Council MIN 06-29-2006 Special
FEDERAL WAY CITY COUNCIL
Council Chambers - City Hall
June 29, 2006
Special Meeting
6:00 PM
MINUTES
(www.cityoffedera/way.com)
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1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER
Mayor Park called the special meeting to order at 6:05 PM.
Councilmembers Burbidge, Dovey, Faison, Kochmar, McColgan, Deputy 'Mayor' Ferrell.',
and Mayor Park present.
2. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION
Councilmember McColgan, Chair of the City Manager Search Committee, reviewed the
process Council used in determining candidates for the City Manager. He stated choosing a
City Manager is a difficult decision and he appreciated the public process, the interview
panels' input as well as the input of the management staff.
Councilmember McColgan announced Council narrowed the choice down to two final
candidates: Derek Matheson and Neal Beets. He believes these two candidates presented
themselves as the best candidates for Federal Way. He stated that Mr. Beets has more
experience in economic development and if the decision is broken down he would vote for
Mr. Beets based on his experience.
Councilmember Kochmar stated that after meeting all five finalists, it boiled down to who
would be the best fit for the City. While Mr. Matheson knows Federal Way, Mr. Beets has
more experience and rose to the top.
Councilmember Dovey stated that all finalists were strong but he feels that Mr. Beets is the
most qualified based on his experience and maturity.
Deputy Mayor Ferrell echoed the previous statements and praised the process. He
complimented Mr. Matheson for his work as Interim City Manager but feels that Mr. Beets
would be best suited for the City Manager position.
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Councilmember Burbidge expressed her thanks to the community and staff for their input
into the process. She feels there are two strong finalists: Mr. Matheson with his education,
history with Federal Way, and integrity; and Mr. Beets with his breadth and depth of
experience in economic development and strategic planning.
Councilmember Faison echoed his colleagues' sentiments and stated that he hopes Mr.
Matheson will stay on with the City but believes that Mr. Beets is the right fit for City
Manager.
Mayor Park echoed the comments of the rest of Council and thanked those who served on
the public interview panels and appreciated their input as well as the input of the staff.
MOTION: Councilmember McColgan moved to appoint Neal Beets as City Manager and
authorize the Mayor to execute a mutually acceptable employment contract. Deputy Mayor
Ferrell second. The motion carried 7-0.
3. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Park adjourned the meeting at 6:29 PM.
ATTEST: