The Sequim City Council completed City Manager Steve Burkett’s annual review at a special meeting Friday, February 8, 2013. The City Council utilized an outside facilitator to coordinate feedback from each council member into a comprehensive performance evaluation.
The City Council consistently gave Burkett very good to excellent ratings in each performance category. The Council used a rating scale of 1 – 10, with 8 representing “very good,” 9 representing “excellent,” and reserving 10 for a score of “perfect” for the evaluation. Burkett received an overall score of 8.73. The score was comprised of ratings in three areas: managerial performance, 8.8; council/manager relationship, 8.7; and employee and public relations, 8.7.
“Steve has led our city through rough economic times without any significant loss in service, has helped us adopt responsible financial policies that help to secure our future, and has developed a dedicated and talented staff. I can’t imagine a better City Manager for Sequim at this time,” said City of Sequim Mayor Ken Hays.
Burkett was commended for the progress made on many City projects in 2012: the development of a new Police Station/City Hall financial plan; the agreement with Clallam County and the Public Utility District for Carlsborg sewer service; the development of a balanced budget for 2013; staffing of the City’s Leadership Team; and the adoption of organizational values.
In addition, the City Council recognized Burkett for his proactive and respectful interaction with the Council, timely responsiveness, recognition and support of staff, outreach and communication with the community, customer service orientation, successful personnel hiring, and his cost effective frugality.
“I appreciate the City Council taking the time to participate in a thoughtful and thorough evaluation process, and providing me with feedback on my performance,” said City Manager Steve Burkett.
Looking toward the future, the Council enlisted the City Manager’s support in devising additional methods of effectively informing Council and citizens about city business and accomplishments, coaching Council about aspects of important issues, clarifying talking points regarding legislative contacts, sharing news arising from contacts with other jurisdictions and agencies, and exploring added resources for city administrative responsibilities.