The Aurora City Council discussed the selection process for securing a city manager during its meeting on November 24.

Members agreed the City Manager Search Committee will screen the initial group of 20 to 40 applicants and their resumes. The committee will determine the top 10 most qualified candidates based primarily on two guidelines: the city’s official job description and the guidelines relating to desirable qualities and skills.

The committee will conduct meetings and act as a liaison tot he council during the process. In order to monitor expenses involved, the committee will utilize teleconference interviews if feasible. After the committee narrows the field to the top three candidates, the city council will make the final selection.

The City Manager Search Committee shall consist of seven persons -- two council members, two members from city boards and three citizens. The two City Council members shall include the mayor and one other councilman as determined by the council. The two city board members shall be determined by the council. The three citizen members shall come from the community at large.

To be considered for the committee, an interested party must obtain the signature, address and phone number of at least 10 registered voters (excluding family members) who reside within the city. The form is available at city hall and must be returned no later than Wednesday, December 9.

Search committee members will be expected to participate in a minimum of 12 to 14 meetings over the next three months. The council agreed persons who cannot commit to the time necessary should not apply.

In late October, the city council voted to return to the method of having a full time city manager and police chief. Police Chief Rick Batson had previously filled both positions. Tom Palmer, who retired from the position of city manager in 2007, is serving as interim city manager until a new person can be hired.