Town Government Structure Committee
Wheeler Library
October 5, 2016
Call to order by Chair Paul Simonds.
Attendance: Paul Simonds, Daniel Smith, Anne Nelson, Nita Kincaid, Dan Spring.
Absent: Bill Ricker and Diana Urban
Guests: Joyce Stille, Past President City Town Manager’s Association, Administrative Officer, Town of Bolton
Jeff Bridges, Town Manager, Wethersfield, CT
John Ellsesser, Town Manager, Coventry, CT
Shawn Murphy, First Selectman, North Stonington, CT
Chairman Paul Simonds opened meeting at 7:35 pm and introduced our speakers in their presentation of “Council-Manager form of Government.” It was prepared by the CT Town/City Management Association for Presentation to North Stonington.
It was noted that the towns represented all had a charter which is a long process and their organization would be supportive if we chose to pursue a charter or enter into the process of the Council-Manager option.
The presentation was very complete (overview attached) and questions concerning their budget, how many employees, unions, responsibilities of selectmen vs manager. The ICMA initiative “Life, Well Run”
was a short movie about living in communities that had this form of government and focused on sustainability, infrastructure, housing and economic development. Transforming good communities into great communities. Communities run by a professional manager turns policy into reality. Implementing the Plan of Conservation and Development into reality.
Other key highlights of the presentation was stressed by all presenters the need to keeping people informed, gather information for elected officials. Look at staffing. Perhaps someone can handle another position, making best use of their time for productivity.
Managers are usually educated (MPA’s) and experienced. In Connecticut hybrids of the council-manager form of government. , Chief Executive Officer, Town Administrator, Administrative Officer, General Manager.
Discussed code of standards, ethics and sanctions, utilizing and Ethics Committee.
Encourage contact with other towns for shared resources, regional sharing with other towns for supplies and shared services. Ordinances such as a “fracking” ordinance, land use committee.
Percent of US towns/cities use council-manager form?
59% of US cities with a population of 2,500 or more. 92 million people in the US live under this form.
331 ICMA recognized communities
Average tenure of Manager: 7 years
67% have advanced degrees MPA.
Meeting adjourned at 9:00 pm. Next meeting will take place on October 19, 2016, 7:30 pm at Wheeler Library.
Notes from Presentation
How does council-manager government work?
- Elected council represents community and develops long range vision. Established policy to govern overall operations of municipal organization
- Council appoints professional manager.
Role of Town Council
Legislation and policy making body.
Power is centralized in elected council
Mayor/Chair/or First Selectman is in charge of the council.
ROLE of the Chair/Mayor/First Selectman
-Hired on basis of merit to serve council and community
-Serves at pleasure of governing body
-Makes policy recommendations to council for its consideration and final decision
-Implements Council Policy
-Control in hands of elected official
(Use iPad’s for town business)
Duties of Appointed Manager (Admin)
-Serves as CEO-oversees work of municipal departments
-Administrator of personnel, provide direction and leadership to department heads
-Mange of public funds
-Prepares annual budget and multi-capital improvement program
-Ensures fiscal responsibility and modern accounting practices
-Implementation of programs and policies, works with elected officials and community to achieve common goals and objectives
-Coordination of service delivery. Anticipates future needs, organizes work operations
-Hire, lead and supervise staff
-Oversees finances of the town
Benefits of Council/Manager Government
-Frees elected officials to focus on policy making and community issues
-Empowers elected officials to lead and develop a vision for the community
-Offers the flexibility required to enable a community to go into new directions while providing continuity during transitions
-Continuity helps bond ratings
-Has network of peers to help problem solve and innovate
-Encourages open communication between citizens and government-political power is not concentrated in the chair but shared by all members of the council
-Diffuses the power of special interests, all constituents and interests have a voice, not just those well-funded
-Applies knowledge to solve problems and find resources (grants, legal, and personnel problems)
-Eliminates partisan politics from personnel, financial and contracting decisions
-Merit based on qualifications and performance
-Encourages development and retention of talented municipal employees
-Fosters professional ethics
Value of Professional Manager to Community
-Assists council vision and long range strategic planning
-Recommends cost saving ideas and productivity improvement
-Enhances community responsiveness to its citizens through accountability and fiscal accountability
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