09.10.2021 - City Council Minutes (Mtg)City of Clermont
MINUTES
SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING
September 10, 2021
The Clermont City Council met at a Special Meeting on Friday, September 10, 2021, in the
Clermont City Council Chambers. Mayor Murry opened the meeting at 5:30pm with the following
Council Members present: Bates, Purvis, Pines, Entsuah.
Other City officials present were Acting City Manager Davidoff, City Attorney Mantzaris and City
Clerk Howe.
Opening Comments
Mayor Murry opened the meeting by introducing the City's consultant Doug Thomas.
Doug Thomas, SGR — Mr. Thomas provided an overview of the process. He advised the Council
that if they should decide on one candidate this evening, they should also select a backup candidate
if their first choice falls through.
Selection of City Manager
Council Member Bates thanked all four candidates for coming to Clermont. In his opinion, two
candidates really stood out as a better fit for the City and they were Dan Matthys and Brian
Bulthuis. He considered both to be really equal.
Council Member Purvis stated that all four candidates were outstanding. His top two choices are
also Dan Matthys and Brian Bulthuis.
Council Member Entsuah agreed with the previous Council Members. His top two choices are also
Dan Matthys and Brian Bulthuis.
Council Member Pines stated that Brian Bulthuis is her number 1 and Dan Matthys is her number 2.
Mayor Murry stated that all four candidates were great. However, he believes that Brian Bulthuis is
his number 1 and Dan Matthys is his number 2 choices.
Council Member Bates expressed concerns that Mr. Bulthuis has not had experience overseeing a
large group of employees, but also stated that Mr. Matthys has only supervised a limited staff
himself. Mr. Matthys seemed to have more energy and drive.
Council Member Pines stated that Mr. Bulthuis is a true City Manager. He has experience in all the
relevant areas. He has experience dealing with Police and Fire. Mr. Matthys does not have any of
that experience.
Council Member Entsuah stated that he has been impressed with Mr. Bulthuis dedication to his
former community where he has been in that position for 25 years. He was impressed with the
energy and drive with Mr. Matthys.
Council Member Bates asked how much catching up Brian will have to do coming from out of
state. Council Member Pines stated that Georgia is not dissimilar from Florida.
City of Clermont
MINUTES
SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING
September 10, 2021
Council Member Purvis stated that he is impressed with the fire he saw in Mr. Matthys. He is
always a fan of giving the upstart a change, but after talking with residents he is throwing his
support for Brian.
Mayor Murry stated that maybe there is an opportunity for Mr. Bulthuis to recruit Mr.Matthys if the
Council decides to make the offer to Mr. Bulthuis.
Mr. Thomas informed the Council that he typically sees a lot of new City Managers come from a
Community Development and Planning background. He informed the Council that there were no
red flags with either candidate and that both will have the ability to step into the role.
MOTION TO DIRECT the City Attorney and SGR to initiate contract negotiations with
Brian Bulthuis for the position of City Manager for the City of Clermont made by Council
Member Bates. Seconded by Council Member Purvis. Passed unanimously with all members
present voicing aye.
Mr. Thomas presented an overview of the relocation process and start date for the new manager. It
was clarified that the City would pay for relocation expenses after the new City Manager gets three
(3) quotes on moving companies.
The Council discussed when they would like a start date. Council Member Purvis stated he would
like the manager to start within 30 to 45 days.
Mr. Thomas concluded his presentations by thanking staff, especially Debra Rybarczyk, for all the
assistance provided during this process.
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City of Clermont
MINUTES
SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING
September 10, 2021
Adjourn: The meeting concluded at 6:17 pm with no further comments.
APPROVED:
Tim Murry, Ma or
ATTEST:
Tracy Ackroyd Howe, City Clerk