Council keeps city manager ad language; debate centers on residency preference

Bangor City Council kept language in a draft city manager job announcement that states residency in Bangor is preferred but not mandatory, following a divided discussion and a formal vote on the matter.

Don, the consultant leading the city manager search, told the council on Jan. 27 that he heard from staff and the public about the city nd listed priorities for a new manager, including addressing homelessness and substance abuse, affordable housing and neighborhood density, staffing and retention, infrastructure maintenance, long-term strategic planning, economic development and upgraded technology. "I should have the document ready . . . and should be able to send you all a copy with what I heard," Don said.

The consultant said many people expressed a desire for a manager "from Maine" who would live in Bangor, and described other desired qualities: transparency, forward thinking, financial and economic-development experience, and the ability to work with department heads. "One that always comes up every time I do this is not a micromanager," he said.

Councilors debated whether the advertisement should require the manager to live in Bangor. Councilor Leonard moved to keep the ad language as drafted (preferences, not a requirement); the motion was seconded (second not specified) and the council voted on a roll call. The recorded votes were: Leonard (yes), Beck (yes), Mallard (yes), Trumbull (no), Haas (yes), Fish (yes), Dean (no) and Fournier (no). The motion passed.

Several councilors described why residency matters to them. Councilor Dean said living in Bangor signals a commitment to the community, while Councilor Mallard warned that a mandatory residency requirement could deter strong candidates. "If we have a really powerful candidate that just plain would prefer to live somewhere else . . . I kind of like that preferred, but maybe not necessary" language, Mallard said. Don advised that whatever the council decides should be posted clearly so candidates understand expectations.

The consultant said the draft ad also includes a salary range he believes to be reasonable, and that he will send a revised timeline and the final ad for posting. He told the council he will provide weekly email updates on applicant numbers and how many are from Maine. The council plans to meet to review applications on March 5.

The discussion also touched on practical recruitment experience: Don said when South Portland advertised a mandatory residency requirement, it initially received no Maine applicants, but changing the language produced a larger pool. He told the council that residency provisions can be negotiated in an employment contract if a finalist needs time to relocate.

The council nd the consultant agreed that the ad should be clear to candidates about residency expectations and salary. Don said he would circulate a final draft and timeline for the council and the public.

Less-critical logistical items on the agenda included arranging an expedited tour of the MRC facility in Hampden before construction reduces access and confirming that the full council meeting that night would start at 7 p.m. (the workshop began at 5:30 p.m.).

Votes at a glance: The council voted to keep the draft ad s-is (preferred residency language). The motion passed by roll call: Leonard, Beck, Mallard, Haas and Fish voted yes; Trumbull, Dean and Fournier voted no.