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Succession committee says city manager search progressing; names to remain confidential
Summary
Rob Peterson, chair of the succession planning committee, told the Watertown City Council the recruitment has yielded strong candidates and that names will remain confidential while the process continues; committee expects to forward three to four finalists to council in the coming weeks.
Rob Peterson, chair of the City of Watertown’s succession planning committee, told the City Council on Monday that the group has completed a first round of interviews and is moving candidates to a second stage in the city manager recruitment.
"We've so far done one round of interviews with a list of candidates. It's a good list," Peterson said in a short presentation to the council. He said the committee is impressed with the breadth and depth of experience among applicants and that the recruitment firm has helped vet candidates before committee interviews.
Peterson urged patience and defended the committee's decision to keep candidate names confidential, saying disclosure can harm candidates’ careers and inhibit participation. "Confidentiality is key," he said. "If there's any mention that names could get out ... people get panicked, they tend to not participate in searches that aren't confidential."
Committee members named by Peterson include Liam Culhane, Scott Monger, Amber Dahl, Chris Carter and Joy Nelson. Peterson said the committee expects to narrow the field to "maybe three or four" finalists to recommend to the council for interviews and final decision.
Council members thanked the committee for its work and said they prefer a thorough search to a rushed hire. Councilman Jerns asked why names have not been released; Peterson repeated the confidentiality rationale. Councilman Danforth asked whether the committee or the recruiter conducted the interviews; Peterson said the recruiter initially vetted candidates and the committee conducted the first-round interviews. Peterson estimated the committee would complete remaining steps in a few weeks and bring names forward shortly.
Peterson and multiple council members said the interim city manager and department heads have kept city operations steady while the search proceeds. Interim city manager Bob Zine was commended by council members during the discussion for maintaining municipal services.
The council did not take formal action Monday on a hiring decision; Peterson said the next formal step will be a council interview and vote when recommended finalists are presented.
