FeedsBelleville approves search firm contract
Belleville officials will use the Michigan Municipal League (MML) to find a new city manager, after all.
In a special city council meeting Monday night, the council—minus Councilman George Chedraue, who was absent—unanimously agreed to a contract with the search firm.
At the May 5 council meeting, the motion to approve the contract died from lack of support because of a language change in the contract and, the amount of $6,850 that would be paid to the MML for their services of presenting a viable candidate; something Belleville officials felt they only had to pay if a candidate was hired. Heather Van Poucker, manager of consulting services for the MML, gave an overview on what services the non-profit organization would be providing to the city.
“We’ve been an executive search firm for several years and we work with clients in the community to implement the best possible results,” she said. “We make a profile on what you’re looking for, help you determine an advertising strategy and what works best for you. We then narrow down the list of candidates, structure the interview process and when you’re ready, extend a negotiation offer.”
Officials first approved to go with the MML search firm on April 7, which they said would include fees of 10-15 percent of the first year’s salary, if a city manager is found, plus about $500-750 for advertising costs. Van Poucker said the firm will go back at no cost to the city if no one applies for the position, however, if the city changes the qualifications, but the firm’s responsibilities are completed, they will still be charged.
“At some point it’s left up to you to reach a consensus,” she said. “If five candidates were presented and none of them take the offer we would go back to the well.
“Hopefully, we outline up front what you’re looking for,” she added. “If you get good people in you have to act fast, move quickly and decisively. Certain things will be the ball’s in your court. We want to see Belleville with a great city manager.”
The entire process takes about 12 weeks to include: meetings, recruitment strategy, placing advertisements, active solicitation, application screening, reference checks, review of candidates, interviews, negotiations, background checks and closeout activities. It’s also tailored to meet the specific needs of the community. Typically, a search project proceeds with the activities and requires about 60-90 days to complete, depending on the time of advertisement placement, availability of candidates and the elected officials, according to the MML.
Clerk/Treasurer Diana Kollmeyer, who has also been the acting city manager since August 2007, said officials need to move quickly because dates are already established for advertisements and postings.
Advertisements will go out on May 26 and May 30 with the close of applications on June 25. The MML will then study the resumes and, a closed session meeting will take place at 6 p.m. on July 7 in Belleville. Interviews will then follow on July 19 with the hope to have potential candidates at the Aug. 4 regular meeting, Kollmeyer said.
