On behalf of the Claremont City Council, I am writing to share a quick update on our city manager search.
In December, the city council discussed how to approach the recruitment and hiring of our next manger. The council choose Municipal Resources Inc. (MRI), an executive recruitment firm to lead our charge.
In tandem with our recruitment efforts for a new manager an interim city manager, John MacLean, of MRI, began his duties on Jan. 7. Having worked for the city previously, the council knew Mr. MacLean would be a very good fit and familiar with our day-to-day operations. He is scheduled to work approximately 30 hours per week. As part of the agreement with MRI, Mr. MacLean appointed a temporary assistant city manager, Claremont Police Chief Mark Chase. Chief Chase is expected to fill in given Mr. MacLean’s schedule.
At our first working city council meeting in January, MRI outlined a recruitment timeline. The process began with individual councilors being interviewed. These interviews became the foundation for MRI to create our recruitment package. Two significant issues that we needed to address were setting a compensation range for the new manager and how to deal with our current residency clause which will be a requirement for the new hire. The consensus of the city council is to support our residency clause however in reality with the current housing market being so active finding a home may prove to be difficult for someone coming into the city. I would like to thank Councilor Jonathan Stone for speaking with the New Hampshire Municipal Association to receive initial information on the legal process of an amendment. Given this situation the Council and is working with our city clerk and Mr. MacLean on a potential charter change which of course will require a public hearing and eventually a city-wide vote. We recognize this process likely will not change our current recruitment.
The council hopes that residents will weigh in on the process. You may send a confidential email to MRI at [email protected]. Please reach out with your thoughts on important traits for our new manager. Of course, you are always welcome to share concerns as well. This email address will be listed on the city’s website for your convenience.
MRI developed a job description that outlines our expectations and measurable objectives; this will be advertised where it will attract the most qualified candidates. You may find it on MRI’s website (mrigov.com) along with advertising at the International City Managers Association and in regional newspapers. The initial application deadline will be March 1.
The city council will continue to share information as we move through this process. Please do not hesitate to reach out to any of your councilors. Our contact information may be located on the city website at claremontnh.com.
Dale Girard is the mayor of Claremont and welcomes your feedback. Please email questions, comments or concerns to him at [email protected].
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