The council will meet and interview three prospective candidates for the job during closed session on Tuesday. Candidates for the position were chosen by the city's human resources director based on their resumes and backgrounds.
Mayor John Muller says he believes a final decision will be made Tuesday on a new city manager.
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Raines will leave her position on Jan. 15 after approximately two years of working as the city's top staffer.
Although no salary has been negotiated, Muller says that the new interim manager would likely be paid the same salary as Raines, which was increased in November to $192,516.
Whoever fills Raines position will be taking charge of Half Moon Bay during perhaps the city's most turbulent season. City priorities are dwarfed by the $18 million Beachwood settlement payment due later this year. A new city manager would have to learn quickly how to direct the city's efforts to avert financial collapse by either passing legislation in Sacramento or issuing bonds.
The mayor said that the council specifically requested candidates for the position who were unfamiliar with Half Moon Bay, including former city employees.
“No. 1, we're looking for a new fresh eyes, someone with no experience with the city but with strong management skills,” Muller said. “We want this person to be a good strong manager for all of our city employees.”
Muller said hiring an outsider was part of the city's effort to “move in a new direction” in regard to Beachwood.
Similarly, during its Tuesday council meeting, the city's elected officials will consider ending the contract with California Strategies — the Sacramento firm in charge of lobbying on the city's behalf for legislation to deal with the Beachwood settlement.
Instead, the council will consider hiring the services of two lobbying firms, Cline & Duplissea and Johan Klehs & Company, under a six-month contract for $15,000 a month. The two firms are headed by Republican former assemblymen Bob Cline of Los Angeles, and Bill Duplissea of San Mateo, and Democratic Assemblyman Johan Klehs of San Leandro.
“The (new lobbying firms) have good strong ties with Sacramento... we have asked them to take the lead with our capitol work,” Muller said. “We appreciate the work California Strategies has done but we'll no longer be using their services.”
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