The highest possible is score was 5.0, and the lowest Adam Chapdelaine received in performing his duties as town manager in 2014-15 was 4.31. One, from the category “personal characteristics,” came in at 4.88.
“Fabulous,” Selectman Joseph A. Curro Jr. told the board Monday, March 9.
“Delighted with his performance,” said Selectman Dan Dunn. “I hope we keep you around for a long time.”
Kevin Greeley, who has been a selectman since 1989, said he had served under five of Arlington’s six managers and he thought Chapdelaine the best. Immediately, Greeley made a joke about Don Marquis coming to get him. Marquis served as manager from 1966 to 2000.
Managers after Marquis and before the current one were Philip Farrington, Nancy Galkowski (interim) and Brian Sullivan.
Selectman Dan Dunn asked Chapdelaine what the evaluation meant to him. Basically, he said, he appreciates the honest feedback from board members.
The evaluation is separate from the manager’s salary package, which was established last year under a three-year contract. Last year, he received $164,383; in 2015-16. It is $167,670. The other years are $171,025 in 2016-17 and $174,445 in 2017-18.
The full text of the evaluation is below.
Related links
March 26, 2014: Selectmen OK 2% raise, 3-year contract for Chapdelaine
2014 review
March 5 memo to selectmen from Caryn Cove Malloy, director of human resources
Town Manager Adam Chapdelaine Performance Review
Pursuant to the evaluation forms completed by each member of the Board of Selectmen I am providing you with the consensus document for your consideration.
1. Personal Characteristics – Average Score 4.88
Among the components of this category are to display honest and ethical behavior and to deal effectively with unforeseen issues and problems. Board members described Adam as exhibiting the “highest level of personal integrity” and as a leader who works to do the “right” thing. Members gave Adam credit for his leadership in the context of the many serious snowstorms this winter and were also complimentary of his approach involving various stakeholders when faced with strong conflicting opinions on complex matters facing the Town. One member indicated his belief that Adam’s strong personal characteristics are what enable him to be the excellent manager that he is. Another member expressed his support in encouraging Adam to take more of his vacation time in order to help sustain his ability to be effective.
2. Professionalism – Average Score 4.63
Members of the Board expressed that Adam has emerged as a well-respected municipal manager and that he has exhibited leadership not only locally but also at the state level serving on the Massachusetts Municipal Association’s Board of Directors. One member had the opportunity to speak with some municipal leaders who had attended a statewide conference at which Adam presented on Arlington’s Visual Budget, and was impressed by how complimentary they were of Adam’s knowledge and expertise. Members were also impressed by Adam’s frankness and honesty when he may not be as knowledgeable in a particular area and his active and continual follow-up in seeking and learning new information.
3. Public Relations/Communication – Average Score 4.9
Board members described this area as among Adam’s strongest. Board members were complimentary of the utilization of newer technologies as well as traditional ones (the television spot on ACMi about snow removal for example) in providing communication to residents. However, one member expressed there is room for improvement in this area, specifically mentioning that the new website is viable but “still clunky” in many respects; this same member expressed faith that Adam is the right person to further refine the town’s communications to make residents understand the decision making and rationale behind service delivery.
4. Board Support/Relations – Average Score 4.64
Board members expressed that the support they receive from Adam makes them more effective in their role. They are appreciative of the level of detail they are provided and that their input is solicited on “milestone” decisions. One Board member indicated that Adam has made progress on the majority of his goals set for the year and that his advice to the board is “invaluable.”
5. Community Leadership – Average Score 4.7
Members expressed appreciation for Adam working with a number of volunteer groups and helping those groups get connected with one another in order to take full advantage of the talents of our residents. Another member commented that Adam takes the time to build relationships and gives effort to causes that may not strictly fall under the purview of the town manager.
6. Organizational Leadership/Personnel Management – Average Score 4.31
Board members indicated that Adam is well liked by the staff of the town and that they are often approached by employees with this commentary without asking. The board was very appreciative of the approach Adam took with the potential departure of Police Chief Frederick Ryan and counted the chief’s ultimate decision to stay in Arlington as a testament to Adam’s strength as a town manager. One board member expressed some concerns with some of the Manager’s direct reports and also indicated that among the team of department heads there is a varying degree of strength; this member made these comments in the context that in order for Adam to succeed and sustain himself as a manager, he needs exceptional people to support him and carry out his directives.
7. Financial Management – Average Score 4.9
Board members describe Adam’s financial skills as “top notch.” Members were complimentary of Adam providing guidance and leadership to the Long Range Planning Committee during a time of competing pressures on service delivery. Members appreciated Adam’s vision in recommending adjustments to projections that are more closely aligned with actual experience such as rising school enrollments. Members were complimentary of his budget presentations describing them as clear and concise. They were also complimentary of his pursuit of grant opportunities and information provided to them when seeking financial information.
8. Planning and Organization – Average Score 4.73
Members were complimentary of Adam’s ability to balance short and long term goals and also with his commitment to using goals and objectives as an effective tool. Members were complimentary of Adam’s support to the board, in concert with Town Counsel, for Town Meeting. One member expressed a desire to tighten up Town Meeting to an even greater degree than it already has been, but this same member recognized that due to factors beyond the manager’s control, this may not be possible.
9. Overall – Average Score 4.83
Members of the board are concerned that Adam get the support he needs from the staff in order to continue to be happy and successful in his role. Moving forward the board would like to see progress in getting quicker turnaround in putting efficiencies in place of outdated methodologies. Some also requested a quicker turnaround time and follow-up to information requested from various department heads. More than one member emphasized that Adam needs to work smarter not harder including setting clearer limits on what can reasonably be expected and to delegate more.
Consistent positive themes from the board included Adam’s communication skills and most importantly within those skills, that he is an excellent listener. Adam’s ability to receive input from many stakeholders, make his own decisions and recommendations while not alienating people was noted as one of his greatest skills. Members were also complimentary of his ability to connect with employees and have a positive impact on employee morale.
Members acknowledged that the demands on the town manager in Arlington are enormous and that whatever efforts that can be made to spread the demand among the staff are the key to Adam’s sustainability. More than one member expressed that while they are clear that he is not required to live in Arlington, they are appreciative of the fact that Adam and his family have chosen to live in Arlington. Overall the Board expressed that they are fortunate to have an extremely capable town manager, and would like to develop strategies to retain him.
This news summary was published Wednesday, March 11, 2015.
