Kudos to the Fernandina Beach City Commission! An opinion

FOpinions_ Smaller CroppedSubmitted by Suanne Z. Thamm
Reporter – News Analyst
September 23, 2015 3:19 p.m.

Dale Martin responds to commissioners' questions.
Dale Martin responds to commissioners’ questions.

 

 

In a break with what all too many of us have come to see as standard operating procedure, last night our city commissioners came together in an atmosphere of calm deliberation and unanimously selected our next city manager: Dale L. Martin, currently Town Manager of Winchester, CT. In full public view, commissioners interviewed the three finalists—Debra Figueroa, Mark Kutney and Dale Martin—listened attentively to their responses to questions, and allowed audience input following the interviews. Commissioners advocated for their personal choices without rancor, side comments or snipes at each other or the departing city manager. It was truly their finest meeting to date. Every single commissioner seemed committed to making the best selection on behalf of the citizens of our fair city.

As a long time observer of city commission meetings, I was struck by the positive, upbeat tone of the meeting. I believe that most of us in attendance felt that all three candidates were extremely well qualified and showed a commitment to work hard on our behalf. Each candidate brought something a little different to the table. Ms. Figueroa had an outstanding record for procuring major league grants. Mr. Kutney had experience working in managing a community via a private management company. Mr. Martin demonstrated exceptional communication skills and a commendable track record of commitment to honor and ethics. If only we could have found places for everyone, the evening would have been complete.

Debra Figueroa explains her experience in securing grants.
Debra Figueroa explains her experience in securing grants.

But as the commissioners discussed their impressions and the candidates’ strengths, it became clear that Mr. Martin had the confidence of more than the required 3-vote majority of the commissioners. Commissioner Pat Gass, who argued strongly for Ms. Figueroa, found a sympathetic listener in Commissioner Robin Lentz, who admitted that she was torn between Martin and Figueroa. When Commissioner Tim Poynter finally moved to hire Martin, Lentz seconded his motion. As the Clerk called the vote, Commissioner Gass added her vote to the remaining four. By making the vote unanimous, the commissioners sent a strong message to both Mr. Martin and the city residents that they can put aside personal issues to work together on important issues that will hopefully lead to a better city for all of us.

Mark Kutney talks about his experience with team building.
Mark Kutney talks about his experience with team building.

Following the commission vote, commissioners called Mr. Martin back into the chamber to relay the news.  Martin’s comment, “Let’s get to work.”  Commissioners and audience members alike rose to their feet in applause.  Many audience members remained to congratulate Martin and offer him best wishes in his new job.

Mr. Martin is no stranger to “robust local politics.” If you read his recruitment package you will see that he has had to deal with an incredible array of both city and political issues in CT. But he was clear in his responses last night that open communications with commissioners, city departments and the public are the way to build community trust and buy-in. In response to a question from Vice Mayor Johnny Miller to elaborate on his vision for Fernandina Beach in 25 years, Martin responded, “It’s your vision that I am charged to implement. It’s where we will take the city.”

Martin said that he valued his relationship with the press. He said he writes a weekly column that he sends out to three local news sources. Additionally, he sends out a weekly report each Friday to commissioners, department heads and news media with reports on his activities and updates on important issues.

He stressed that he was coming to Fernandina Beach to work, not to retire. During the public meet-and-greet the prior evening he was not deterred by local problems people brought to his attention. “I love my job as a city manager,” he said. He reinforced that last night by telling commissioners that he enjoys overcoming challenges.

PrintHe said, in response to a question from Vice Mayor Miller, that in talking with a developer about a potential project, his first question would be: “Is the project in the best interests of the town?” He said he would not rubber stamp development projects.

Martin also provided examples of his success in redevelopment projects, use of technology and dealing with ethical dilemmas.

Several months ago I began working on a list of priorities that I would set for a new city manager. My list included:

  • Educate city commissioners
  • Build public confidence in city government
  • Implement sound planning practices
  • Improve the annual budget process
  • Rein in city departments
  • Improve government processes
  • Investigate cost savings through partnerships and privatization
  • Use or lose city boards and/or committees

Through his background information and responses to the commissioners, I believe that Mr. Martin is fully capable of addressing them all. He has already proven to be a consensus builder by receiving a unanimous vote from what has been a sharply divided commission on many important issues.

Let’s make him welcome when he reports later this year. And let’s thank our commissioners for making our community shine in the way they handled the selection process. They did us proud!

Suanne Thamm 4Editor’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.

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Mary Maguire
Mary Maguire (@guest_44401)
8 years ago

The level of — well, level-headedness, struck me too. I wonder if Colin Baenziger & Associates deserves credit. The recruiting firm mapped the plan and managed the process. That expense proved to be money well spent.

Tom Lohman
Tom Lohman (@guest_44404)
8 years ago
Reply to  Mary Maguire

It’s a shame that the previous commission, at the bidding of Commissioners Corbett, Pelican, and Bunch if I remember correctly, did not hire a candidate recommended by the search committee. Maybe we would not have had the litigation costs and rancor among the city’s employees that we currently have.

Marlene Chapman
Marlene Chapman(@crew2120)
8 years ago

As I stated last evening in the press release about the Commissions
choice, I too was struck and thrilled with the air of working together as one cohesive team to an end goal the was best for our island.
Now, onto new things for the place we call home!!
Thank you again Commissioners!

Vice Mayor Johnny Miller
Vice Mayor Johnny Miller (@guest_44405)
8 years ago

I would like to give credit to Honorable Arlene Filkoff for suggesting that we vote as a unanimous group once a majority decides on a appointed hire. We are all on the same team. Team Fernandina Beach! Good call Commission Filkoff!

Tom Yankus
Tom Yankus (@guest_44407)
8 years ago

I, for one, hope that the optimism and the unanimous support for our new city manager translates to a harmonious marriage and partnership. So much can be accomplished. Only if…

Andrew Curtin
Andrew Curtin(@bkdriverajcgmail-com)
8 years ago

As you all might recall,the final vote on Mr.Gerrity was unanimous also.

Dave Lott
Dave Lott(@dave-l)
8 years ago
Reply to  Andrew Curtin

Motion made by Comm. Poynter and seconded by Comm. Corbett after a request by Comm. Filkoff to make the vote unanimous. Best wishes Joe!

Charles Pantino
Charles Pantino (@guest_44426)
8 years ago

Growing pains are the good pains.

John P. Megna
John P. Megna (@guest_44430)
8 years ago

My best wishes to the Commissioners, the recruiting firm, and of course to Mr. Martin – the new City Manager. Most of us (except one) have a positive approach to this important issue. I look forward to a much better future for the City and hope our citizens will also.

Margo Story
Margo Story (@guest_44464)
8 years ago

Dale Martin was my choice as I listened to him answer questions at the meet & greet venue. Let’s all put our differences aside & help him move our city forward!!