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The meeting was called to order
by Mayor Aaskov and roll call was answered by the following: Commissioner Bingham Commissioner Kaleel Commissioner Pugh Commissioner Schulte
Mayor Aaskov Discuss Expectations and Assumptions Mayor Aaskov stated that several
months ago the Commission discussed having an evaluation of the Town Manager.
Mayor Aaskov advised that there was a suggestion for each Commissioner to have
individual evaluations with Town Manager Dailey. She stated that the evaluations
were completed in July and during the Regular Town Commission Meeting held on Comm Kaleel stated that his
recollection of the Expectations and Assumptions meeting was to discuss those
expectations of the Town Manager, Commission and Staff as a whole. Comm Kaleel
advised that the Commission needs to clearly define what their expectations and
objectives are from Staff. Comm Schulte stated that he
agreed with Comm Kaleel, however, he mentioned that there are items previously
discussed with Town Manager Dailey during the individual evaluations that he
would like to review. Mayor Aaskov explained that due
to the Sunshine Law the Commission is at a disadvantage because the Commission
cannot discuss their individual evaluations among each other. Mayor Aaskov also
mentioned that she does not take pleasure in discussing these issues at a public
meeting. Comm Schulte stated that it is not enjoyable for any of the Commissioners, however, he felt there was clear reason to investigate the issues from the evaluations. He also advised that there should be regular evaluations of the Staff. Comm Schulte stated that his comments during his evaluation were not complimentary. He then mentioned that a year ago the Commission was in the process of hiring a new Town Manager and the idea was to find an experienced, competent Town Manager. Comm Schulte felt that both the Commission and Town Manager Dailey had made a mistake and he did not feel Manager Dailey had the experience for the job. Comm Pugh stated that he was not
here during the hiring of Town Manager Dailey but that he was sure the procedure
of accepting applications and interviews took place. Comm Pugh advised that the
whole process of being a Town Manager is to exercise control over the community.
He also said that the evaluations took place a few weeks ago and he did not feel
Town Manager Dailey had been given a full opportunity to do what she needs to
do. Comm Pugh stated that he felt the Town had not suffered and that important
projects are moving forward. He mentioned that each Commissioner has their own
opinion but that Manager Dailey should be reviewed by what she is contributing
to the Town as a whole and not just in parts. Comm Pugh added that he did not
feel the Commission was acting in a fair and honest way. Comm Bingham stated that she
disagreed with Comm Pugh and felt that the Town Manager was hired at a certain
salary because she was supposed to be able to read and review blueprints. Comm
Bingham felt that the jobs tasks that the Town Manager was hired to do have been
contracted to other companies and people. She mentioned that she felt the salary
being paid for the Town Manager was too high for the work that is being done.
Comm Bingham also stated that she felt Town Manager Dailey has not taken hold
and gotten things done. She stated that no one is supervising the Town
Landscaper, Lewis Graham, and that the landscape work is not good and also that
there are gray areas of the budget that could be tightened up. Comm Bingham
mentioned that she likes Town Manager Dailey but does not feel she is ready to
be a Town Manager. Comm Bingham also mentioned that the Commissioners are the
protectors of the Town’s people. Comm Kaleel stated that the discussion had taken a different turn than defining expectations. Comm Kaleel agreed with Comm Pugh that a fair opportunity should be given to the Town Manager to make changes accordingly after the Commission has clearly defined what the expectations are for the whole Town and not as individuals. He also mentioned that with the drainage project a lot is being thrown at a small Town Manager. Comm Kaleel stated that the Town has to compete with Manalapan and Gulfstream and cannot pay a salary less than a Police Chief or Town Clerk. Comm Kaleel concluded that nothing has been mentioned that he feels is grounds for termination. Mayor Aaskov stated that the
Town Manager should be riding and observing the Town properties at least once a
week. She added that the residents are great and the Town Manager should spend
more time being visible and getting to know them. Mayor Aaskov advised that she
is happy with Hy-Byrd Inc. for the zoning and building review but feels that
some of the Town Managers responsibility has been taken over. Comm Schulte stated that the
Town Manager is comparable to a CEO or Chief Officer and should have moderate
understanding of the technical activities. He mentioned that he has previously
made efforts to help and give advice. Comm Shulte felt that the agendas should
be more meaningful and that the Town Attorney should not be reviewing as many
documents. Atty Spillias stated that he is
very hesitant to get involved in the discussion but stated that a Commission
assisting with the administration too closely can create difficulties. He also
advised that he reviews most contracts only for legal sufficiency and may
recommend changes if needed. Comm
Schulte stated that the senior administrator capabilities should be in place at
the time a Town Manager is hired. Comm Schulte felt that the Commission now had
a problem because they hired a trainee. He added that if there is a problem a
solution should be found and not speculated about. Comm Bingham mentioned that more
possibilities and alternatives should be included in the agenda’s. She stated
that the Commission is presented without enough backup material. Comm Bingham
also stated that the meetings are lasting long because there is not enough
information provided. Comm Pugh stated that it would
be helpful if a record is kept of old business to check on the status of pending
issues from meeting to meeting. Comm Kaleel mentioned that
former Town Manager Dunham sent memos to the Commissioners with updates on
issues and what actions had been taken. Town Clerk Hancsak clarified that the
memos and updates were done once a month by former Manager Mathis. Comm Kaleel
suggested that Town Manager Dailey tape record her comments and updates on the
Town issues and direct staff to type the memos with helpful information for the
Commissioners. Mayor Aaskov agreed that written
updates would be helpful and would prevent the Commissioners from calling with
questions. Comm Kaleel stated that the Town
Manager should be moderately familiar with the codes, finances and engineering.
Comm Schulte advised that the Town Manger does not know the finances and is
quick with excuses. Comm Kaleel stated that he
agreed in part with Comm Schulte but felt that a financial expert is not
necessary. Comm Kaleel stated enough time should be given to let Manager Dailey
demonstrate her competency and abilities. He also mentioned that all the
expectations cannot be fulfilled but Town Manager Dailey has been better than
previous Town Managers and is not worthy of statements of incompetence. Town Manager Dailey stated that
she has almost twenty years of background in her field and a Master’s Degree
in Public Administration. She added that she has been involved in putting
together award winning budgets and has the competency to make changes if they
are wanted. Town Manager Dailey advised that she had not wanted to come in and
make changes to documents that the people are used to and comfortable with
unless directed by the entire Commission. Town Manager Dailey stated that she
can read blueprints but was hired in the middle of a code rewrite and an outside
zoning review company had been hired shortly thereafter. She also mentioned that
she has been keeping a journal for the past month that lists what she is doing
outside of her regular duties. Town Manager Dailey stated that she is not an
acting Zoning Official however she is heavily involved in the stormwater
drainage project, grants, loans, and paperwork which takes as much time if not
more than Zoning duties. She mentioned she has been riding in Town at least
twice a week during the day and also on her way in to work. Town Manager Dailey
stated that she is going to miss a few details but is very capable of getting
things done. She said that there are more agenda items than usual which
contributes to the lengthy meetings and has made efforts to give as much
information as possible. Town Manager Dailey concluded that the Commission only
recently conducted evaluations and she is committed to improving on their
expectations. Mayor Aaskov stated that the
Budget Meeting would have to begin and Public Comment could be done at the
Regular Town Meeting. Adjournment Meeting
adjourned at ___________________________ Mayor Aaskov ___________________________ Commissioner Bingham Attest By: ____________________________ ________________________ Commissioner Kaleel Town Clerk ____________________________ Commissioner Pugh ___________________________ Commissioner Schulte |
