Bainbridge Island hosts public forums to discuss city manager search

Two public meetings left to attend from 6-8 p.m. on Monday, May 7 and 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday, May 8.

Islanders will have an opportunity to have their say in their local government this week during a series of public forums centered on the continuing search for a new city manager.

Tom Muehlenbeck from Strategic Government Resources, the firm hired to search for the next city manager, will get right to work on Monday, May 7 with two community meetings.

Three public forums have been scheduled at city hall.

The first was scheduled for 9 to 11 a.m., and the second today is from 6 to 8 p.m.

An additional public forum is scheduled for 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, May 8.

Islanders are invited to speak with Muehlenbeck, as well as Ron Holifield, CEO of Strategic Government Resources, about what qualifications and characteristics they value in their city’s leadership.

The public conversation with the firm will be one of the final steps before it can produce a brochure to attract candidates for the city manager position.

Strategic Government Resources sent a list of questions to the city for the community to keep in mind when they visit the island.

The list includes informational queries such as “Tell us about your vision for the city of Bainbridge Island over the next five to 10 years,” “What are the current issues and challenges facing the community,” and “What would you like to see the city manager accomplish for the city organization and the community within the first three years?”

Other questions gauge how much education the community expects from their city manager, their desired experience and skill sets.

Strategic Government Resources also proposed the following questions to the city for citizens to consider for discussion:

How well does the city work with other entities (county, schools, chamber of commerce, etc)?

What is the number one challenge the new city manager will face in his/her first 90 days?

What should be the range of abilities and qualifications for the new manager?

What should be the minimum and preferred educational attainment level for final candidates?

What type of experiences in municipal government for final candidates should we expect?

What are the three qualities you believe the manager should bring to Bainbridge Island?