By Beth David, Editor
At its January 8 meeting the Fairhaven Select Board decided not to change the process for appointing board and committee members, and evaluated the performance of the Town Administrator.
TA Angie Lopes Ellison, reminded the board that the committee appointment discussion came from the process of appointing a full member of the Zoning Board of Appeals. Two alternate/associate members, Andrew Romano and Patrick Carr, had asked to be appointed. Mr. Carr took issue with the appointment of Mr. Romano saying he was not on the board as long as Mr. Carr and so should not have been appointed.
The matter has been kicking around on agendas for a couple of months.
Ms. Ellison told the board that they have a couple of alternate positions that will be vacant so they need to determine what to do.
She noted that there have been a lot of assumptions based on what used to be done, but the way it was done was necessarily correct. The SB is the appointing board for all positions.
She also said people were looking for the SB to justify their selection.
“You don’t have to justify your vote unless you choose to do so,” said Ms. Ellison.
SB member Bob Espindola said they should clarify who makes the appointment because some boards felt they could choose from their alternates, but that is not the case.
They were doing that, said Ms. Ellison, but it was not within their authority to do so.
She told them they can pick someone “completely random” and not choose from the alternates.
Mr. Espindola suggested they put the regulation on the website, making it very clear.
SB member Keith Silvia, who strongly advocated for Mr. Carr, said people who are alternates put in the time and the one there the longest should be the next in line. He said how would the get people to put in their time if they would never get elevated.
“I would stay home and watch it on TV,” said Mr. Silvia. “I just don’t think it’s right. I’m not going to change my mind.”
SB member Stasia Powers said they needed some leeway because they don’t know what the next situation will be.
Mr. Silvia said if you put in your time and it you don’t get rewarded, why do it? He said he would “go negative” the next time SB Chairperson made his usual plea for volunteers.
“I would hope you wouldn’t go negative on all volunteers,” said Mr. Espindola.
“That’s how I feel, Bob,” said Mr. Silvia.
Ms. Ellison reminded them that they recently had big turnover on a committee that was “dysfunctional,” and the board decided not to put some members back on it.
“I think this is more of a hot topic due to the individuals involved, not because of the committee,” said Ms. Ellison.
The board took no formal action.
In another matter, the board read into the record Ms. Ellison’s evaluation.
Board members evaluated Ms. Ellison on five sections, each containing three to six goals or tasks that were graded on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the best.
Section one contains three goals: Financial Sustainability, Town Committee Collaboration, Improve Municipal Services. Her composite average on Section one was 4.2
Comments include “significant progress” towards Goal 1; “substantial” efforts towards Goal 2.
“In regard to Goal 3, Ms. Ellison’s leadership has fostered a new culture of professionalism and cross-departmental collaboration, as highlighted by various directors during their presentation to the board,” reads the comments section. “This emphasis on collaboration has become a notable strength of the Town Administrator.”
Section two, “Knowledge, Skills, and Professional Development,” contains four detail areas. Her composite average was 4.5, with willingness to try new ideas and showing originality getting a 4.8.
In section three, Core responsibilities: Staffing, personnel, financial, and management relations, she received a composite average of 3.9.
Comments include that Ms. Ellison is “cultivating a warm and cooperative culture at Town Hall,” and that she works “diligently to ensure her staff maintains high performance standards.”
Section 4: Leadership, Board Relations, and Personal Qualities, contains four detail areas. The composite average is 4.3
Comments include that she “takes pride in adhering to rules and processes, often serving as the subject matter expert, however, additional documentation may be helpful.”
“Her work reflects a commitment to integrity and impartial conduct,” reads the comment.
The comments also note that a minority of SB members express concerns about “oversight of some administrative actions, feeling that Ms. Ellison has sometimes overlooked the Board’s roles and responsibilities through enacting policies.”
Section 5: Community Relations and Communications, received a 4.1.
“Despite certain challenges from contentious individuals, she remains accessible to the public, balancing engagement with protection for her employees,” reads the comment section. “Community members who interact directly with her find a welcoming and positive engagement.”
Criticism includes that she can be perceived as rigid with personnel; and committees require more information, needed improvement compiling board packets.
The overall score is 4.2
SB chairperson Leon Correy was absent from the meeting.
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