Consultant: Rhonda Hassan has a scheduling conflict; offers phone/video or weekend meeting

Renee Norlock told the council that one recommended external candidate, Rhonda Hassan, was unavailable for the scheduled July 29 interviews and explained possible accommodations to ensure the council could consider her application.

"She offered to come Saturday or Sunday immediately," Norlock said, and added that Hassan could also do a phone or video appearance if necessary. Norlock said Hassan has long experience as a senior assistant city attorney in Fort Lauderdale and that the consultant's preference was to focus on candidates who could appear next week while trying to work with Hassan's schedule if the council preferred.

Councilmembers discussed whether to permit remote appearances or to accept Saturday/Sunday meetings; the mayor and several members said they were willing to accommodate Hassan if needed.