The Development Corporation of Snyder (DCOS) board of directors did not hold a closed session for personnel after learning it could not go behind closed doors to discuss how the DCOS should move forward.
Board member Michael Hoyle requested the closed session to discuss how “to go through the process” of replacing Executive Director Bill Lavers, who is resigning effective Oct. 27.
City Manager Merle Taylor said the board could not go into closed session for those discussions because it was not listed on the agenda.
The agenda called for the board to “deliberate the appointment, employment, evaluation, reassignment, duties, discipline or dismissal of a public officer or employee.”
Taylor said the agenda should have stated the closed session was to discuss a certain employee or a titled position.
“That is the only language we have,” Lavers said of the reason for the closed session. “(Hoyle) wanted to have a broad discussion.”
Board chairman Mark McClain said discussions about how the search should be conducted can be held openly.
Hoyle said he wanted the closed session to lay the groundwork for the search and later added that the transition would be a good time for the board to review its bylaws in closed session.
“We can show someone this is the route we are going and see if they would be interested,” Hoyle said.
McClain and Hoyle both said the board wants to be “as transparent as possible” during the search.
Lavers was asked how he learned about the opening when he applied for the job more than six years ago, when the DCOS board conducted the search on its own. Lavers said he found the posting on a website, but would recommend the board hire a search firm this time.
McClain said a search firm was used at Big Country Electric Cooperative when he was hired as the general manager. This week, the Snyder City Council voted to use a search firm to help with the hiring of the next police chief.
“They will do some profiling for you,” Taylor said of search firms. “They will take every response they get from you and the public into consideration and come up with a list of candidates.”
Lavers said he would check with the DCOS attorney on wording for a closed session and Taylor said he would also check with the city’s attorney on whether a closed session may be held to discuss “the process.”
According to the DCOS bylaws, “any requests for legal assistance shall be made by the Board or its designee to the Attorney for the City.”
McClain also asked Executive Assistant Michelle Welsh to review minutes from meetings during the previous search for an executive director.
The board scheduled a 7 a.m. meeting for Nov. 1 to discuss the search.
Also today, the board met in closed session for 41 minutes to discuss real property, prospects and incentives, but took no action in open session.