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Dade City Commission Delays Work On City Manager Search

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By JO-ANN JOHNSTON, The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 24, 2007

DADE CITY - Commissioners tabled any decisions Tuesday on their search for a city manager.

Nineteen candidates have submitted applications, so the next logical step is to whittle them down. But after Commissioner Camille Hernandez was called out of town because of a serious family illness earlier Tuesday, the other city commissioners decided to wait for her return.

They also agreed to come to their next meeting prepared to name up to five applicants for further consideration. Acting City Manager Jim Class also may be considered for the job, board members said. Class is also the full-time finance director and city clerk.

In another matter, commissioners agreed to seek advice on the health and viability of 14 trees along Meridian Avenue that the state Department of Transportation wants to remove. The DOT has given the city time to comment on the plan.
Dade City has long considered its tree canopy an attractive asset, but some older oaks have become diseased in recent years. Distressed trees pose a potential hazard because trunks can topple and limbs can break.

Before their regular meeting, commissioners discussed possible updates to the city charter, which sets the basic rules and structures for the local government. A citizens advisory committee submitted proposals for changes and updates.

The four commissioners did not agree Tuesday with the biggest suggested change: dividing the city into five electoral districts and having voters select a commissioner to represent each district

Currently, the five board members are elected to represent the entire city.

Mayor Hutch Brock said changing from one electoral district to five is 'premature.' As the city's population grows, commissioners agreed, there may be enough voters and candidates to support five electoral districts, but there aren't enough yet.

Commissioners also noted the charter likely will be reviewed every 10 years.

With Hernandez out of town, the commission did not take any formal action on charter revisions. The matter will come up in November.

Reporter Jo-Ann Johnston can be reached at (352) 521-3062 or jfjohnston@tampatrib.com.

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