HomeMy WebLinkAbout08222018 City Council Special Meeting Packet
Special City Council Meeting
Wednesday, August 22, 2018
Council Chambers, City Hall
6:00 p.m.
Seward City Council
Agenda Packet
SPECIAL MEETING NOTICE
Pursuant to Seward City Code 2.10.030 (2), this is to serve as the written
notice calling a Special City Council Meeting on Wednesday, August 22,
2018 at 6:00 p.m. for the purpose of:
Go into Executive Session to evaluate, review, and discuss
the candidates for the Interim City Manager position.
The meeting will commence in the City Council Chambers, City Hall, 410
Adams Street, Seward. All interested persons are invited to attend the
meetings.
Posted: Monday, August 20, 2018 at 4:35 p.m.
City Hall bulletin board
U.S. Post Office
Harbormaster's Building
City of Seward, Alaska Council Agenda
August 22, 2018 Page 1
The City of Seward, Alaska
Special City Council Meeting
Wednesday, August 22, 2018 6:00 p.m.
David Squires
Mayor
Term Expires 2019
Marianna Keil
Vice Mayor
Term Expires 2018
Ristine Casagranda
Council Member
Term Expires 2018
Sue McClure
Council Member
Term Expires 2019
Sharyl Seese
Council Member
Term Expires 2018
Suzi Towsley
Council Member
Term Expires 2019
Jeremy Horn
Council Member
Term Expires 2019
Eddie Athey
Acting City Manager
Brenda Ballou
City Clerk
Will Earnhart
City Attorney
1. Pledge Of Allegiance
2. Roll Call
3. Citizen Comments On Any Subject Except Those Items
Scheduled For Public Hearing. [Those Who Have Signed In Will
Be Given The First Opportunity To Speak. Total Time For This Agenda
Item is 36 Minutes.]
4. Approval Of Agenda And Consent Agenda [Approval of
Consent Agenda passes all routine items indicated by asterisk (*).
Consent Agenda items are not considered separately unless a council
member so requests. In the event of such a request, the item is returned to
the Regular Agenda.]
5. Special Orders, Presentations And Reports – None
6. New Business – None
7. Council Comments
8. Citizen Comments
9. Council And Administration Response To Citizen Comments
10. Executive Session
A. Go into Executive Session to evaluate, review, and
discuss the candidates for the Interim City Manager
position.
11. Adjournment
PUBLIC NOTICE
CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Seward City Council will conduct
a work session on the following items of business:
CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION
Thursday, August 16, 2018 at 5:15 p.m.
City Council Chambers
TOPIC: Conduct public interviews for Interim City Manager
applicants.
Jeff Bridges (CT) 5:20 p.m.
Randy Robertson (MD) 5:40 p.m.
Ken Decker (MD) 6:00 p.m.
Lee Elliott (AR) 6:20 p.m.
Harry Staven (WA) 6:40 p.m.
Marvin Yoder (AK) 7:00 p.m.
Edgar Blatchford (AK) 7:20 p.m.
The work session will commence in the Seward City Council Chambers
located in City Hall at 410 Adams Street, Seward. All interested persons are
invited to attend the meetings.
POSTED: Tuesday, July 31, 2018 – Modified to include interview schedule August 15, 2018
City Hall bulletin board
U.S. Post Office
Harbormaster's Building
1
JEFFREY K. BRIDGES, JR., ICMA
71 Surrey Drive
Wethersfield, CT 06109
(860) 757-3732 (home)
(860) 707-2176 (cell)
Bridges.Jeff@ATT.net
August 4, 2018
Ms. Brenda J. Ballou, MMC
City Clerk
PO Box 167
Seward, AK 99664-0167
Re: Interim City Manager Position
Dear Ms. Ballou
Included with this letter is my resume and City of Seward Employment Application for the position of
Interim City Manager for the City of Seward, Alaska. I have also sent a letter of reference from my
recent employer, the Town of Wethersfield. This is in response to your advertisement on the ICMA
jobs webpage. Thank you in advance for your consideration.
As you can see from my resume and application I more than meet the education and experience sought
for the position. My core experience is in municipal finance and budgets. However, project
management, human resources, community and infrastructure development, and growth management
have all been part of my career as referenced on my resume. I have been successful in all of these
aspects and I can bring that success to Seward.
Moreover, I do have some experience with utilities, mostly wastewater, but some storm water and
water. In addition, Wethersfield did have a Tourism Commission which focused on our historic
district (the largest in Connecticut) and worked to bring more tourist to Wethersfield. Not on the scale
of what Seward experiences, but the concepts are the same.
As far as being familiar with Title 29 of the Alaska State Statutes, I have read through them. I find
them very similar to the statutes related to municipalities in Kansas which I was very comfortable with.
Thank you again for your consideration. I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely
Jeff Bridges
Enc.
2
CITY OF SEWARD
P.O. Box 167 Seward, Alaska 99664
Attn: Personnel Officer
HR@cityofseward.net
Phone (907) 224-4074 • Fax: (907) 224-3577
Application for Employment
Equal access to programs, services and employment is available to all persons. Those applicants requiring reasonable accommodation
to the application and/or interview process should notify a representative of the Human Resources Department.
Date of applicationPosition(s) applied for //
EmployeeAdvertisement RelativeReferral Source Government Employment Agency
Walk-in Private Employment Agency Other
Name of source (if applicable)
Name FIRSTLAST MIDDLE
Address CITYSTREET STATE ZIP CODE( )( )Mobile/Beeper/Other Phone # Telephone # Social Security #
If necessary, best time to call you at home is
YesMay we contact you at work?
)If yes, work number and best time to call
If you are under 18 and it is required, can you furnish a work permit?
If no, please explain
Have you submitted an application here before?
If yes, give date(s)
Have you ever been employed here before?
/ /ToIf yes, give dates From
Are you legally eligible for employment in this country?
Date available for work
Full-Time Part-TimeType of employment desired Temporary Educational Co-OpSeasonal
Will you relocate if job requires it?Yes No Will you travel if job requires it?
Are you able to meet the attendance requirements of the position?
Will you work overtime if required?
If no, please explain
Have you ever been bonded?
Have you been convicted of a crime in the last seven (7) years?
If yes, please explain
CONVICTION WILL NOT NECESSARILY BE A BAR TO EMPLOYMENT. EACH INSTANCE AND EXPLANATION WILL BE CONSIDERED IN RELATION TO THE POSITION FOR WHICH YOU ARE APPLYING.
No
Yes No
Yes No
Yes No
Yes No
//
//
//
Yes No
Yes No
Yes No
Yes No
Yes No
Driver's license number if driving is an essential job function State
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
(
Email Address:
Please Print
3
Employment History
Provide the following information for your past and current employers, assignments or volunteer activities, starting with the most
recent (use additional sheets if necessary). Explain any gaps in employment in comments section below.
TELEPHONE DATES EMPLOYEDEMPLOYER SUMMARIZE THE TYPE OF WORK
PERFORMED AND JOB RESPONSIBILITIES( )FROM TO
ADDRESS
HOURLY RATE/SALARY
STARTING
JOB TITLE
PER$IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR AND TITLE
HOURLY RATE/SALARY
FINAL
REASON FOR LEAVING
PER$
LATERMAY WE CONTACT FOR REFERENCE?NOYES
TELEPHONE DATES EMPLOYEDEMPLOYER SUMMARIZE THE TYPE OF WORK
PERFORMED AND JOB RESPONSIBILITIES( )FROM TO
ADDRESS
HOURLY RATE/SALARY
STARTING
JOB TITLE
PER$IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR AND TITLE
HOURLY RATE/SALARY
FINAL
REASON FOR LEAVING
$PER
LATERMAY WE CONTACT FOR REFERENCE?NOYES
TELEPHONEEMPLOYER DATES EMPLOYED SUMMARIZE THE TYPE OF WORK
PERFORMED AND JOB RESPONSIBILITIES( )FROM TO
ADDRESS
HOURLY RATE/SALARY
STARTING
JOB TITLE
PER$IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR AND TITLE
HOURLY RATE/SALARY
FINAL
REASON FOR LEAVING
PER$
MAY WE CONTACT FOR REFERENCE?LATERNOYES
TELEPHONEEMPLOYER DATES EMPLOYED SUMMARIZE THE TYPE OF WORK
PERFORMED AND JOB RESPONSIBILITIES( )FROM TO
ADDRESS
HOURLY RATE/SALARY
STARTING
JOB TITLE
PER$IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR AND TITLE -
HOURLY RATE/SALARY
FINAL
REASON FOR LEAVING
PER$
MAY WE CONTACT FOR REFERENCE?NO LATERYES
Comments INCLUDING EXPLANATION OF ANY GAPS IN EMPLOYMENT
Skills and Qualifications - Summarize any special training, skills, licenses and/or certificates that may qualify you as being able
to perform job-related functions in the position for which you are applying.
4
Educational Background IF JOB-RELATED
A. List last three (3) schools attended, starting with most recent. B. List number of years completed. C. Indicate degree or diploma
earned, if any. D. Grade Point Average or Class Rank. E. Major field of study. F. Minor field of study (if applicable).
A. SCHOOL B. NUMBER OF
YEARS COMPLETED
C. DEGREE
DIPLOMA
GPAD.
CLASS RANK E. MAJOR F. MINOR
References
List name and telephone number of three business/work references who are not related to you and are not previous supervisors.
If not applicable, list three school or personal references who are not related to you.
NAME TELEPHONE YEARS KNOWN
()
( )
()
Additional Information
List professional, trade, business, or civic associations and any offices held.
EXCLUDE MEMBERSHIPS WHICH WOULD REVEAL SEX, RACE, RELIGION, NATIONAL ORIGIN. AGE, COLOR, DISABILITY OR ANY OTHER SIMILARLY PROTECTED STATUS.
ORGANIZATION OFFICES HELD
List special accomplishments, publications, awards, etc.
EXCLUDE INFORMATION WHICH WOULD REVEAL SEX, RACE, RELIGION, NATIONAL ORIGIN, AGE, COLOR, DISABILITY OR OTHER PROTECTED STATUS.
List any additional information you would like us to consider.
5
71 Surrey Drive
Wethersfield, CT 06109
(860) 757-3732 (Home)
(860) 707-2176 (Cell)
Bridges.Jeff@Att.net
Jeffrey K. Bridges Jr., ICMA
Education Masters of Public Administration, Marist College Poughkeepsie, NY
Bachelors of Arts, History and International Relations, SUNY Plattsburgh, Plattsburgh, NY
Municipal
Experience
Town Manager, Wethersfield, Connecticut, August 2009 to June, 2018
Chief Executive Officer for the Town of Wethersfield, a first tier suburb of Hartford,
CT of 26,500 people with 163 employees (not including 100 person volunteer fire
department reporting to the Town Manager) and total budget of $104,000,000.
($45,000,000 for general operations, $59,000,000 for Board of Education).
Finance and Budget
x Developed program based budgets to understand how funds are spent and to track
program outcomes. Attained the GFOA award for Budget Presentation.
x Rebuilt capital improvement funds, road maintenance funds, and general fund balances
for better care of town facilities and credit ratings.
Management Effectiveness
x Negotiated changes in union contracts to reduce to reduce post retirement health
benefits and instituted a define contribution benefit pension.
x In collaboration with the Board of Education Staff and Building Committee, facilitated
the financing and contract administration of a $84,000,000 renovation of the Town's
High School.
x Concluded the purchase of the Town's street light system and implemented the plan to
begin conversion to LED lighting.
Partnership and Collaboration
x Through retirement reductions and working with unions reorganized several
departments to achieve efficiencies and lower costs.
x Worked with 13 other Town to create CT Prime, a wholly Town owned insurance
captive to provide stop loss insurance to member towns.
x Merged the Information Technology Departments for the Town and Board of
Education of the Town of Wethersfield into one unit.
x Undertook the merging Board of Education Custodians and Town Public Works
Department under the management of Town Public Works.
City Administrator, Andover, Kansas, April 1997 to June 2008
Chief Administrative Officer for the City of Andover, KS; a rapidly growing suburb
of 10,200 people with a total budget $20,528,000 ($4,750,000 General Fund) and 70
employees contiguous to Wichita, KS.
Finance and Budget x Crafted and implemented debt management, growth management, and infrastructure
maintenance plans to preserve the credit quality of the city while providing for
continued growth.
x Revamped the city's pension benefits to keep costs down and enhance employee
retention and recruitment of personnel.
Municipal Development
x Crafted and implemented a comprehensive annexation plan.
x Implemented the Andover Parks and Open Space Master Plan including the purchase
and development of a new 80 acre city park.
x Managed the transition of a County Fire District to a city fire department creating the
Andover Fire and Rescue Department. x Oversaw the design and construction of a new police station and a state of the art 911
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Jeffrey K. Bridges, Jr. Page 2
emergency communications center.
Partnerships and Collaboration
x Served as liaison to local economic development agency and other civic groups.
x Worked with the local school district and the county government to develop a new high
school, middle school, and elementary school campus including the infrastructure
thereto.
Town Supervisor, Wawayanda, New York, January 1992 to March of 1996
Chief Elected, Executive, and Budget Officer for the Town of Wawayanda, NY, a community of
6,500 residents approximately 60 miles north west of New York City, in transition from an
agricultural community to a suburban Town. The Town had at the time 35 employees and a
budget of $2,806,009 dollars. ($1,024,722 general fund).
Budget and Finance
x Implemented formal budget and capital improvement processes.
x Developed a fleet replacement program.
Management Effectiveness
x Improved wastewater treatment systems as required by regulatory agencies.
x Significantly enhanced land use practices for the Town.
Partnerships and Collaborations
x Worked with local historians on several preservation projects.
x Worked with other Town Supervisors in the County to develop a County-Wide sale tax
revenue sharing program/
Additional
Experience
Vice President, Municipal Finance, DeWaay Financial Network (Now Central
States Capital). June 2008 to July 2009.
Advised on and managed the issuance of municipal bonds including general
obligation, revenue, and economic development bonds. I also advised client
municipalities on other financial matters including impact fees, debt and growth
management policies, revenue alternatives, and capital improvement programming. I
held a Series 7 and Series 63 securities licenses.
Budget Analyst, State of Kansas, June 1996 to April 1997
One of sixteen budget analysts for the Governor’s Division of the Budget. Researched
various budget related issues including fiscal impacts related to sales tax exemptions and
the implementation of a "retiree reduction program to reduce the number of state
employees. Crafted appropriation legislation related to the adoption of the Governor’s
recommended budget. I also worked with legislative committees and staff through the
budget adoption process. Finally I oversaw my areas of the budget for compliance with
Kansas laws.
Affiliations
Board Member, CT Prime, Municipal Stop Loss Insurance Company
Commissioner, Connecticut Board of Fire Prevention and Control
Past Chairman, Central Connecticut Solid Waste Authority
Past President, Connecticut Town and City Management Association
Member International City Managers Association
Past Member - International City Clerks Association
Andover Kiwanis Club
New Hampton , New York, Volunteer Firefighter 1993-1996
Butler County, Kansas, Community Emergency Response Team Member, 2006-2009
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Dear Ms. Ballou
I am writing to express interest in the Seward City Manager's position. Attached please find my
application for the position, resume and references.
I am an experienced, highly successful City Manager. I also am a retired United States Army Officer and
senior federal employee with more than three decades of senior leadership and management
experience; well trained and versed to handle the fiscal, human and operational demands of a large,
complex organization like the City of Seward. I am currently serving as City Manager of Aberdeen,
Maryland. Other municipal executive positions held range from City Manager of Cordova, Alaska,
largest city on Alaska's historic Prince William Sound; City Manager of Mt. Juliet, Tennessee's fastest
growing city, to the first City Manager of Vestavia Hills, a major suburb of Birmingham, Alabama. Before
becoming a City Manager, I served as Chief of Staff of the Army's 2nd Signal Brigade (Europe), with
strategic community sites across Europe and Southwest Asia; followed by selection as the first civilian
Chief of Staff of White Sands Missile Range, America's geographically largest sized military community
and southern New Mexico's premiere economic engine. I have overseen and directed budgetary and
financial activities ranging from $20m to over $500m, spearheaded public/private business and research
partnerships, created effective economic development programs and managed the full breath of
municipal services and activities.
My portfolio reflects a solid record of advancing organizations. Examples include recognition as the
number one municipal award winner in 60 community region of middle Tennessee; orchestrating
Vestavia Hills largest state transportation grant ever awarded; securing millions in capital to finish
Cordova's decade old municipal complex effort, the pride of the community and Southeastern Alaska;
and transforming automation and communication training in the European theater to support wartime
logistical and operational activities. In Aberdeen, working with a first-class team, we have captured over
a million dollars in new federal funds for the Aberdeen TOD and Amtrak Train Station, along with
tremendous economic development strides with new businesses ranging from Lidl's and Starbucks to
partnerships with Aberdeen Proving Ground for an advanced manufacturing and AI center.
I graduated from FEMA's yearlong National Emergency Management Executive Academy, and for some
time was the only City Manager in the U.S. holding that certification. I also completed the Harvard
Senior Executive Fellows program, hold three graduate degrees and two post-graduate certifications and
am an adjunct faculty member at the University of Baltimore's MBA program. I am truly excited about
the possibilities of this position and would welcome the opportunity to speak with you. Thank you for
your consideration.
Very Respectfully,
Randy E. Robertson
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Randy E. Robertson
555 Beards Hill Road Phone: (443) 981-9334 Aberdeen, Maryland 21001 E-mail: rrobertson@aberdeenmd.gov
Experience and Achievements
City Manager Aberdeen, Maryland Current
COO/leader of one of Maryland’s largest, most diverse communities. Chesapeake Bay based and home to Aberdeen Proving Ground, the Army’s largest research and technology platform with over 21k soldiers/employees/contractors.
Strategic rail, industrial and distribution hub located one hour from Baltimore, D.C. and Philadelphia. East coast HQ for Frito-Lay, Pier One and Med Line corps. Fitch & S&P AA+ rated. Approximately 180 staff, $32+m budgets
with $80+m in capital assets. Nationally certified police department; regional hub for commuter and AMTRAK rail services. Site of nationally known Ripken Field and the AAA Ironbirds. Adjunct MBA faculty, Univ. of Baltimore.
City Manager: Cordova, Alaska (2013-2016); Vestavia Hills, Alabama (2012-2013); Mt. Juliet, Tennessee
(2007-2011) and Ashland, Kentucky (2006-2007) Chief Executive Officer, Cordova, Alaska. Organizational and financial leader, educator and mentor at one of
America’s top commercial port communities. Developed and delivered quality, cost-effective municipal services: Finance, PD, FD, Parks and Recreation, Public Works, IT, Library, Museum, Refuse, Water/Wastewater, Planning
& Zoning, etc. $20m in annual revenue and budget execution. AA+ rated. Growth & development partner with U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Coast Guard and federally recognized native tribe. Limited operational & fiscal oversight
of the regional Medical Center. Only City Manager in the nation to graduate from FEMA’s Executive Academy.
First City Manager of Vestavia Hills, a 36k residential suburb of Birmingham. Led over 250 team members providing exceptional full-service municipal activities: Finance, Economic Development, Police, Fire, Public
Works, Parks & Rec, Planning & Zoning, IT and Library in one of Alabama’s fastest growing cities. A $32m annual budget, the city held assets in excess of $75m. Secured Fitch AA+/Moody’s Aa2 ratings and regionally
recognized for economic development and growth. Awarded the community’s largest ADOT grant to stimulate the U.S. 31 corridor. Achieved state-wide recognition as Alabama’s “Safest City.” UAB Adjunct faculty.
City Manager of Tennessee’s fastest growing and “Most Business Friendly City” (2010). CEO/leader of a 200+
member team. Set the pace within City Hall and community fostering 38 consecutive months of revenue growth while developing and managing General, Capital and Enterprise budgets of nearly $24m. Secured the region’s first
American Recovery & Relief Act grant of nearly $36m to stimulate business and economic redevelopment along “Main Street.” Partnered with Tennessee’s only commuter rail line to provide safe, predictable transportation
options and established an award winning “Quiet Zone.” Constructed a nationally renowned Animal Control facility, and created a highly successful employee self-insurance program. Adjunct at Cumberland University.
City Manager of northeastern Kentucky’s largest city. Ashland is a regional economic and cultural hub with over
300k population within the commuting area. Organizational leader of nearly 300 personnel providing a full array of municipal services. Developed and managed operating and enterprise budgets of approximately $50m and
responsible for +/-$100m in assets. Directed operations of the largest Police and Fire Departments within a 150 mile radius. Created the Ashland-Morehead University partnership expanding community academic opportunities,
and spearheaded initiative to construct a multi-million dollar PD Headquarters.
Chief of Staff (GS-15) U.S. Army - White Sands Missile Range (WSMR), NM 2005-2006
Chief of Staff of America’s largest military community and southern New Mexico’s largest employer and regional economic engine. Directly supported the Army’s wartime operations in Iraq and Southwest Asia. Partnered with
the Commander in leading one of the Army’s premiere operational organizations. Responsible for a $500m+ budget and several billion dollars in facilities and equipment. Oversaw 11 major directorates and 31 civilian, contractor and
military tenant activities. Accountable for community support services including budgetary, security and emergency management, human resources, contract administration, health-care, IT and communications, facility
development/management, recreation and legal.
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Brigade Executive/Chief of Staff (GS-15) U.S. Army – Europe 2001-2005
First civilian leader selected for the U.S. Army’s Second Signal Brigade, U.S. Army Europe, Deputy Command/CofS position. Directed operational activities of a 2k military/civilian/international staff providing communication, automation and administrative services to 27 U.S. military and diplomatic communities in Europe,
Africa, and Southwest Asia (Operation Iraqi Freedom). Coached, mentored and educated senior staff. Accomplishments included: - Senior negotiator to 12 international labor and trade unions
- Executed extensive upgrades in community facilities and services - Created innovative IT distance learning training packages used across Europe and Southwest Asia - Implemented and guided wartime operational activities providing accountability for $1b+ in equipment,
facilities and infrastructure United States Army Officer (Retired)
Education
- Certificate, FEMA Emergency Mgt. Executive Academy FEMA/Harvard/TX. A&M - Certificate, Business Administration Belmont University
- Diploma, International City Mgrs Association Senior Executive Institute University of Virginia - Dept of Defense Exec Leadership & Mgt Program Washington, D.C.
- Harvard University Senior Executive Fellowship Harvard University - Masters Degree in Strategic Planning U.S. Army War College
- Diploma, Advanced Graduate Studies in Healthcare Admin Central Michigan University - International Personnel Mgrs Assoc Senior Course Washington, D.C.
- Resource Managers Program Syracuse University - Diploma, Advanced Graduate Studies in Education Boston University
- Diploma, Army Command & General Staff College Ft. Leavenworth, KS. - NATO Staff Officers College Brussels, Belgium
- Masters Degree in Urban Planning Johns Hopkins University - Masters Degree in Public Administration Western Kentucky University
- Bachelors Degree Western Kentucky University
Job-Related Skills, Awards & Professional Affiliations
- International City Mgrs. Association - Secondary Teaching Certificate (KY) - International Personnel Managers Association - U.S. Army Legion of Merit & 2 Civilian Svc Awds
- AK Region Salvation Army Advisory Bd. - WKU Masters of Public Admin Advisory Board - Awarded Mt. Juliet and Cordova Key to the City - Eagle Scout
- Greater Birmingham Regional Planning Commission - Nashville Transit Alliance Academy - Board (ex-offico) Cordova Community Medical Center - Military Officers Association of America
- Prince William Sound Regional Development Board of Directors - Maryland Municipal League - Former member, Board of Directors, University Medical Center, Lebanon, TN.
- 2018 ICMA Conference Planning Committee (Baltimore) -Greater Baltimore Chamber of Commerce
Adjunct Faculty/Instructor University of Baltimore (current): MBA
City Colleges of Chicago (Sociology) University of Maryland European Division (graduate level Management & Leadership)
Georgia Military College (History) Central Michigan University (graduate level Health Care Administration)
Ohio University (Government) Cumberland University (graduate level Project Management)
University of Alabama at Birmingham (graduate level HR and Management)
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Randy E. Robertson
References
Mr. Tim Joyce (907) 253-7575
Councilor and Former Mayor councilseatb@cityofcordova.net
The City of Cordova Alaska
P.O. Box 1210
Cordova, Alaska 99574
Mr. Sam Gaston (205) 802-3802
City Manager & Past President ICMA gastons@mtnbrook.org
City of Mt. Brook
City Hall
Mt. Brook, Alabama 35213
Dr. Raymond L. Cravens (270) 799-0834
Vice President Emeritus rlcravens@att.net
Western Kentucky University
1106 South Park Drive
Bowling Green, Kentucky 42103
Colonel (Ret) Albion Bergstrom (401) 682-1385
Professor, Naval War College bergstra1@aol.com
19 Madison Way
Portsmouth, RI 02871-2249
Hon. Ms. Holly Wells (907) 276-1550
Partner, Birch Horton Bittner & Cherot, LLC hwells@BHB.com
1127 West 7th Avenue
Anchorage, Alaska 99501
Colonel (Ret) William R. Pope (256) 313-8528
Principal Senior Engineer wrpopeclan@aol.com
PM Integrated Fire Control (IFC)
Dynetics, Inc.
Huntsville, Alabama
15
Ken Decker
16866 Henderson Road, Unit 56
Henderson, MD 21640
VIA EMAIL
August 8, 2018
Interim City Manager Search Committee
Seward, Alaska
Dear Committee,
I am leaving Caroline County when my contract ends in early September. My wife and I plan
to travel before I accept another permanent position. In fact, we’ve already sold our home
here. On our itinerary is a long-anticipated trip to Alaska. When I saw the interim position
in Seward, it seemed like a good way to combine our travel with use of my nearly 20 years of
experience as a local government CAO.
As an ICMA-credentialed manager with an MPA and highly successful experiences managing
both a city and a county, I believe I am well qualified to serve in the interim role. More
importantly, I have the experience and professional maturity to ensure the City is well managed
during the delicate transition period.
As a native Montanan, I understand the natural reluctance to hire someone from east of the
Mississippi. Based on feedback from my colleagues in Alaska, there is a similar feeling when
it comes to candidates from below the 49th parallel. I understand Alaska presents some unique
challenges, but this wouldn’t be my first rodeo. The values I learned as a young man in Big
Sky Country have served me well through my professional career. I believe they would do the
same in Seward.
In the interest of full disclosure, I do have one scheduling issue. Every November, my father,
brothers, nephews, and I spend a week in elk camp. As long as the City would accommodate
that commitment, I would be interested in discussing the position further.
Sincerely,
Ken Decker
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Ken Decker
16866 Henderson Road, Unit 56
Henderson, MD 21640
(410) 984-5119
Kcdecker62@gmail.com
An ICMA-credentialed manager
Employment History
County Administrator
Caroline County, Maryland (Population 33,000) August 2011 to Present
• Serve as the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) of a full-service government in a rural
county. Supervise eight department heads leading 160 full-time employees and oversee an
annual budget of $48.5 million. Departments include Emergency Services, Finance, Tax,
Human Resources, Corrections, Public Works, Recreation & Parks, and Planning & Codes.
Also serve on the governing board of the regional landfill.
• Led the financial recovery of a local government devastated by the Great Recession and state
budget cuts. Tripled the unrestricted general reserve balance, increased the bond rating two
steps and saved the County’s pension plan.
• Negotiated an unprecedented agreement with the regional medical center to improve
healthcare access in the county.
• Created “The Caroline Way,” a collaborative budget process that maximized stakeholder
participation and minimized interagency conflicts.
• Helped complete the two highest priority projects in the County: the dualization of MD 404,
a major regional highway, and replacement of Dover Bridge.
Town Manager/Zoning Administrator
Town of Hampstead, MD (Population 6,500) August 1999 to August 2011
• Played a key role in construction of the $85 million Hampstead Bypass brokering deals
between state and federal oversight agencies and environmental stakeholders.
• Led the team effort to convert an abandoned historic school on Main Street into 84 units of
affordable senior housing.
• Authored key strategic plans including the Main Street Revitalization Plan. Overhauled
zoning, site plan and subdivision ordinances. Some of the innovative regulations have
served as models for other Maryland communities.
• Supervised a water system that received the Maryland Municipal League (MML) Award for
Excellence and the Maryland Rural Water Association (MWRA) Groundwater System of the
Year.
• Developed an excellent municipal staff that includes a recipient of the MML Employee of
the Year award and numerous other award winners.
Operations Manager
Business & Workforce Development Center, Severna Park, MD July 1996 to August 1999
• Managed day-to-day operations of Anne Arundel County’s privatized workforce
development agency. Supervised 20+ professional and support staff, developed and
implemented new programs, secured numerous grants and managed multiple facilities.
• Exceeded every federal, state and local performance standard established for the agency.
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Education
Master of Public Administration
Eastern Washington University, Cheney, WA 1995
• Selected as a Dean’s Scholar; top 10% of graduate school class
Bachelor of Arts in Economics, Cum Laude
Gonzaga University, Spokane, WA 1987
Awards & Related Qualifications
• Town of Hampstead Distinguished Service Award & “Key to the Town,” 2011
• Carroll County Maryland Distinguished Service Award, 2011
• Janet L. Hoffman Award for Outstanding Local Public Service, Maryland Chapter,
American Society for Public Administrators, 2010
• Graduate, Maryland Academy for Excellence in Local Government, 2003
• Chair, Carroll Cable Regulatory Commission, March 2001 to June 2011
• U.S. Navy, Active Duty, 1982 – 1985
• U.S. Naval Reserve, 1985 – 1992
• Recipient, Navy Achievement Medal, 1990
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August 5, 2018, 2018
Brenda Ballou, MMC
City Clerk
City of Seward, AK
PO Box 167
Seward, AK 99664-0167
Re: Lee Elliott Interim City Manager Application
Ms. Ballou:
Please accept this letter of interest and resume as my official application for the City of Seward, interim
city manager position.
Currently, I consult, and provide interim management services for municipal governments. I have made
interim services my career choice which provides communities with guaranteed service through the
permanent city manager assuming the permanent position. I have experience as an interim in multiple
roles, from city manager, planning and economic director, public works director and finance director. In
my consulting roles, I provide financial, personnel, utility, public works, planning and economic
development assistance to cities. I have executive level city government experience in 4 different states
and regions of the country. Throughout my career, I have managed budgets up to $95M and have
experience with several capital improvement projects ranging from a $50M wastewater treatment plant
update, to $12M in waterline replacements, city hall enhancements, park improvements, street
replacements among many other projects.
My public sector executive level management experience is broad. I have been a city manager, assistant
city manager, chief administrative officer, finance director, public works director, personnel director,
planning and economic development director. My path has been to experience a broad level of
different department head positions to become more knowledgeable as the chief executive officer.
Working in four different states, in many roles, has provided me with the ability to adapt to differing
situations in city governments. While serving as an interim city manager, I have assisted 3 cities with
their search for a permanent city manager.
While serving as city manager in Mount Vernon, TX, we were able to use our historical culture assets to
invigorate tourism as a primary engine in our local economy. We were one of the first three
communities to receive the first Lady’s Tourism Award of Excellence. We were able to repair over 60%
of our water and sewer lines through negotiating low interest loans and receiving grants. We were able
to reduce our water loss from approximately 20% to approximately 8%. With creative approaches, we
were able to reduce our tax rate 12% while experiencing a declining taxable valuation without reducing
services.
In Newberg, OR, while serving as the assistant city manager (ACM), a position generated to manage
public works (HR and Emergency Operations), I was brought in to rebuild personnel relations in the
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department. While taking on the ACM position, the public works department was organizing. After
being the ACM for approximately 11 months, we had stabilized employee moral within public works. As
the interim city manager for 11 months, we were able to improve moral and efficiencies within the
whole organization while experiencing a large general fund shortfall. While working to redevelop our
downtown, we partnered with our local university to create connectives to the campus and assist in
bringing energy downtown.
In what I believe shows leadership and creativity as a city manager, while serving as the interim city
manager in Newberg, OR, to help generate some financial sustainability, and implement the council’s
core goals for the budget, I didn’t propose to fund my position as ACM in which my ½ my salary
impacted the General Fund which was suffering a shortfall. By not funding my salary as the ACM, we
were able to keep 2 police officers and not have to reduce our library hours.
Having private, and public sector management experience, provides me with a very positive service
sector view of public, and customer (citizen) relations. My belief in management is to ensure employees
enjoy their positions, and work environment, which in turn improves service. A city government is a
service provider, which needs very competent and happy employees. In turn, by providing good
services, your community has an opportunity to be very inclusive and successful.
I look forward to meeting with you, the mayor and councilors about how I can assist Seward in
continuing its positive direction while searching for a permanent city manager. If more information is
needed, please do not hesitate in contacting me at (903) 824-0465.
Respectfully submitted,
Lee Elliott
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Lee Elliott
(903) 824-0465 4969 MC 43
Fouke, AR 97132 leeelliott0919@yahoo.com
Professional Experience Interim City Administrator City of Runaway Bay, TX, November 2017-June 2018: managed a full-service organization with a staff of 15 and a $3m
budget. Assisted in restructuring the organization and establishing a base financial foundation for organizational operations.
Interim Town Manager Town of Dewey-Humboldt, AZ, August 2017-Nov 2017: Managed a staff of 15 employees, and $4m budget. Assisted
with city manager recruitment, updating comprehensive plan, street plan and working towards remediation of a superfund
mining site.
Municipal Consultant Multiple Cities, December 2000-present: consult and advise communities in Arkansas, Missouri and Texas regarding finance, public relations, utilities, budgeting, planning,
economic development, street bonds, utility rates, financial forecasting, personnel functions and storm water management.
Interim Community and Economic Development Director City of Murphy, TX, March 2016-June: managed a department with 5-FTE, comprising planning, economic development, building inspections, code compliance and health
inspections. Assisted with revising the comprehensive plan,
recruitment of a hotel along with developing a code compliance strategic plan and a reorganization plan for the department to increase
service provision and efficiency.
Interim Planning Director City of Stephenville, TX, August 2015-November 2015: managed a department of 5-FTE and a budget of $400k. As
interim, restructured department to improve customer service and efficiency. The department comprised, planning, building inspections and economic development.
Interim Finance Director City of Texarkana, AR February 2015-May 2015: managed a
budget of $45m of a full-service organization and a staff of 7-
FTE. Provided a fiscal policies, restructuring, 5-year financial forecast and refinanced a bond saving the citizens of the
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community $400k on a $5m bond.
Interim City Manager/ Assistant City Manager City of Newberg, OR, October 2012-June 30, 2014: served as interim city manager for 11 months of a full service, $95.5m budget community, 180-employees, in the wine and tourism oriented
Willamette River Valley region organization. As assistant city manager, performed executive direct management of public works ($63m), human resources, emergency operations and public relations.
Assisted in implementing multi-million dollar cultural arts corridor enhancement project which will increase the communities appeal to
Pacific NW and international tourist.
City Manager City of Mount Vernon, TX, February 2007-March 2011:
CEO of 7-departments, $7m budget. We received the highest transparency status awarded by the Texas Comptroller. The city was awarded $8m worth of grants during my tenure, took over a deficit budget and generated surpluses while reducing taxes 13%, received
grants for economic development infrastructure. Historical tourism was our chief economic component, and while managing here, we were
1 of the first 3 communities to receive the First Lady’s tourism award. Public Works Director, Personnel Director, and Special Projects City of Texarkana, AR, May 2005-February 2007: performed executive management of
multiple areas, was placed in charge of a public works budget running deficits for 5-years, balanced the budget with no tax/fee increases, and
increased service quality through efficiency improvements. Generated employee compensation study, digitized personnel department while
serving as personnel director. Received 2006 Arkansas Floodplain Manager of the Year award for public works response to Hurricanes
Katrina/Rita, and innovative approach to making our community safer. Performed special financial and economic development research and
managed special projects for the city manager.
Chief Admin Officer City of Mayflower, AR: May 2003-January 2005: executive management of budget ($5m), all services of police, fire, utilities,
planning, economic development, code compliance, animal control, streets and parks. Generated an ACE model used by ADED for
economic development, community was named the Floodplain Community of the Year. Performed successful eco-tourism ventures to
increase our community development.
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Planning/Econ Dev Dir City of Lowell, AR: January 2001-May 2003: executive management of planning, economic development, capital
improvements ($5m), code compliance and library. City experienced rapid growth, and generated an updated comprehensive plan, zoning
revision and infrastructure plan to enable efficient development. Planning Intern City of Conway, AR: August 2000-December 2000: assisted planning department personnel in updating GIS maps, and generating
an emergency response plan.
Vice President Stan Elliott, Inc: July 1994-December 2000: managed a private sector utility construction company (water, wastewater and stormwater
utility line projects), a HVAC service company, and a large heater/boiler construction company. Managed a staff of 30.
Education
University of Central Arkansas Community Development Institute: completed and certified
University of Central Arkansas: MS in community and Economic Development, completed hours, still in progress.
University of Central Arkansas: BS in History/Geography with Public Admin interest,
completed degree.
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References
Kenny Haskins Randy Holland
City Manager Mayor City of Texarkana, AR City of Mayflower, AR
(501) 258-5752 (501) 470-1337
BF Hicks Janelle Nordike
City Councilor CPA/Finance Director City of Mount Vernon, TX Newberg, OR
(903) 537-2264 (503) 550-4114
Bob Andrews Dale Carter
Mayor CPA/Finance Director City of Newberg, OR City of Mayflower, AR
(503) 537-1276 (501) 472-9354
Jerry St John Janice Siveley
Mayor Pro-Tem City Councilor City of Runaway Bay, TX City of Runaway Bay, TX
(682) 465-3337 (940) 627-9918
Terry Nolan
Mayor Town of Dewey-Humboldt, AZ
(602) 618-5988
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