MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL

			Wichita, Kansas, May 25, 2004
			Tuesday, 6:32 P.M.

	The City Council met in special session with Mayor Mayans in the Chair.  Council Members Brewer, Fearey, Gray, Martz, Schlapp; present, (Lambke absent).

	Cathy Holdeman, Interim City Manager; Gary Rebenstorf, Director of Law; Karen Sublett, City Clerk; present.

Mayor Mayans	Mayor Mayans stated that the purpose of the special meeting is for the City Council to vote to authorize the employment of a new City Manager.  Stated that the process has been very comprehensive and deliberate and that the Council and staff took this very seriously.  Stated that the Council wanted the input of the focus group and the citizens committee regarding the qualities of candidates for this job.  The focus group and committee was picked to represent the broadest groups in the community and that they respected the confidentiality of the candidates and conducted long hours and is also proud of the way the Council conducted themselves through this process.  Stated that the Council picked someone based on what that person could do for the City of Wichita and that Mr. George Kolb is our next City Manager.

Council Member Brewer	Council Member Brewer stated that this was a grueling process and was pleased with the Citizens Committee.  Stated that this was a difficult choice to make because all of the candidates had done outstanding things in their communities.  Stated that he is looking forward to working with Mr. Kolb and having him come to the City of Wichita and thinks that he has a lot to bring to the City.

Council Member Fearey	Council Member Fearey stated that she is also looking forward to working with Mr. Kolb and that he will bring a good prospective to the City as we move to the future.

Council Member Martz	Council Member Martz thanked all of the citizens that were involved in this process and thanked his fellow Council Members and that Mr. Kolb was the top choice across the board.

Council Member Schlapp	Council Member Schlapp sated that she is very pleased that the Council made this choice and they worked with an incredible committee and is proud of the City of Wichita.  Stated that this was a great learning experience and is excited about the choice that the Council made.

Council Member Gray	Council Member Gray stated that he was impressed with the work that the focus groups and committee did and that this process was a difficult decision because all five of the candidates were very talented.  Stated that he will stand behind Mr. Kolb 100% and that he was the best choice.  

Mayor Mayans	Mayor Mayans thanked Cathy Holdeman, Gary Rebenstorf and the rest of staff for their hard work and that he heard from each candidate what a wonderful City and Staff we had.

Motion--	Mayans moved that the City Council select George Kolb to serve as the City Manager for the City of Wichita and the Mayor be authorized to negotiate terms for a letter extending an offer of employment to 
     --carried	Mr. Kolb.  Motion carried 6 to 0, (Lambke absent).

Motion--carried	Mayans moved to adjourn the special meeting at 6:47 p.m.  Motion carried 6 to 0, (Lambke absent).


Adjournment	The City Council meeting adjourned at 6:47 p.m.



	Karen Sublett
	City Clerk

CITY COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS
JOURNAL 181	                   MAY 25, 2004		PAGE 74