here - Satellite Beach

JOHN N. HELIN
TAB 5
I am sure like everyone else, it is difficult and unpleasant to let people go. I have had to do this
on numerous occasions (see above for one). What I keep in mind is that is my responsibility to
ensure that everyone performs to acceptable standards and that we owe that to our citizens who
give us their hard earned money to operate the City for them. If an employee cannot meet their
obligations to the citizens, then we need to find someone who will commit to that requirement.
In terms of handling a dismissal, I first ensure that we follow proper procedures and that we have
given the employee adequate opportunities to improve their performance. Then we ensure they
know why they are being released and then provide them whatever assistance we can as they
depart. In the case of right sizing the organization, I have made accommodations to keep them
on staff in some other position or capacity.
The most obvious challenges I see for Satellite Beach are those contained in the job
announcement brochure. To be able to address all of those issues, I will need to get to know the
community, elected leaders and City staff and they, likewise, will need to get to know and trust
me to work collaboratively to meet the vision and goals of the community as well as the needs of
the employees.
During the first six months at Satellite Beach I would:
MEET and ENGAGE the elected officials, City staff, citizens, business and community
leaders and let them get to know me and me them.
LEARN the City's vision, goals, its organization, how it operates and what its reputation
is in the community.
ASSESS the organization including its leaders, policies and procedures.
EVALUATE how well the staff is working towards the vision, how they are performing
to meet the goals and identify what things we might need to work on to ensure we are
meeting the needs of the community.
ESTABLISH my standards with staff and begin working with them and the elected
officials to continue to move the City forward.
In terms of working with the media, I try to be proactive and provide information to them to
share with the community. I do that with personal contact as well as news releases. I work to
ensure there is transparency in how the City operates.
I do not anticipate anyone contacting the City with negative contacts about me. There have been
various Council Members that may not have an entirely positive attitude towards me because I
ensured they understand that I work for the entire elected body, not individually for them or
their personal agendas.
While I tend to be very work oriented, I do enjoy spending time with my family and travel.
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