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Page 3, Q9. Comments regarding questions 6 - 8. Please indicate the specific question to which the commentapplies, if applicable:
1 Keeping the lines of communication open with local, regional, state and federalgovernments is helpful to our cities ongoing success. I believe Ken does a great
job in this area.
Jul 3, 2013 1:28 PM
2 Ken seems to do quite well in the development of of intergovernmentalrelationships
Jun 30, 2013 7:17 PM
3 It is clear to me that Ken has the respect of leadership from surroundingmunicipalities, and he also seems to work well with the state and feds.
Jun 28, 2013 2:14 PM
4 6) Hearing first-hand accounts from other supervisors of surrounding townships,it is not said how Ken is a team player and willing to come to the table as anopen-minded City Manager with flexibility. Instead, there is a stiff-armedapproach to handling our neighbors and that they are talked at, not to. Andlastly, we are not as supportive, accommodating, transparent, nor as correlatingas we need to be with our immediate neighbors. 7&8) I have not seen norheard of any of this activity being positive or negative, so I choose to refrain fromproviding an evaluation on these two. I can only hope it is better than how wetreat our regional governments.
Jun 25, 2013 6:04 PM
5 Pertaining to question #6, did not tell the truth at all regarding the entireSpringfield Public Safety history of discussions.
Jun 25, 2013 1:45 PM
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11. Demonstrates the ability to work successfully in an ethnically, culturally, and racially
diverse community in a way that demonstrates sensitivity.
Response
Percent
Response
Count
(1) 11.1% 1
(2) 0.0% 0
(3) 66.7% 6
(4) 11.1% 1
(5) 11.1% 1
(N/A) 0.0% 0
answered question 9
skipped question 0
12. Enjoys the respect of members of the community, as well as other members of the
Public Administration profession.
Response
Percent
Response
Count
(1) 0.0% 0
(2) 22.2% 2
(3) 44.4% 4
(4) 11.1% 1
(5) 11.1% 1
(N/A) 11.1% 1
answered question 9
skipped question 0
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13. Comments regarding questions 10 - 12. Please indicate the specific question to which
the comment applies, if applicable:
Response
Count
6
answered question 6
skipped question 3
14. Works cooperatively with all groups to find solutions to shared problems, issues, and/or
opportunities.
ResponsePercent
ResponseCount
(1) 22.2% 2
(2) 0.0% 0
(3) 55.6% 5
(4) 11.1% 1
(5) 11.1% 1
(N/A) 0.0% 0
answered question 9
skipped question 0
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Page 4, Q13. Comments regarding questions 10 - 12. Please indicate the specific question to which the commentapplies, if applicable:
1 Ken meets the expectations in this area but I would like to see more efforts to bemore visible. I know it's a hard balancing act with so much going on and a familyat the same time, believe me I know, but people want to "see" you and engage inperson.
Jul 3, 2013 1:34 PM
2 #10--I wish that Ken was able to be more forthcoming with information. This canresult in the appearance that the city has something it is hiding. While noteverything can be shared, sometimes waiting until all information is available andthe time is "right" can be as detrimental as releasing information too early.
Jun 30, 2013 7:24 PM
3 There were challenges this past year with public relationship and perception,particularly involving the police issues. Needs to step up communications in thisarea.
Jun 29, 2013 10:31 AM
4 Number 10 - How the image of the city is conveyed publicly has been a sourceof ongoing discussion between Ken and I during my term. While improvementstill needs to be made, I believe that Ken has a firm grasp of what thoseimprovements should be and that he is taking continual positive step to addressthem.
Jun 28, 2013 2:20 PM
5 10) I will just state that kicking two people out of his office in the last year is notappropriate, nor professional. 12) There is not an equal distribution of respectto other members of the community or administration. It depends on where youstand on the decisions Ken has made and how he would like them to go. If youare on board with him, all is well. If not, excommunicated.
Jun 25, 2013 6:22 PM
6 Reference #10, he is never out in the public as one would think he should be asCity Manager.
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Page 4, Q17. Comments regarding questions 14 - 16. Please indicate the specific question to which the commentapplies, if applicable:
1 I am always so impressed with Ken and staff at the workshops, he does anexcellent job and you can tell a lot of work goes into it. Still could improve intimely responses and communications internally and externally. I'd prefer we getan op-ed or contact news media ahead of potential problems than have to dothose things after the train has left the station. Rather we frame the storycorrectly than have the media or others frame it for us, it's harder to correct atthat point.
Jul 3, 2013 1:34 PM
2 16--I have seen an improvement of late but would still like to see work to improvein this area.
Jun 30, 2013 7:24 PM
3 Number 16 - once in a while minor requests fall through the cracks, but oncereminded, Ken usually addresses them asap. Additionally, those infrequentlapses are made up for by times when he goes above and beyond by respondingduring off times or even proactively. Overall I am satisfied with response time.
Jun 28, 2013 2:20 PM
4 14) Everyone is not brought to the table when shared problems arise. Therecomes an avoidance in answering the questions, smoke screens ofgrandstanding on issues that are not the concern, taking credit for things the
community does (for which the administration had no input) and denial of thetrue issues at hand. 15) Read 14 above. Although there is information providedat meetings, it is not what the topic of conversation should be. Ken needs strongdirection here for improvement. 16) If you get a response at all.
Jun 25, 2013 6:22 PM
5 Regarding 14, 15 and 16 he procrastinates consistently. Continues to hidebehind the statement of how short handed the city is and there is just so much todo and so little time. Requests just disappear into a place where they are notanswered or dealt with in an untimely manner or not at all. If you want ananswer you have to keep following up and that does not work all of the time.
Jun 25, 2013 1:51 PM
Page 5, Q22. Comments regarding questions 18 - 21. Please indicate the specific question to which the commentapplies, if applicable:
1 The City of Battle Creek has very sound financial footing. Jun 30, 2013 7:33 PM
2 Given the rough economic times recently, has done a good job keeping the citybudget balanced and spending down. Has tried to find partnerships withneighboring communities.
Jun 29, 2013 10:34 AM
3 Great job on all these. Jun 28, 2013 2:21 PM
4 Protects certain departments from having to show any sort of line item
expenditure which may show that indeed they are not using their monies wiselyeven though they come in showing balanced accounts. The raise to non repswas a true mistake and bad timing.
Jun 25, 2013 1:54 PM
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23. Fosters continued professional development, personal growth and learning among City
government staff.
Response
Percent
Response
Count
(1) 11.1% 1
(2) 22.2% 2
(3) 33.3% 3
(4) 0.0% 0
(5) 11.1% 1
(N/A) 22.2% 2
answered question 9
skipped question 0
24. Provides a participatory management environment for City employees
Response
Percent
Response
Count
(1) 11.1% 1
(2) 33.3% 3
(3) 22.2% 2
(4) 11.1% 1
(5) 11.1% 1
(N/A) 11.1% 1
answered question 9
skipped question 0
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25. Demonstrates the ability to collaborate and seek group solutions.
Response
Percent
Response
Count
(1) 22.2% 2
(2) 22.2% 2
(3) 22.2% 2
(4) 11.1% 1
(5) 11.1% 1
(N/A) 11.1% 1
answered question 9
skipped question 0
26. The Manager's efforts lead to the successful and timely accomplishment of goals.
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Page 6, Q27. Comments regarding questions 23 - 26. Please indicate the specific question to which the commentapplies, if applicable:
1 I'm not really familiar with what happens in the organization regarding question23 but would like to know more. For instance, have any staff this past yearreceived certifications, advanced industry credentials, etc. and how has thathelped our organization.
Jul 3, 2013 1:37 PM
2 Dissention is not encouraged and is often penalized. Disagreement can behealthy and can make programs/policies better.
Jun 30, 2013 7:52 PM
3 Need to support professional development and training for all city management.Not enough done to encourage (really push for) staff to attend professionaltraining and management training opportunities.
Jun 29, 2013 11:10 AM
4 As a commissioner, I don't really have a window into this stuff. I wish I did,somehow.
Jun 28, 2013 2:22 PM
5 24) Yes for the administrative staff. No for the employees. Coming frommulitiple departments, there is little to no transparency, work environments thatare not conducive to a healthy workplace and favoritism within the hierarchy ofthe chain of command to a fault. 25) By reading my other comments, this one
should be self-explanatory. 26) Although some items are unavoidable in beingrushed, there are items that are not timely just because there is no timeline tothem. So it is felt by Ken that when it gets done, it gets done. Oftentimes, theCommission is rushed or coerced to push items through due to the timesensitivity of the issue. And this happens on items when the situation really didnot need to be that way.
Jun 25, 2013 6:37 PM
6 Reference 25 and 26 he does not believe there are issues of any sort that needto be addressed, thus no need for solutions or just hopes they go away with no "shelf life ". Procrastination is again evident and rises to the top with questionslike 26.
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31. Comments regarding questions 28 - 30. Please indicate the specific question to which
the comment applies, if applicable:
Response
Count
5
answered question 5
skipped question 4
32. Keeps the City Commission advised of new legislation and developments in public
policy as well as actions in other jurisdictions that may have an impact on the City's
activities
Response
Percent
Response
Count
(1) 0.0% 0
(2) 11.1% 1
(3) 55.6% 5
(4) 22.2% 2
(5) 11.1% 1
(N/A) 0.0% 0
answered question 9
skipped question 0
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33. Organizes program planning in anticipation of future needs and problems and
establishes common goals to be adopted by the City Commission.
Response
Percent
Response
Count
(1) 0.0% 0
(2) 22.2% 2
(3) 55.6% 5
(4) 11.1% 1
(5) 11.1% 1
(N/A) 0.0% 0
answered question 9
skipped question 0
34. Demonstrates the ability to define and communicate a vision for the future of our City
that captures the support of the citizens and institutions of our community.
Response
Percent
Response
Count
(1) 0.0% 0
(2) 44.4% 4
(3) 33.3% 3
(4) 11.1% 1
(5) 11.1% 1
(N/A) 0.0% 0
answered question 9
skipped question 0
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35. Comments regarding questions 32 - 34. Please indicate the specific question to which
the comment applies, if applicable:
Response
Count
4
answered question 4
skipped question 5
36. Effectively implements policies and programs approved by the City Commission.
Response
Percent
Response
Count
(1) 0.0% 0
(2) 22.2% 2
(3) 55.6% 5
(4) 22.2% 2
(5) 0.0% 0
(N/A) 0.0% 0
answered question 9
skipped question 0
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Page 6, Q31. Comments regarding questions 28 - 30. Please indicate the specific question to which the commentapplies, if applicable:
1 I have always been treated very well by city staff and appreciate their hard workfor our residents.
Jul 3, 2013 1:37 PM
2 I am concerned that Ken may not be listening to staff as well as he was in thepast. This is probably more challenging in an environment where everyone isstretched due to reductions in personnel. But during tough times like we haveexperienced may be the most important time to listen carefully to ALL staff.Needs to make better use of the management staff he has and keep everyoneinformed. Do not show favoritism.
Jun 29, 2013 11:10 AM
3 Ditto. Jun 28, 2013 2:22 PM
4 28) Ken does not take time to hear both sides of the story. Ken does not taketime to investigate the facts. Ken does not treat each individual equally. Theonly reason Ken gets a one is because there is no zero option. 29) I think Ihave made it clear that it is Ken's way or Ken's way. But he does let youchoose! 30) Ken does not participate in this category to the extent that a CityManager should. Again, a strong community effort keeps many programs andservices afloat. While Ken will acknowledge them and verbally support them,
little is done to give that support some substance.
Jun 25, 2013 6:37 PM
5 Reference 29 he absolutely does not deal well with differing opinions and is notwilling to listen to ideas and differing views unless you are one of the chosen twoor three that are important to him.
Jun 25, 2013 2:00 PM
Page 7, Q35. Comments regarding questions 32 - 34. Please indicate the specific question to which the commentapplies, if applicable:
1 #34--Needs to better define and communicate a vision for the future of the Citythat is communicated to residents. Communication is/has been an ongoingissue.
Jun 30, 2013 7:54 PM
2 Need to do more long range planning WITH commission. Many managementstaff give off the impression that they wish the Commission did not exist.
Jun 29, 2013 11:10 AM
3 Number 34 - I've mentioned this to Ken and others before. The city is great atadministrating, but comes up short on visionary leadership. I think this is alsoconnected to the earlier response above the city's public image. To be fair, thesignificant budget cuts and resulting staff cuts over the last few years haveprobably squeezed this kind of thing out of front-of-mind strategic thinking andcommunication.
Jun 28, 2013 2:26 PM
4 33) On one end, this should not be bestowed upon Ken's shoulders. Thelengthy employment cuts that have endured over the past five years make thisdifficult to give it the appropriate attention. On the other hand, 62 open positionsand not putting the effort in to fill these positions keep us on the back burner inprogram planning. Much needs to be done and can be done here and we arefalling short of the goal.
Jun 25, 2013 6:42 PM
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37. Keeps the City Commission informed of current plans and activities of administration
and new developments in technology, legislation, governmental practices, and regulations.
Response
Percent
Response
Count
(1) 11.1% 1
(2) 33.3% 3
(3) 33.3% 3
(4) 11.1% 1
(5) 11.1% 1
(N/A) 0.0% 0
answered question 9
skipped question 0
38. Communicates the City Commission's policies and positions effectively to staff and the
public.
Response
Percent
Response
Count
(1) 11.1% 1
(2) 22.2% 2
(3) 55.6% 5
(4) 11.1% 1
(5) 0.0% 0
(N/A) 0.0% 0
answered question 9
skipped question 0
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39. Maintains knowledge of current and innovative trends in the area of local government
services and incorporates that knowledge in program suggestions and research.
Response
Percent
Response
Count
(1) 11.1% 1
(2) 11.1% 1
(3) 33.3% 3
(4) 22.2% 2
(5) 11.1% 1
(N/A) 11.1% 1
answered question 9
skipped question 0
40. Comments regarding questions 36 - 39. Please indicate the specific question to which
the comment applies, if applicable:
Response
Count
5
answered question 5
skipped question 4
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41. Please rate the City Manager's performance overall.
Response
Percent
Response
Count
(1) Unacceptable 22.2% 2
(2) Needs Improvement 22.2% 2
(3) Meets Expectations 33.3% 3
(4) Exceeds Expectations 11.1% 1
(5) Outstanding 11.1% 1
answered question 9
skipped question 0
42. Identify any current actions by the City Manager that you would most like to see him
continue.
Response
Count
6
answered question 6
skipped question 3
43. Identify any current actions by the City Manager that you would like him to discontinue.
Response
Count
5
answered question 5
skipped question 4
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Page 8, Q40. Comments regarding questions 36 - 39. Please indicate the specific question to which the commentapplies, if applicable:
1 I really do believe Ken passes on knowledge he may receive that can help us inBattle Creek. I think 38 will be helped by the new communications staff member.
Jul 3, 2013 1:39 PM
2 #37--Communication is/has been a problem and keeping the City Commissioninformed of current plans and activities of the administration.
Jun 30, 2013 7:56 PM
3 I am not sure that Ken carries the Commission's message back to the staff asclearly as he could. The Commission has divergent viewpoints but we still setpolicies. I also get the impression that staff is not respectful of the Commissionand its role - they want to do things "their way" - but the Commission is the bodythat should be leading and setting the city government policies.
Jun 29, 2013 11:10 AM
4 Number 39 - related to earlier responses about image and vision. See previous. Jun 28, 2013 2:27 PM
5 36) When the Commission brings up concerns and wants to see themaddressed, the body could see a delay of months before anything is done aboutit. 37) We, as a Commission, are not being told the outright truth of possiblechanges in staffing, regulations and practices on a consistent basis. 39) I do notsee this happen or not happen to any extent that I would be comfortable giving
an appropriate evaluation.
Jun 25, 2013 6:53 PM
Page 10, Q42. Identify any current actions by the City Manager that you would most like to see him continue.
1 Building relationships with residents. If 20 new folks can properly pronounce hisname by next year, we'll be getting somewhere...smile.
Jul 3, 2013 1:45 PM
2 Continue working with other jurisdictions around Battle Creek and the county onprojects where we can partner.
Jun 29, 2013 11:16 AM
3 Proactive communications about policy and finance are good and shouldcontinue.
Jun 28, 2013 2:34 PM
4 Having a very good attendance at the City Commission meetings, beingtransparent with items that all involved agree upon(buying/selling of propertiesand the ANG base, for example), explaining issues that the city is involved inwhere a stronger understanding is needed (not something confrontational).
Jun 25, 2013 7:29 PM
5 I will talk with him one on one regarding this. Jun 25, 2013 2:07 PM
6 1. Ken has improved a lot on his responsiveness. Ken continues to be aconduit for government, business and citizens. Continues to gain a lot of respectin the community.
Jun 25, 2013 10:33 AM
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Page 10, Q43. Identify any current actions by the City Manager that you would like him to discontinue.
1 Lack of timely communications. I'd rather get it as it happens, perhaps without allthe I's dotted and T's crossed, than later.
Jul 3, 2013 1:45 PM
2 Communications have been lacking. Jun 29, 2013 11:16 AM
3 none Jun 28, 2013 2:34 PM
4 Procrastination, confrontational, does not answer questions directly due to noappropriate answer cannot possibly be provided, not treating everyone equally,weak transparency with our neighboring communities, weak transparency withinour own community, not owning up to wrongful situations, not treating employeesas the number one asset, not treating employees as his number oneresponsibility, not sharing situations with the Commission in a timely manner,lying, lack of respect for the Commission, taking credit for community (notadministrative) efforts, not taking a stronger, more disciplined approach tomanaging the budget, not attending meetings that should be attended by the CityManager, not giving the Commission enough time to vote on certain issues whenmore discussion or changes should have taken place, but time was just notalloted. And the lack of desire to respond to inquiries made by the Commissionif it does not suit his best interests. And an attitude that presents a stonewalled
approach to handling of a disagreement. He should also not be very closefriends with department heads. The professional responsibility needs to takepresidence over being friends. This is not the case.
Jun 25, 2013 7:29 PM
5 I will talk with him one on one regarding this. Jun 25, 2013 2:07 PM
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44. Identify any actions not currently being undertaken by the City Manager that you would
like to see him implement.
Response
Count
6
answered question 6
skipped question 3
45. Additional comments regarding the City Manager that have a bearing on this evaluation
Page 10, Q45. Additional comments regarding the City Manager that have a bearing on this evaluation
1 Thanks Ken for your willingness to work with me on various projects (Town HallMeetings, etc.) and for your leadership, you are appreciated.
Jul 3, 2013 1:45 PM
2 I believe that Ken is extremely loyal and desires to see Battle Creek flourish. Ithink a series of unfortunate occurrences have happened in rapid successionthat have called Ken's leadership into question. I don't feel like the responsefrom the City Manager's office is what it should have been to mitigate theseconcerns.
Jun 30, 2013 8:10 PM
3 Ken cares about the city and the staff. He wants the city government to be apartner to improving the community - such as the downtown changes. He needsto consider some real changes to address employee issues with police. Needsto re-build the public's perception of that department. Cut out the bad applesthat need cutting. Take the blinders off. Ken and staff need to improve theresponsiveness of the city to the public in several ways. Businesses should beable to get pernits in hours or a day - not weeks. Public should be able to handlemany more transactions online. Perhaps add additional hours for the public toaccess city departments - such as late hours one day a week.
Jun 29, 2013 11:16 AM
4 As I mentioned last year, the rating system with "Meets Expectations" as the
middle score of 3 is subjective as to the expectation of the respondent. I don'tknow what the committee thinks, but my point of view is that any average scorearound 3 or so would mean he's doing a good job.
Jun 28, 2013 2:34 PM
5 Early on, Ken did explain to me many facets of the city and how things areperformed. But when disagreements ensued (which is ok too), his continuedstonewalled reaction has made things difficult to impossible for me to provide aformidable conversation with him so we could draw out the truth together.Although I approached Ken on a few occasions, it was all give and no take; justa completely unhealthy environment every time I tried to approach him with theissues that I had. When I asked one of his administrators what has Kenprovided me, the response was, "Nothing". And it's true. That is not howproblems are solved. That is not a leader.
Jun 25, 2013 7:29 PM
6 This is the finest evaluation that I have given a City Manager. Ken has workedvery hard for the people of Battle Creek.
