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_ 8. MATTERS FOR COMMISSION'SREVIEW/ACTION a. Innut on Characteristics of New Planning Director This item was continued from the Planning Commission meeting of June 9, 2004. Ms. McKeehan advised that the brochure for the seazch was out and that her office would begin screening candidates soon. As the screening progressed, she would like to get input from the Planning Commission regarding chazacteristics to focus on or de-emphasize. She noted that the application deadline has passed and that the applications would go first to an executive recruiter. She described the interviewing and narrowing process; she noted that the use of an executive recruiter not only provided a professional face to the process but also was helpful in attracting candidates who were not actively seeking a position. She noted that the new City Manager would be involved in selecting the final person who would serve as Planning Director. She hoped that she would be able to provide input and would defer to the new City Manager's preference. She noted that Mr. Swift would be involved as well and added that he would be willing to assist in the General Plan process. Commissioner Arkin requested that the finalists give a short presentation before the Commission, followed by aQuestion-and-Answer session. Ms. McKeehan replied that may be problematic because it would need to be noticed as a meeting, and some candidates may not have informed their current employers that they were involved in this seazch. She explained that there _ would be a mock presentation component in the selection process, as well as an extensive review of qualifications and previous experiences. Commissioner Kameny noted that he had spoken with the recruiter about Ms. McKeehan's replacement and suggested that they look in communities similaz to Pleasanton for a replacement. He added that she and Mr. Swift would be very difficult to adequately replace. Commissioner Maas suggested that the replacement be encouraged to live in Pleasanton. Ms. McKeehan noted that the City could not require the replacement to live in Pleasanton and added that most Department Heads do live in Pleasanton. Chairperson Roberts noted that the new Planning Director must have a high level of confidence and be able to stand up to the pressure of special interest groups. Commissioner Sullivan believed that the new Planning Director should be open to the involvement of community groups in the decision-making process. Chairperson Roberts believed that the new Planning Director must be able to balance the needs of their staff and those of the City at-large and should exercise patience with the public. Ms. McKeehan advised that she would keep the Commission informed and noted that there would be a hiatus in the selection process soon to allow the new City Manager to make the final decision. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES June 23, 2004 Page 14 of 15