On April 26, Carroll City Manager, Gerald Clausen, tendered his resignation effective July 29, of this year. At last night’s (Monday) Carroll City Council meeting, Jeff Schott, Director of the Institute of Public Affairs at the University of Iowa, presented his thoughts on how to help the city through the process of replacing Clausen, who has been in the position since 1994. One of the most important things, he said, is for city leaders to get a clear picture of what the position entails, going beyond what they see in their roles.
Schott said that as they review the duties and responsibilities and the characteristics they want in a City Manager and determine how they will be vetting the candidates, there are really only two options for undertaking the extensive search.
Another vital aspect of the process, whether conducting this search on their own or through a firm, Schott said, is to ensure that extensive background and reference checks are conducted on anyone they consider for the position. Council members agreed going with a consulting firm is the most logical option. Carolyn Siemann suggested they request a proposal from Moulder and Associates as they have a history with three recent city staffing searches for the Public Works, Police and Parks and Recreation Departments. Council member Jerry Fleshner raised a question about seeking additional proposals.
In the essence of time management, the council passed the motion to request a proposal from Moulder and Associates to conduct a search for a new Carroll City Manager by a unanimous vote.
