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Reference Notes
Calvin Peck
Tab 9
Dennis Barbour – Former Carolina Beach Mayor, Carolina Beach, NC 910-470-5041
Mr. Barbour has known Mr. Peck since about 1998 when Mr. Peck was hired as Manager for
Carolina Beach. His job performance was outstanding. Carolina Beach took great strides while
he was there and, if it could get him back now, the City surely would. One of Mr. Peck’s most
influential accomplishments was the establishment of funding for projects in the Capital
Improvement Plan. One project the City completed was the replacement of old terracotta water
and sewer lines with PVC pipes. Mr. Peck was a strong leader who delegated tasks
appropriately to help him complete his assignments.
Mr. Peck’s has strong financial knowledge and maintained a balanced budget. When Mr. Peck
began, the undesignated fund had a balance of -8%. When Mr. Peck left, that same balance was
at 42%. Mr. Peck is a retired military office and applies a structured approach to the process of
making decisions. He identified the best employees to hire, including a Police Chief and a Fire
Chief. He always explored options which would be good for the Town. He worked well with
residents in the community and understood that, by living in the community he managed, he
could have a greater impact. Mr. Peck also worked with department heads and had an open door
policy for both them and his elected officials. He did not simply nod his head in agreement
when dealing with his elected officials. He was prepared and willing to offer them direct,
knowledgeable guidance.
Mr. Peck solved problems successfully. One instance occurred when Mr. Peck began developing
the budget. He suggested a Capital Improvement Plan that would not require raising taxes.
Instead, officials would simply take 4% of the dollars taxed and apply that amount to capital
improvement. He worked in concert with the Council quite well and took whatever actions they
required rather than what he might have wanted to do on his own. Mr. Peck never made quick
decisions, nor conversely would he continue to flog a dead issue once Council had made a choice
not to proceed.
Mr. Peck was forced into a situation where he had to replace the Police Chief, but some residents
did not approve, even though the reasons for dismissal were justified. This decision, while not
controversial per se, was not popular. Mr. Barbour would hire him again, if given the chance.
Words or phrases used to describe Calvin Peck:
Organized,
Personable,
Caring,
Dedicated, and
Approachable.
Strengths:
Creative, works well with people in the community as well as elected officials,
and accomplished his work in a timely manner.
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