Mayor Suggests Budget Process Serves as Assessment Tool for Interim Chiefs

Greenfield's Police and Fire Commission should assess the two interim chiefs by how they handle the tumultuous budget process the city is about to undertake, Mayor Michael Neitzke suggested to the panel Wednesday evening at the . 

During a rare appearance in front of the commission, the mayor told the commission that the next few months will pose a true test of the decision-making capabilities that the two interim chiefs possess due to the extraordinary nature of the fiscal and, as a result, personnel dilemmas the city and their departments face. 

"The way that these candidates handle themselves in this budget (process) specifically … will be the strongest indicator based on what I know of any assessment process out there to determine whether or not they are competent, capable and qualified to lead the city in the future," he said. 

The commission is considering hiring Interim Fire Chief Jon Cohn and Interim Police Chief Brad Wentlandt, both appointed within the last couple of months after long-time chiefs retired in both departments.

Although the mayor is the city's top administrator and he appoints members to the commission, he was careful to suggest that his recommendations are not construed as orders.  

"I am not in any way, shape or form attempting to impose my will on you," he said. "It was suggested by some that I was exercising undo influence on you, marching in here, telling you what to do."   

Commissioner Bob Selin indicated he is concerned with how the commission should assess the pair during and after the budget process, given that many decisions occur in closed session, away from the purview of the commission.

Nietzke also suggested commissioners set a firm deadline to make a decision regarding the two chiefs. This date, Neitzke said, should be set after the budget process is complete. Setting a date also would remove speculation and uncertainty throughout the city staff and community as to whether the commission is close to making a decision, especially when it appears on the commission's agenda. 

"Every person in the city sees that," Neitzke said, referring to the commission's agenda that has been worded in such a way that suggests a decision would be made during the meeting. "This is not the return desk at JC Penney. This is life and death stuff for these guys."

The mayor, who was accompanied by two of his children, wore a T-shirt and shorts. His attire and his company seemed to give way to a casual atmosphere, given the intense decision the commission ultimately faces regarding the hiring of the two chiefs, who head the city's two largest departments. 

At one point during his remarks, he warned his son he would end up in a holding cell downstairs if he did not behave. Commissioners chuckled, indicating juvenile court was occurring at the same time. 

After the mayor and his family left, the commission was presented with a proposal for a form assessment to be completed by Rick Bauman, a partner with Humber, Mundie & McClary, used for hiring and promotion.

Bauman explained the process he would undertake involves him guiding the panel in creating a set of criteria they would use to assess the candidates.

"I am not here to sell psychological assessments. I am here to sell the community, your city, on a method that you choose that will be optimal for your reasons," Bauman said. 

If the commission ultimately decides to use the full budget process as an assessment tool, it is likely a decision on the chiefs positions will not be made until November, when the budget is typically approved.