November 15, 2017 minutes

Chairman Barrett called the meeting to order at 8:01 p.m. He led those assembled in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Town Administrator Search process – Community Paradigm Associates

Chairman Barrett said that the proposed contract between the Town and Community Paradigm Associates for the Town Administrator Search Process was circulated to Board members. None has any questions.

MOTION by Selectman Dalton, duly seconded by Selectman Crawford: I move to approve the contract between the Town and Community Paradigm Associates for the Town Administrator Search Process as presented. Vote was unanimous.

Chairman Barrett said that the Board wished the process to move as expeditiously as possible. Input from Town department heads and the public will be invited through forums. The salary and compensation could be reduced slightly from the present salary, to about $160,000.

Bernard Lynch of Community Paradigm Associates thanked the Board for this opportunity. He said the timeline could be affected by the difficult market and the holiday season, but he recognizes that the Board wishes to adopt a short schedule if possible. His firm has begun putting together a community profile and he a description of the positon. He is seeking the input of the Board on the qualities being sought and the challenges the new town administrator will face. He said he has discussed the position with a few people in the region and he believes that, despite a busy season of town administrator openings, there will be interest in this position

Mr. Lynch said that said a timeline that would result in a hiring by the beginning of the year will be a challenge and he cannot guarantee it can be achieved. He suggested holding the community forum and meeting with department heads next week. He will circulate the candidate profile to potential applicants. Advertisements will be placed in the next few days. The screening committee will then meet to review resumes, interview six to eight semifinalists, and recommend three finalists to be interview by the Board. All this will be done before the end of the year.

Chairman Barrett said that he believes Lynnfield will attract a number of highly qualified candidates due to its reputation for excellence. Selectman Dalton said he is very satisfied with the proposed timeline and process. Selectman Crawford said that even after a candidate is chosen, the Town may have to wait 45 to 60 days due to notice given to the candidate’s’ present employer. He said even if the process goes well, the new town administrator may not be working in Lynnfield until the end of February.

Chairman Barrett said he discussed with Mr. Lynch the expectations of the successful candidate: financial management, ability to build relationships, leadership qualities and ability to serve as resource. He said the qualified candidate would have demonstrated leadership ability at the municipal or state level.

Mr. Lynch said he has seen successful municipal managers come from state government, non-profit organizations and the private sector, although they generally have some familiarity with municipal government and finance.

Selectman Dalton said that proven leadership ability is the moist important quality. He said issues such as procurement regulations are similar to those faced in the corporate world. He said he is not looking for a bureaucratic mindset, and wants the administrator to become part of the community and be accessible.

Mr. Lynch said that he has heard the need to become immersed in the community and understand its values.

Selectman Crawford said that he was part of the last hiring process. He said in the past, a local resident with little or no experience in municipal management may have been hired and learn on the job. In the last two searches, the Town opted to hire a proven municipal manager. Of the 44 applicants, 12 semifinalists were identified, and 11 of them were sitting municipal administrators. Seven finalists were interviewed, six of whom were current town administrators. He said that experience and skill set is important.

Mr. Lynch suggested looking for candidates with 10 or more years of experience in municipal government or its equivalent. Chairman Barrett said his experience in working in the governor’s office in the municipal affairs sector demonstrated that there are some state leaders who understand local issues as well or better than municipal administrators. He said he does not want to limit the pool.

Selectman Crawford said some residents have shared their resume with him and are considering applying, and he has told them to wait to see the job description and minimum requirements.

Selectman Dalton suggested establishing a minimum of five years of municipal experience or its eq1uivalent. Mr. Lynch said the Town can expect to receive about 35 to 40 applications.

Selectman Dalton said he would like to see a candidate with economic development experience as well as strategic planning regarding large-scale projects. Chairman Barrett agreed that experience with capital and facilities projects would be beneficial. Selectman Crawford said that financing and capital issues will be important for the new administrator, as well as the skills to present complex issues to town meeting.

The forum with department heads will be scheduled for November 23, followed by a community forum on November 29. Screening Committee members will be encouraged to attend and listen

Chairman Barrett said he would like to advertise the salary at $160,000. Mr. Lynch recommended advertising it at $160,000-plus. Selectman Dalton said he would prefer to advertise at $150,000. He is not in favor of retaining the current $187,000 salary. He said this may be among the highest town administrator salaries in the state. Mr. Lynch said $150,000 is on the low side for this region. Chairman Barrett said a salary of $160,000 would demonstrate the Board is tightening its belt.

Selectman Dalton asked about bonuses and invectives. Mr. Lynch said they are included in some administrator contracts

Selectman Crawford said that many potential candidates are already earning the amount being g offered. He said there will be little incentive for candidates to leave town administrator posts with similar salaries. He said the current $187,000 salary was commensurate with Mr. Boudreau’s 20 years of experience in that position. He recommended advertising a range of $160,000 to $180,000.

Chairman Barrett said the Board would retain flexibility to increase the salary for a well-qualified and experienced candidate. Mr. Lynch said that the lower salary could attract an administrator from a very small town or a well-qualified assistant town administrator. He said he will place the advertisements this week.

Public comment

There was no public comment.

MOTION by Selectman Dalton, duly seconded by Selectman Crawford: I move the Board adjourn. Vote was unanimous.

The Board adjourned at 8:54 p.m.