A consultant assisting the township with the hiring of a new CAO/clerk is aiming to have the process completed by late November.
Consultant Nigel Bellchamber presented council with a schedule at its Aug. 25 meeting that would see advertising begin for the position shortly, with a closing date of Sept. 22 for applications.
Two rounds of interviews would be conducted in early October, with a special meeting of council slated for Oct. 20 to deal with a recommendation from the selection committee.
Bellchamber said the successful applicant could probably start about a month later.
The selection committee will consist of Mayor Neil Driscoll and councillor Michael Martin.
They will interview selected applicants with Bellchamber’s assistance.
All four Mapleton councillors volunteered to be on the committee, and Martin was chosen through a draw, with the appointment confirmed by a resolution of council.
Bellchamber recommended any current township department heads who apply for the position be granted interviews. He also suggested Driscoll communicate to all staff that “this is the next step in the process and there aren’t any other shoes waiting to drop.”
As part of the process to replace former CAO Patty Sinnamon, who was let go by the township on July 2, Bellchamber has already met with members of council and senior staff.
From those meetings, he has compiled a list of position requirements and personal attributes the township is looking for, including excellent communication skills, effective leadership abilities, future-oriented mindset and understanding of the complexities of municipal finance.
Bellchamber noted communication skills are critical in the CAO role.
“Communications is a complex subject. It’s not just sending a message … but it also involves listening,” he stated.
“The world’s greatest orator is not necessarily a great communicator unless he or she can hear what the audience is saying.”
The consultant also pointed out a CAO needs the ability to “speak truth to power,” so “he or she can give bad News to council if there’s bad News to be given,” or advise council “if they are heading down the wrong path.”
Bellchamber said the ability to speak freely comes from both “the person’s confidence,” and “also the terms of their employment contract.”
Knowing “when and how to say ‘no’ diplomatically” is another key attribute said Bellchamber.
“There are times when things just can’t be done by a municipality. Having said that, that’s after you’ve exhausted all avenues to say ‘yes,’” he commented.
