City Manager Performance Evaluation Committee

City Manager Performance Evaluation Committee City Hall Room 302A 10 N. Division Street Battle Creek, MI 49014 Wednesday, October 11, 2017 2:00 p.m. Committee Members Present: Vice Mayor Susan Baldwin and Commissioners Andy Helmboldt and Kaytee Faris Committee Members Absent: Mayor Dave Walters Staff Present: Rebecca Fleury, City Manager: Nancy Mullett, Labor Attorney: Vicki Houser, City Clerk Call to Order: Comm. Helmboldt called the meeting to order at 2:00 p.m. Public Comment: None Approval of Minutes: A motion was made by Comm. Faris, supported by Vice Mayor Baldwin, to approve the September 6, 2017 City Manager Performance Evaluation Committee minutes. All yes, none opposed. Motion approved. Bi-Monthly Performance Review Ms. Fleury stated she, along with Mr. Dearing and Mr. Hart, were having several meetings, including entrepreneurship and business retention, noting a lot of interest in the downtown area, especially with recent news related to the Heritage Tower. Ms. Fleury also stated there has been some interest in the Tree House facility, ConAgra/Ralston. Ms. Fleury noted arrangements are being made for the Commission Orientation work session, stating Attorney Scott Smith would be making the presentation on November 21st. Ms. Fleury also informed the committee that she has talked with Mr. Dams about a possible Commission retreat to set the City Manager goals on January 18, 2018, to be followed up with a Senior Staff retreat. Comm. Faris suggested a Commission outline and calendar be created to ensure the Commission is prepared throughout the year. Comm. Helmboldt recommended the outline include contract season, employee benefits, budgets, etc., times when decisions are generally being made, with expirations for several items. Commission Highlights and Concerns Comm. Helmboldt noted he received communications from Mayor Walters, and Commissioners Godfrey and Behnke. Comm. Helmboldt informed the Committee that Comm. Godfrey complimented the open communication provided by Ms. Fleury, stating it is more than he received in all his prior years. Regarding Comm. Behnke’s comments, Comm. Helmboldt noted the comments were related to the Metcalf Lake property and some staff responsiveness. As to the Calhoun Conservation District and Metcalf Lake, Committee members discussed the other organizations and properties the Conservation District has worked with, a current MSP investigation of the former director, and a letter sent from Attorney Steele regarding failure to meet the provisions in the contract. Comm. Helmboldt also noted Comm. Behnke would be meeting with Ms. Fleury and the Mayor to discuss staff and resident security at City Hall. Ms. Fleury informed the committee that staff has been working on security issues, stating there were discussions to block the east and west stairwells, forcing use of the main stairway. Ms. Fleury stated Brendan Pizzala has been hired as the new safety representative, identifying floor wardens, increasing the number of security cameras and consideration of hiring a security guard. Regarding the complaints about responsiveness from Mr. Dearing and Mr. Hart, Ms. Fleury stated the concerns have been addressed with both gentlemen, stating they were not aware of any business that had not received a response. 1 Ms. Fleury stated they were also looking at software to track contacts and working with JWG to establish evaluation criteria and dress attire. Comm. Helmboldt informed the committee of concerns raised by Mayor Walters regarding the activities of the Cereal City Development Corporation, specifically economic development resources to entrepreneurs and small business owners who have previously filed legal action against the City. Committee members discussed Mayor Walters’ concerns regarding Cereal City Development Corporation resources. Comm. Helmboldt stated he would follow-up with the Commissioners who expressed concerns to let them know the committee had discussed them, stating he would offer more specifics personally to the Commissioners. Committee Discussion: Ms. Fleury expressed appreciation to Comm. Helmboldt for serving as Chair of the Committee. Next Meeting: December 6, 2017 at 2:00 pm in Room 302A Adjournment: Comm. Helmboldt adjourned the meeting at 2:55 p.m. 2