The coverage of last night's City Council meeting was kind in that it glossed over the raw emotions and suspicions that need to be overcome in the search for a new city manager, but also in the determination of who will function in the role on an interim basis when Manager Mary Corriveau retires this spring.
After meeting with the four Council members this past two weeks, I proposed a hands-on process where Council makes the key decisions while relying on professional advice on keeping a process on track. We stayed away from head hunters which are costly and can produce dubious results.
The low key presentation by former Maple City manager John Krol seemed to me a reasonable and rationale way to manage expectations, egos, agendas and ultimately the selection of a manager.
Mr. Krol had reasearched the experience Council had in two previous searches including the grueling 13 month search after the departure of Karl Amylon in 1994. It's not rocket science and good hiring practices are already in print in materials from the International City Manager Association.
However keeping a process on track and retaining the confidence of Council members already rubbed raw over recent events would benefit from the steady hand of a trusted and respected figure like Mr. Krol.
There were different views last night, but I believe there was a general consensus on this approach.
City Council Gets Advice from Former City Manager
9 comments:
DPW. You avoided it, denied it, became blinded to it, ignored it. Now do something about it. It was the center of all difficulties.
Earth to Mayor: You are paid to run the city. Earn your paycheck.
Anonymous 10:47 - I totally agree with your post. City Council is looking for cover should the process go South. When it does, I suggest they go South, too. You can't market us, glorify us, pander to us, then get outside help to do your job.
Yes Mayor from now on you design and engineer the public square yourself and recruit executives and write their job descriptions too. Don't ever ask for any expert help again. You have people that are experts right here to tell you what to do. Experts at what...no one can figure out but experts just the same.
And who is this Slye guy you keep having the city pay for? He was never elected either. You should know the law Jeff...that's why we elected you. If not, just ask Danny for your legal advice too...he knows everything. There is nothing that guy serving as a city manager learned over the years that Danny doesn't know.
Manager for a Day ?
Five Council members Five day work week.
Let Butler do Mondays, Smith Tuesdays, Macaluso Wednesdays and Roxy on Thursdays.
Graham can do Friday and the weekend because he doesn't have family to worry about.
Problem solved.
While I am not a Mary fan or hater,I have to give her kudos for telling them(the ambush crowd) to stick their kind offer for her to do their budget and help find her own replacement.She said thanks but no thanks, and handed their hats right back to em..Bully for her..
Word on the street, "a council member has a big head, and would like the job"; that's how all this came about.
And now were spending 10K on a consultant? Wasnt this a decision made by you and not the council?
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