professional experience of the firm, and outlining the procedures and process used in the hiring of a new city manager. Once selected, the agenda summary for the meeting indicates that the firm will work with the existing City Manager and city Council in the review and selection process.

It is unclear at this point as to the level of public participation, if any, in the process of outlining the type of City Manager hired, or even if there will any formal opportunity for the public to express its opinion on candidates, qualifications or the final choice.

The RFP authorization appears on the Consent Calendar with other items which may be considered for passage in one motion. Any member of the public or council may ask that the item (4D) be removed from the Consent Calendar for separate consideration, discussion, public comment and approval.

The City Council meeting begins at 6:00 in the Community Meeting Room on First St. West.