BREAKING NEWS: FBCC votes 5-0 to select new city manager

Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm
Reporter – News Analyst
September 22, 2015 8:38 p.m.

During a special meeting called on September 22, 2015 to complete interviews for the remaining three finalists for the position of city manager, the Fernandina Beach City Commission voted 5-0 to offer the position to Dale L. Martin, currently employed as town manager of Winchester, CT.

Recruitment consultant Colin Baenziger poses with Dale Martin, Fernandina Beach's next city manager, following FBCC's unanimous vote.
Recruitment consultant Colin Baenziger (l) poses with Dale Martin, Fernandina Beach’s next city manager, following FBCC’s unanimous vote.

Commissioners appeared to have narrowed their choices to two individuals:  Martin, and Debra Figueroa, a candidate described as “wicked intelligent” with significant experience in many facets of city government.  She had no experience, however, as a city manager.  Commissioners also interviewed Mark Kutney who earned high marks, too.  Two candidates–Michael Bonfield and Calvin Peck–withdrew from consideration prior to the final set of interviews.  Bonfield accepted other employment; Peck decided he was no longer interested in the Fernandina Beach position.

In selecting Martin, commissioners spoke to his demonstrated track record as a city manager that stressed ethics, transparency, effective communications strategy and love of the job.  Before commissioners voted to select, they took public comment.  Two speakers asked to comment, both of whom supported Martin’s selection.  A third speaker showed empathy for the commissioners in having to make such an important decision with such exceptional candidates.

Martin has held his current position since 2011.  Winchester is a community of 11,000 residents with a General Fund budget of $33M.  City Attorney Tammi Bach will begin negotiations with Martin over a contract that will come back to the commission for final approval.  Martin indicated that he is bound by contract to give his current employer 60 days notice of intent to leave.

In a separate action, commissioners approved on a 4-1 vote (Commissioner Pat Gass dissenting) to name Deputy City Manager Marshall McCrary as City Manager Pro Tem until the new manager reports.

Editor’s Note: To view Dale Martin’s resume click here.

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Marlene Chapman
Marlene Chapman(@crew2120)
8 years ago

To our Commissioners….THANK YOU!! Tonight was the start of a new beginning and to see you all work together and talk to one another and actually see promise in the air was great!
Mr Martin, as you said tonight, “let’s get started”!!

Dave Lott
Dave Lott(@dave-l)
8 years ago

Congratulations to Mr. Martin. Thanks to Joe Gerrity for your service to the community and best wishes for the future.