Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm
Reporter – News Analyst
October 8, 2015 11:14 a.m.
Toward the end of a long meeting on October 6, 2015, the Fernandina Beach City Commission (FBCC) approved a contract for recently-hired Dale Martin, who will report to the position of city manager on November 30, 2015, from his current position of Town Manager in Winchester, CT. Although the contract was ultimately approved, during initial discussion Commissioner Pat Gass expressed opposition to the salary, car allowance, and relocation expense provisions, while Commissioner Robin Lentz opposed lowering the severance pay provision. The FBCC, in voting on the contract as a whole, unanimously approved it with the following provisions: $120,000 salary; $500 car allowance in lieu of a city car; $2,000 cap on professional development expenses; 12 weeks severance; $7,000 advance for moving expenses. Commissioners also agreed to a 6-month evaluation to be followed by annual performance evaluations, three weeks of vacation to be available at the start of his service; 10 percent contribution to his retirement plan; coverage under city health, dental and insurance plans.
In a related matter, commissioners also delivered performance evaluations for the city attorney and the city clerk. Commissioners Tim Poynter and Robin Lentz expressed a preference to defer consideration of a pay raise for City Clerk Caroline Best until she completes her program of certification as a city clerk, in 6 months to a year. However, after discussion and audience input the FBCC approved on a 3-2 vote (Poynter and Lentz dissenting) Commissioner Pat Gass’ motion to grant a 2.5 percent pay raise to both charter officers.
Editor’s Note: Suanne Z. Thamm is a native of Chautauqua County, NY, who moved to Fernandina Beach from Alexandria,VA, in 1994. As a long time city resident and city watcher, she provides interesting insight into the many issues that impact our city. We are grateful for Suanne’s many contributions to the Fernandina Observer.
The important thing to remember is that the City Manager is essentially the CEO of a business with a $110 MILLION budget. Attracting and keeping a highly qualified and experienced City Manager is not acheived with a mediocre salary and benefits package. The question really is this: Are you hiring the best you can afford to do the job with minimal interference according to the City Charter or are you looking for a marionette whose strings are manipulted by City Commissioners on a daily basis?
That’s a great analogy Mac. You can’t expect great leadership out of mediocre leaders, and you rarely get great leaders with mediocre salaries. There are exceptions to that, but they’re few and far between.