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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-01-27 Select Board Packet Town of Reading Meeting Posting with Agenda This Agenda has been prepared in advance and represents a listing of topics that the chair reasonably anticipates will be discussed at the meeting. However the agenda does not necessarily include all matters which may be taken up at this meeting. Page | 1 2018-07-16 LAG Board - Committee - Commission - Council: Select Board Date: 2024-01-27 Time: 9:00 AM Building: Reading Town Hall Location: Select Board Meeting Room Address: 16 Lowell Street Agenda: Revised Purpose: General Business Meeting Called By: Caitlin Nocella on behalf of Chair Jackie McCarthy Notices and agendas are to be posted 48 hours in advance of the meetings excluding Saturdays, Sundays and Legal Holidays. Please keep in mind the Town Clerk’s hours of operation and make necessary arrangements to be sure your posting is made in an adequate amount of time. A listing of topics that the chair reasonably anticipates will be discussed at the meeting must be on the agenda. All Meeting Postings must be submitted in typed format; handwritten notices will not be accepted. Topics of Discussion: This Meeting will be held in-person in the Select Board Meeting Room at Town Hall and remotely on Zoom. It will also be streamed live on RCTV as usual. Join Zoom Meeting https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87231011553 Meeting ID: 872 3101 1553 One tap mobile +16465588656,,87231011553# US (New York) +16465189805,,87231011553# US (New York) Find your local number: https://us06web.zoom.us/u/kb9BUeC06J 9:00 Overview of Meeting 9:15 Interview Town Manager Candidates 1. Clancy Main – 9:15 AM 2. Matthew Kraunelis – 10:45 AM 3. Matthew Coogan – 12:15 PM 4. Antonio Barletta – 1:45 PM Town of Reading TOWN MANAGER FINALISTS JANUARY 2024 Antonio Barletta Finalist Reading Town Manager Antonio Barletta Reference Comments The following comments were provided by five references including: a former interim Town Administrator in Nahant who had retired as Deputy Commissioner of Mass. DOR’s Division of Local Services; a former state Representative and Chair of the Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture who now works in state government; a former Deputy Commissioner of Mass. Department of Energy Resource s who now works in the Maine Governor’s office; a former Secretary of the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs who is now Presiden t/CEO of an Economic Development Council. • Having worked at the DOR’s Division of Local Services, I know the good managers. After I retired, I was asked to serve as interim Town Administrator in Nahant and coordinated the search for the new TA. Tony Barletta had a strong education, good experience with some being municipal, and is very smart and personable. He is a bright guy and fast learner. He has risen quickly because is highly intelligent and is skilled at building relationships. He has done an excellent job in Nahant since he has been here. • After he came aboard, he faced the challenge of needing to revamp the staff. He saw that it needed to be done and he managed it via retirements or encouraging people to move on with no contention involved except in one case and he was able to calm the wate rs there. The people he hired are still with him. Tony has a different board today than the one that hired him, and the current board wants him to stay in Nahant. He has a personality that makes people want to work with him and he builds strong teams. • Tony would provide stability for Reading, and I would see him staying in the role for a long tenure. If he is hired, people will want to keep him there. • When Tony came to Nahant, there was a need for an override for operational stability. He began to strategically let it be known that there were financial issues and Tony invited me to speak along with him that spring about the town’s small tax base and other issues. He wisely spent 12-15 months laying the foundation about the need to protect the town’s financial base and he got the override passed. It is incredibly difficult to convince a small town to approve an override, but his transparency and work to i nform the public paid off. He also worked to build the stabilization fund and established an OPEB trust fund which helped to prevent a reduction in the town’s bond rating. He has built the stabilization fund up to about 5% now and is on a path to 10%. He’s a smart , professional manager. • Tony successfully spearheaded the installation of a $5 million sewer project in town. He had to work with officials in Lynn and the state; it was a complex project that he handled with skill. • He is skilled at collective bargaining and is considered by the unions as a manager who negotiates fairly while always looking out for the best interest of the community. • Tony enjoys working in municipal management. He has excellent interpersonal skills, cares about what he does, and invests himself in the community he serves. • Tony is forthright and transparent. He is quick to share information and doesn’t shy away from answering questions, including difficult ones. I have seen him presenting projects and budgets in front of crowds and he is calm and comfortable. He levels with people. • If he is appointed in Reading, he will quickly work to get to know the community better and to learn from officials, staff, and residents. He knows how to listen and asks good questions. He knows the department heads are the subject matter experts and he d oesn’t micromanage but is always available to offer and provide support. • I hired Tony at the Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs. He was an extremely hard - working and intelligent team member. I appreciated his communication and financial skills as well as his being a good listener and strong collaborator. He was well respected by his peers and other staff; he is a good leader. • He is skilled at researching issues and finds out how something will impact people and then, if appropriate, how to move the needle and make it happen. • Tony can articulate positions and projects well. He is clear and concise. He speaks in a way that issues make sense to everyone. • He creates a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere. He brings people in and gets people to the table. People are comfortable working with him and for him. • Tony has an even temper; I have never seen him angry or frustrated. He understands that you can’t be all things to all people and that sometimes you have to tell people things they don’t want to hear; sometimes you have to say no. But Tony does it with a tremendous level of respect and only after listening to the person or people. He is an empathetic leader and good communicator. • I hired Tony as my Research Director and later promoted him to Chief of Staff. He dealt with a lot of constituent issues and has excellent interpersonal skills. He never burns bridges and any project he worked on went well. He is skilled at sorting out differences and bringing people to compromise. He worked on budget issues, worked with 11 different communities to learn their priorities and where those priorities could fit int o the state budget. • Tony enjoys challenges and taking the initiative. He has a lot of contacts at the local and state levels, and he understands how things work at both levels. He knows where to seek out grants and other types of funding and how to get his community on the state agenda. He is politically savvy, very smart, and has a great personality. • DCR is a massive organization with a lot of properties in different communities and Tony came up to speed very quickly. We had a $100 million operational budget and $150 million capital budget. Tony worked with the Statehouse and with our planning and engineering teams to ensure that what needed to get done was done. He helped guide us through the must-do’s and the nice-to-do’s on the lists. He was always honest and transparent about what could get done now and what might have to wait until later. He’s very well liked at DCR. He carries himself with a great deal of humility and has a great sense of humor. People enjoy working with him and recognize that he knows how to get things done . • He has an ability to persuade others to come to agreement and to do things that are best for the organization, for the communities, and for good governance. • Tony had an important position in a Democratic administration and when Gov. Baker came into office, they quickly realized Tony’s skills and value . He was one of the few people able to make that transition to a different administration and move up the ranks. • Tony knows local government and state government. He knows how to develop and manage a budget, how to keep a community in good financial shape, and how to manage people and projects. He advanced Green Communities at the Department of Energy, and he is keyed into social justice and environmental justice issues. He works to see that people and communities are treated fairly and equitably. • He was integral to the passage of clean energy and climate legislation. The first offshore wind projects and Canadian hydro project are a result of the legislation Tony helped get passed. He was our key person to work with municipalities on Green Communiti es, including 44 municipal light plants. • Tony has a calming presence. He is able to bring down the temperature in the room if a discussion becomes heated. He makes sure people feel heard. He has an open door and is always willing to discuss issues. • He is committed to public service, immerses himself in his job and the municipality, and strives to make the community stronger. Matthew Coogan Finalist Reading Town Manager Matthew Coogan Ipswich,MA 01938 @hotmail.com | Bernard Lynch Principal Community Paradigm Associates One Saddleback Plymouth,MA 02360 December 15,2023 Dear Mr.Lynch I am pleased to submit my application for the Town Manager position with the Town of Reading.I am a skilled municipal manager,with experience working in both historic coastal cities and towns north of Boston.I bring Reading a keen understanding of municipal budgeting and finance,strategic planning,and collective bargaining,as well as an intimate knowledge of issues facing many communities in the region.I am a versatile manager and thrive while meeting new challenges,always striving to learn and grow and become a more effective public servant. I am currently the Town Administrator for the Town of Boxford.Working collaboratively with the Town’s various volunteer boards and commissions,I have been able to support the Select Board in achieving several recent goals and implementing municipal best practices.With the lack of local newspaper coverage,I have worked with the Select Board on a communication strategy that includes regular open office hours,quarterly newsletters,bi-weekly Town Administrator reports,and strategic use of website and social media platforms to inform and engage with the public.Internally,I offer consistent,positive leadership to my staff,focusing on employee engagement and feedback with expanded performance evaluation and trainings. I have a wide range of municipal budgeting oversite experience.As Chief of Staff for Mayor Donna D.Holaday in the City of Newburyport,my top priority was to build the annual budget and 5-year capital improvement plan.I worked collaboratively with the 11-member City Council,the Finance Director,and with department heads,to set goals and increase transparency and government accountability.In Boxford,I work with the Finance Committee to build a fiscally responsible budget each year,providing residents efficient and effective delivery of services.We are working towards producing a GFOA budget certification,adopting an improved format that will add a greater level of transparency for residents. Essential to my financial oversite has always been finding ways to improve services while also reducing costs.I collaborate frequently with neighboring communities to create impactful regional benefits.I have negotiated Inter- Municipal Agreements for shared services,including for animal control,veterans’services,and public health.Over the years I have also forged strong relationships with regional planning and transportation agencies,participated in group procurements and regional projects,such as regional hazard mitigation planning.I have worked with legislative delegates to pass home rule petitions and legislation that has helped the North Shore communities where I have worked. I have also worked collaboratively in several communities on capital planning and the implementation of critical infrastructure and facility projects.In Boxford,I coordinated with the Permanent Building Committee on the construction the Center at 10 Elm,Boxford’s new Senior Community Center.We are now focused on schematic design for a new DPW facility.In Newburyport,I was part of the opening of the Titcomb Street multi-modal parking garage.This project helped resolve a downtown parking issue and allowed the City to remove waterfront surface parking spaces in order to construct the expansion of Market Square Landing Park.My experience as a city planner has provided me understanding of how best to work collaboratively with private developers on permitting projects,including 40R and smart growth mixed-use developments,affordable housing,and hotel development. I have expertise in the financing of capital projects,and have been successful in securing millions of dollars of grants to fund capital projects and reduce the tax burden for residents.I have worked with various state agencies on several grant programs,notably with MADEP for open space acquisition,electric vehicle fleets and charging stations,and resiliency projects,and with MassDOT for complete streets,rail trail,culverts and bridge projects.I have worked with federal legislators on securing federal funds,including $2.5M and $250,000 earmarks through Congressman Moulton’s office for the restoration of the Market Square Landing bulkhead in Newburyport and the design of the Boxford Rail Trail,as well as Army Corps of Engineer appropriations for the dredge of the lower Merrimack River and Plum Island dune nourishment project through Senator Markey’s office. I have led Green Communities projects in several communities,including LED streetlight conversions,school building management system upgrades,and the management of Power Purchase Agreements (PPA)for both wind and solar PV arrays on municipal property.Currently,I’m working with the Boxford School Committee on the feasibility of electrifying the HVAC system at Spofford Pond Elementary School,a project that will be partially funded through the Inflation Reduction Act and will significantly reduce the Town’s carbon footprint and utility costs. I am a proven leader in economic development and I am adept at organizing in quickly changing landscapes.I convened the Mayor Holiday’s Economic Recovery Task Force to work with businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic,and secured outside funding to directly support small businesses,including a $800,000 small business grant through the state’s CBDG-CV program.One economic benefit that came out of the pandemic was the expansion of outdoor dining,and I was able to secure a $280,000 grant through the MassDOT Shared Streets program to repurpose on-street parking spaces into decked parklets that have improved downtown Newburyport’s streetscape and increased revenues for local restauranteurs.In all of my municipal positions,I’ve been able to help strengthen local businesses,as well as attract new business to grow the local economy. In the 12 years since my wife and I moved to the North Shore we have forged close ties to the region and we are now raising our family here.I have been fortunate to have held public positions that have provided me opportunities to work within these local communities and make positive change.My experiences with all aspects of municipal operations and administration,and my willingness to work collaboratively with various stakeholders and take a hands-on approach,would make me an effective Town Manager for Reading.I would very much like the opportunity to meet and learn more about the position. Sincerely, Matthew Coogan MATTHEW COOGAN ,Ipswich,MA 01938 |@hotmail.com PROFILE Municipal manager and government affairs specialist with experience in project management,planning and community development,and operations in complex social and civic environments.Specific expertise in municipal finance,collective bargaining,economic development,grant writing,public improvement projects,and sustainability. EXPERIENCE TOWN OF BOXFORD Boxford,MA 2021 –Present Town Administrator •Develop and oversee a $40M annual operating budget and five-year capital improvement program. •Act as Chief Administrative Officer on behalf of the the Select Board;oversee the administration of all town affairs and supervise town departments;analyze,recommend,and enact policies;coordinate Town Meeting and presentation of warrant articles •Serve as Chief Personnel Officer of the Town;recent accomplishments include a compensation study,a Town-wide HR audit,new and revised personnel policies,a staff training program,and an expanded performance evaluation program.Served as lead for the successful negotiation of five collective bargaining agreements. •Act as Chief Procurement Officer;responsible for all purchasing decisions;in charge of all town property rental and use,including coordinating the construction of the new Senior Community Center. •Oversee Town’s IT capabilities,launching several initiatives,including the rollout of remote hybrid meeting technology,online permitting and facilities asset management software,cybersecurity enhancement and end-user training,and an ongoing migration to cloud-based email and servers. •Secured over $1M of new grant funds to date through various state and federal programs. •Plan,negotiate,and manage the implementation of regionalized services with surrounding communities, including the Boxford-Ipswich,Newbury,Rowley Regional Animal Control Program,the Tri-Town Public Health Initiative,and North Andover –Boxford Veterans Services. •Serve as the public relations officer for external affairs and communications.Launched several initiatives to improve and expand communication,including a quarterly townwide newsletter,bi-monthly Town Administrator reports and open office hours,revamped social media pages,department public information sessions,periodic Town boards and commissions roundtable discussions,community surveys,and the current redesign of the Town website. •Facilitate problem solving at all levels in the organization;review of interdepartmental processes for improvement;organize and administer interdepartmental and board and committee initiatives to meet ongoing community needs. CITY OF NEWBUYPORT Newburyport,MA 2018 –2021 Chief of Staff •Developed and prepared an $85M annual GFOA operating budget and 5-Year Capital Improvement Program in coordination with Mayor,City Council,and department heads. •Supervised 20+department heads and administrative staff under the direction of the Mayor,and participate in the hiring,training,and performance evaluations of senior management personnel. •Served as lead negotiator for collective bargaining of seven union contracts and lead all labor relations. •Initiated the Newburyport Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI)Alliance in 2020,a 20-member group of citizens,City employees and local leaders to support Newburyport’s efforts to develop an equitable and sustainable community. •Directed municipal policy,administration and operations in accordance with City Ordinances and City Charter. •Acted as liaison between Mayor and eleven-member City Council,providing analysis as needed to facilitate informed policy decisions. •Oversaw communications and resident services,including messaging to citizens,stakeholders and the business community,drafting press releases and coordination with local media outlets,launch and develop the City’s website and social media platforms,and serving as the City’s spokesperson. •Coordinate with City’s legislative delegation on developments at the state and federal level that impact the City;develop,track and lobby consequential legislation. •Liaison to civic and governmental organizations and committees,task forces,boards,and commissions. TOWN OF ESSEX Essex,MA 2014 –2021 Town Planner •Managed the Town’s planning projects,including the Town of Essex Strategic Plan,Open Space Plan, Economic Development Plan,Village Center Parking Study,and Village Center zoning efforts on a part- time basis. •Directed the Town’s clean energy initiatives,including the DOER Green Communities designation. •Prepared,developed and wrote grants for several planning initiatives and special projects. CITY OF SALEM Salem,MA 2018 Principal Planner •Developed business recruitment and retention initiatives,and coordinated with state and local economic development organizations. •Oversaw the utilization of the economic development tools,including business loans,Tax Increment Financing,and Opportunity Zones. •Managed real estate development opportunities and advised applicants on the permitting procedures for development. •Worked in close liaison with the Salem Chamber of Commerce,Salem Main Streets,and MA state economic development agencies;served as a Board Member on the North Shore Workforce Investment Board. CITY OF GLOUCESTER Gloucester,MA 2013 –2017 Senior Planner •Coordinated technical reviews of development projects and advise applicants on the permitting procedures for zoning and development,including state statutes and regulations,city ordinances,and regional policies. •Managed several projects,such as a downtown parking study,a transit-oriented development (TOD)study, a coastal vulnerability study,a housing production plan,and all Green Community initiatives. BIEDERMAN REDEVELOPMENT VENTURES Boston,MA 2011 –2013 Project Manager •Advised clients,including developers,property owners,and public agencies on self-financing urban redevelopment projects,highlighting value creation through the improvement of the public realm. •Created and revitalized urban parks and plazas for clients nationwide,from conceptual planning through maintaining efficient daily operations across projects that vary in location,scope,budget and timeline. •Analyzed budgets and identified opportunities to increase efficiencies and reduce costs through better management practices and contract negotiations. BRYANT PARK CORPORATION/34th STREET PARTNERSHIP New York,NY 2008 –2011 Project Manager •Oversaw the public space capital improvements in Bryant Park,the 34th Street Business Improvement District and the Chelsea Improvement Corporation. •Coordinated capital planning and construction of streetscape,storefront and park improvement. AWARDS AND RECOGNITION American Planning Association Massachusetts Chapter Rising Planner Award 2017 Commonwealth of Massachusetts Leading by Example Award 2016 EDUCATION HUNTER COLLEGE New York,NY 2007 -2009 Master of Urban Planning •Academic Award for Excellence,2009 •President,Graduate Urban Affairs and Planning Association UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND College Park,NY 2001 -2005 Bachelor of Arts –Double Major:Anthropology and Philosophy •Archaeology in Annapolis Field School,2004 •University of Maryland Generics A Cappella PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT •ICMA Emerging Leaders Development Program 2020 –2022 •MA Municipal Assoc./Suffolk University Municipal Finance Management Seminar 2020 •Congress of the New Urbanism Accredited (CNU-A)2016 •Community Development Mentors Program,CHAPA 2016 •American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP)2011 –2021 •Program on Negotiation,Harvard Law School 2011 •LEED GA accreditation,Green Building Certificate Institute 2010 ORGANIZATIONS •International/City Managers Association •Massachusetts Municipal Managers Association •American Planning Association •Ipswich Youth Soccer,Coach •Ipswich Little League,Coach •Ipswich YMCA Junior Celtics Basketball,Coach SKILLS •Proficient in Microsoft Office Professional Suite and CivicPlus website editing;Capable ArcGIS,Adobe Creative Suite,and Canva user •Ability to problem solve and embrace challenging projects that often fall outside of my normal comfort level Matthew Coogan Reference Comments The following sample reference comments were provided by six individuals, including Chair of the Boxford Select Board, another Boxford Select Board member, the Boxford Town Accountant, a former Mayor of Newburyport, Newburyport Police Chief, and the Tri-Town School Union Superintendent . • Matt Coogan is highly intelligent and does a wonderful job as Town Administrator. He has excellent communication skills; he has improved communication with the public, department heads, the Select Board and other boards, and the public. He puts out a quarterly newsletter and sends weekly updates to the Board. He has had a tremendous impact on morale, which is very good now. He is skilled at strategy; he thinks and talks through possible actions, approaching situations and ideas from different perspectives. I have sat in on union negotiations with him and he does a great job. He settled all five union contracts fairly and with no animosity. If something won’t work for the town, he is very clear about it. He is open and straight forward. He is a very likeable person and people in Boxford think very highly of him. • Matt has tied the operating and capital budgets to the operational goals of the town and brought the financial management work into the Town Manager’s office. It is working very well. • Because we are a small town, Matt has to handle a lot here, but he is skilled at prioritizing and knows what needs to get done versus what can wait a bit. He is well respected and well liked here; I would prefer to keep him in Boxford, but he deserves to follow where opportunities lead. • I have been impressed with Matt’s ability to follow up, to communicate with residents and staff. He has brought forward good ideas on how to better organize the structure of our town government. He’s very bright, stays up on municipal trends, and brings forward ideas and information he’s gleaned from his colleagues. We are very pleased with Matt as Administrator. • He makes sure people feel appreciated, both staff and volunteers. He is thoughtful and empathetic while also being professional. He instituted a weekly Town Administrator open hour where residents can come in and talk to him one on one. He is also very available to staff. He has monthly all-staff meetings and meets regularly with department heads. • He brought in grants to renovate Town Hall and we’ll be maximizing grants to improve our energy efficiency. We’re now working toward becoming a Climate Leader Community. • Managing people is one of his strengths, along with financial and communication skills. He is a morale builder. He makes people feel appreciated by acknowledging their efforts and highlighting it at Select Board meetings. He pays attention when department heads talk with him, taking notes and following up with us. He took the Capital Plan to the next level with detailed information and anticipated funding availability . • Matt is skilled at leading teams and is able to bring groups to consensus. He brings residents together to work on issues, like trash collection and an ambulance service, to research the issue and bring forward recommendations. He works with them to find solutions to problems. • Matt and I worked together in navigating teacher negotiations. He’s at the bargaining table with me. He respected our process and was instrumental in moving things forward. • The Chief of Staff position in Newburyport is an intensive job. I expect ed a lot from the department heads and staff. Matt was dedicated, hard-working, organized, and had a strong work ethic. He knows how to build trust and develop teams. • His skills in budgeting and financial management are very strong. He work ed alongside the Finance Director, in collaboration with department heads, to create the annual budget and capital plan. The budget used to be just spreadsheets; under Matt, it became a 300-page GFOA budget with charts, graphs, photos, narratives, goals and objectives, reports from departments, etc. He also was creative in using revenue to accomplish our priorities. • Matt is a talented writer and speaker. He gives informative, clear, and concise presentations. He is innovative and analytical, always looking to make government better. • His background in planning gives him great foundational knowledge and he stays on top of municipal trends. He was always bringing me new ideas and concepts. He knows what should rise to the top and when; he’s very good at prioritizing. • He was my point-person with the unions, and he sat at the table during negotiations. He is experienced with collective bargaining and can hold his ground while remaining calm, focused, and professional. • After COVID hit, Matt worked hard to figure out how to make parklets work for outdoor dining for our downtown restaurants. He worked to find an appealing design – copper-capped posts with nautical roping – and located some Mass. DOT-certified heavy planters to block off sections of outdoor seating and protect diners. It really helped our restaurants survive during this difficult time. • Matt worked to streamline the permitting and licensing process (for parklets) for 30+ outdoor dining locations, getting the necessary approvals done in three days. • He is skilled at writing and securing grants as well as properly spending and accounting for grant funds. We partnered with Amesbury to be able to secure a grant to allow us to offer some funding to small businesses in need. Matt was our point person for the Rapid Recovery Plan. • He negotiated some shared services agreements, such as for animal control and veterans services. He is skilled at developing strong regional relationships that allow for the success of grant efforts like the $1 million Massworks grant for West Newbury that Matt supported and negotiated a cost share agreement to replace a bridge that is in both communities. He was creative and thoughtful in his efforts to accomplish goals and get projects done. • Matt served as the liaison to 11 city councilors and our department heads as well as serving as a contact person for citizens. He was respectful and responsive. He is very skilled at listening and knows how to make people feel supported. He didn’t fluff anyone off. We had a resident call who was very upset that she had become involved in a bad reverse mortgage situation and was going to lose her home. She wanted the city to help her. Matt took the time to sit with her and really listen. He gave her referrals to the appropriate social service agencies that could work with her, and he made sure those agencies knew that she would be coming. He is very sincere in his desire to help people. • We finished a 3-year project focused on such issues as climate resiliency, climate change, and storm surge. He was very involved as well as in working on our trash and waste programs which was a huge issue given the costs and fees associated with recycling and waste. • Matt chaired the Traffic Advisory Committee which brought in the Complete Streets program and identified 12-14 areas we needed to focus on. Matt kept the process moving and helped the committee maintain its focus. • He rolled out the Gloucester Green program for energy aggregation, with a separate website, Facebook page, and public information efforts. He worked with the vendor to manage the program, answered questions from the Council and the public. People responded well to it. • Matt knows how to manage up and down the organization. He is personable, is able to share information in a way that others can understand, and has patience. • When we worked on the Housing Production Plan in Gloucester, he was generally the lead in community meetings and at the Planning Board, ZBA, etc. He answered any questions that were thrown at him and never seemed fazed. There was never a misstep. He is very composed and has a great demeanor. • Matt can wear a lot of hats. He has a lot of knowledge about the different municipal departments. If he feels he doesn’t know enough about a subject, he is quick to research it and ask questions of experts in the field. He loves to learn. • He rises to a challenge. He thrives on challenges and on solving community problems. He loves municipal government and how it can serve the community. • He treats people with respect and truly listens. As a department head, I always looked forward to talking with him and bouncing ideas off him. He was involved with finance, planning, economic development, collective bargaining, grants, community events, road issues… He is a jack of all trades in the municipal world, and he excels at it. I consider him to be a municipal rising star. Matthew Kraunelis Finalist Reading Town Manager Matthew Kraunelis Reference Comments As an internal candidate, the Screening Committee and the Select Board are familiar with the work of this candidate. Typically, we are not expected to provide references for internal candidates as they are well known to the deciding body. In this case, we spoke with three municipal chief administrative officers that could provide reference perspective, including the former Mayor of Methuen and two former Reading Town Managers. • I was pleased to be able to appoint Matt Kraunelis to the position of Assistant Town Manager when an opening occurred, based on his knowledge and understanding of the organization and the town. He was very supportive during my initial tenure with town. He is trustworthy and reliable. • Matt was good at overseeing his departments and coordinating town operations. As Assistant Town Manager, he was very helpful in our collective bargaining efforts working with me and human resources. • In his positions with the town, he served as an ombudsman in helping to resolve resident issues. • I hired Matt as the Director of Administrative Services where he oversaw technology, town clerk, and communications. He also worked on citizen issues. He was very good at working those resident issues or problems. • As a manager, I see two different styles - internal operations and external relations. I see Matt as being able to do both. • He was stable and had good relations with employees. He was well liked by staff members with whom he worked, and he trusted them to get their work done. • He didn’t serve in a public-facing role but did work on resident issues. • I depended on him for operations because I was focused on finances, both budgetary and financial management. • Matt was my right-hand man in managing the city. I had served with him on the City Council and appreciated his perspective and knowledge of the city. • He has a very calm temperament, is level-headed, always kept his cool, and was willing to work on tough issues. We were working to construct a rail trail that had some opposition and Matt’s style was very effective in dealing with our most ornery resident who disliked me but liked Matt and liked working with him. • Matt is still active in Methuen, working with a historical organization and a new arts group. • He kept things going for me in city operations, including filling in with the School Committee on which I served as Chair. • He served as a good buffer for me with residents, staff, City Council. • We both served on the building committee for the new high school which was brought in on time and under budget. • We handled staff and department head meetings as a team. I used Matt to help fill gaps in operations; for example, when our community development director resigned to take another position, Matt took over managing that department for over a year until a replacement could be found. During that time the Master Plan, which was underway, was finished including a rewrite of city-wide rezoning. • We handled collective bargaining together to successful contract negotiations. Clancy Main Finalist Reading Town Manager C L A N C Y M A I N @gmail.com Cd):Pd)chmf$d4d+<7):c)mc$b:ddmhmfBnllhssdd )lvqhshmfsndwoqdrrlxhmsdqdrshmsgd%nvm)m)fdqonrhshnmhmsgd%nvmnePd)chmf r)m)bbnlo4hrgdcltmhbho)4oqnedrrhnm)4vhsg))rsdqCrcdfqddhm"ta4hbclhmhrsq)shnm )mcbnloqdgdmrhuddwodqhdmbdhmu)qhntr4d)cdqrghoqn4dr)lbnmehcdmssg)slx pt)4hehb)shnmr)4hfmvhsgsgdqdronmrhah4hshdr)mcdwodbs)shnmrenqsghrohuns)4qn4d Bt::dmskxrd:ud)rsgdrrhrs)msSnvm)m)fd:en:sgdSnvmneAhkkd:hb))mn:f)mhy)shnm vhsg)m)mmt)katcfdsnenud: lhkkhnm)mc)vn:jen:bdne)klnrs dloknxddr !ud: sgdo)rssvn)mc)g)kexd):rhmsghr:nkdg)udcdlnmrs:)sdco:nehbhdmbxhmonkhbx)m)kxrhr hmsd:cdo):sldms)kbnn:chm)shnm)mcrs:)sdfhbo:nidbsl)m)fdldms :nllxonrhshnm hmsgd Snvm)m)fd:zrneehbdg)udrtbbdrretkkxnud:rddm):)mfdneo:nidbsrhmbktchmfsgd bnmrs:tbshnmne)lt4s184dat14c1m/rl)rsd:84)mmhmfenq)mdvBNPdbBdmsdq)mc b)81s)484)mm1m/ Sgdrdo:nidbsr)khfmbknrdkxvhsgsgdtobnlhmfhmhsh)shudrsg)sPd)chmfvhkk rnnmadtmcd:s)jhmf xsdmt:d)ssgdSnvmneAhkkd:hb)g)ro:nuhcdcldvhsg:natrsehm)mbh)kl)m)fdldms dwod:hdmbd)mc)l)cdos)s)khfmhmf:drnt:bdrvhsgrs:)sdfhbnaidbshudrtmhnmmdfnsh)shnmr dmrt:hmfatcfds):xbnlokh)mbd)mcl)whlhyhmfnod:)shnm)kdeehbhdmbhdr )krnaqhmfsnsgds)akdlx)ahkhsxsnathkc)mcl)hms)hmqnatrsqdrodbsetkqdk)shnmrghorvhsg )kkrs)3dgnkcdqrhmbktchmfrs)eeAn)qcldladqr)mcsgdbnlltmhsx)sk)qfd-mrtqhmfsg)s sgdcdbhrhnm,l)3hmfoqnbdrrdrhrhmbktrhud)mcqdekdbsrsgdadrshmsdqdrsrnesgd%nvmne Pd)chmf)mchsrqdrhcdmsrhrnesgdtslnrshlonqs)mbd- %gdbg)mbdsnrdqud)rsgd%nvm)m)fdqenqsgd%nvmnePd)chmfgnkcr)rodbh)k rhfmhehb)mbdenqldcq)vhmfeqnllxodqrnm)kbnmmdbshnm)mctmcdqrs)mchmfnesgd)qd)- qnvhmftohmMnqsgPd)chmf)mc)ssdmchmftrshmOqdog)udmnsnmkxfhudmld)cddo )ooqdbh)shnmenqsgd%nvmats)krn)tmhptdhmrhfgshmsnsgdbnlltmhsxCrmddcr)mc )rohq)shnmr-)ldwbhsdc)antssgdoqnrodbsneaqhmfhmflxr3hkkr)mc3mnvkdcfdsnsghrqnkd enrsdqhmf)uhaq)mshmbktrhud)mcenqv)qc,sghm3hmfdmuhqnmldmshmPd)chmf)mcvnq3hmf bnkk)anq)shudkxvhsghsrqdrhcdmsrsndmg)mbdsgdpt)khsxnekhed)mcl)hms)hmsgd%nvmCr dwbdkkdmsqdots)shnmenqrdquhbdcdkhudqx- Sg)mjxnten:bnmrhcd:hmflx)ookhb)shnm )ldwbhsdc)antssgdo:nrodbsnea:hmfhmflx o)rrhnmen:otakhbrd:uhbdkd)cd:rghodwod:hdmbd)mc)clhmhrs:)shudrjhkkrsnPd)chmf  vntkc)oo:dbh)sdsgdnoon:stmhsxsnet:sgd:chrbtrrgnvb)mrd:udsgdSnvmnedeedbshudkx hmsghrb:hshb)k:nkd $hmbd:dkx 4)6+A)16 C L A N C Y M A I N P R O F E S S I O N A L E X P E R I E N C E P R O F E S S I O N A L P R O F I L E Seasoned municipal management professional with over seven years of experience in supervising diverse teams and directing high-stakes projects across multiple departments.Skilled in managing daily operations of almost 400 employees,I've successfully overseen capital projects exceeding a combined $40,000,000,ensuring timely completion and budgetary discipline. My expertise lies in promoting operational efficiency,fiscal responsibility,collaboration,and transparency at all organizational levels, thereby cultivating a conducive and productive environment,essential for sustained success. P R O F E S S I O N A L E X P E R I E N C E CONTACT @gmail.com EDUCATION MASTER OF SCIENCE Public Administration University Of Massachusetts Lowell 2019 BACHELOR OF ARTS Political Science University Of Massachusetts Lowell 2013 Assistant Town Manager Director of Administrative Services Budget and Management Analyst Town Manager’s Office –Town of Billerica March 2 0 2 1 – Present May 2018 – March 20 21 May 2017 – May of 2018 •Assume the role of Acting Town Manager in the Town Manager’s absence. •Oversee daily operations for over almost 400 employees across more than 20 departments. •Facilitated effective collaboration with the Town Manager,Select Board Chair,and Board members to prepare for meetings,craft agendas,and develop strategic direction for the Town of Billerica. •Successfully completed a series of capital projects across the town,exceeding a combined$40,000,000, which encompassed a new fire station,HVAC systems,a 150 year old historic renovation,and a multi- generational field complex. •Oversaw the master planning process for Town buildings via a committee,leading to not only the design process of a new senior center and recreation center but also initiated dialogue around the potential for more affordable housing. •In collaboration with the Town Manager,I successfully negotiated all union contracts,preventing the need for arbitration.I was responsible for cost evaluation of all contracts and also undertook the task of revising all contract language. •Successfully set up and operated numerous COVID-19 testing sites,providing leadership,direction,and cross-departmental coordination.Managed public communication and reporting throughout the COVID-19 pandemic,and collaborated with the Town Manager to assist departments in discovering innovative methods to maintain usual operations.This included the successful implementation of a virtual Town Meeting. •Working alongside the Town Manager and Town Accountant,we devised a fiscally responsible budget and capital program grounded in the Select Board's policies and values.Our strategic approach sought to preserve and upgrade our infrastructure,all while avoiding additional fiscal burdens on the taxpayers. •I have cultivated and continue to manage multiple dynamic social media accounts,including a Facebook account with over 10,000 likes and Nextdoor with more than 11,000 followers,alongside an email newsletter.These platforms were established with the aim of enhancing transparency and boosting information awareness for residents.In addition,I maintain a close relationship with local media. •For two years,I served as the Personnel Director.Currently,I supervise the incumbent Personnel Director and play an integral role in key human resource activities,including hiring,disciplinary actions, training,and addressing performance-related concerns. •I formulated the public outreach strategy and established a process for public input on the Town Center redesign and previous zoning alterations for Town Meeting.This inclusive approach resulted in numerous suggestions and modifications being integrated into the final plans. •I am spearheading the building committee process for the new Department of Public Works (DPW)—a $50 million project necessitating a land swap agreement with the state.This initiative has also involved extensive neighborhood outreach and close collaboration with DPW staff. C L A N C Y M A I N PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE CONTINUED Executive Assistant to the Town Administrator T ow n M an ag e r ’s O f fi ce – T own of L i t t l e t o n O c t o b e r 2 0 1 6 – M ay 2 01 7 •As the Chair of the Littleton MIIA Safety Committee,I meticulously analyzed risk factor data for the Town, enabling us to secure multiple grants for initiatives including tree trimming safety and workplace safety. •Composed various documents such as memos,letters,public notices,agendas,and packet materials for the Town Administrator and Board of Selectmen.Handled all aspects of licensing and board appointments.Gained comprehensive knowledge of the operational procedures and nuances of both the Town Administrator and Select Board offices. •Supported the Town Clerk with tasks such as posting agendas,crafting the Annual Report,managing public records,and developing streamlined processes to simplify Town Meeting procedures for residents. •I prepared and submitted the annual report and grant applications for the Green Community Project,leading to a successful grant award for the Littleton Water Department to fund Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs). Chief of Staff B o st o n C i t y C o u n c i l o r , M a r k C i o m m o – C i ty o f B o s t on A p r i l 2 0 1 4 – O c to b e r 2 01 6 “Clancy always is two steps ahead.You never have to worry about preparation,he’s a great manager,ultimate team player,and nothing falls through the cracks with him.”–Councilor Ciommo •Directed a team of seven employees tasked with various responsibilities,encompassing zoning,development, constituent services,policy formulation,and the budget. •Successfully collaborated with neighborhood groups and developers on over fifty projects during Boston's building boom,ensuring the satisfaction of all stakeholders.This included presenting testimony before the Zoning Board of Appeal (ZBA),Licensing Authority,and the Redevelopment Authority. •Oversaw the complete City Council budget process,which included preparation of briefing materials,providing testimony,and conducting weekly executive meetings. Special Assistant L i e u t e n a n t G o v e r n o r C a mp a i g n S e p t e m b er 20 13 – J an u a r y 201 4 •Successfully launched several initiatives,including the establishment of an internship program,implementation of cost-efficient procurement strategies,and the organization of numerous events. •Handled daily trip operations,encompassing driving,scheduling,correspondence,follow-up,and the preparation of briefing materials. Data & Budget Analyst Ma y o r s O f f i c e – Ci t y o f R e v er e M a y 2 0 1 3 – S e pt e m b e r 20 13 •Leveraged data to enhance and streamline processes for the Department of Public Works,specifically for the 'See Click Fix'and 'Facility Dude'programs. •Contributed to the budget framework,process,and the development of the community profile section of the budget. Intern Data Analyst C i t i S t a t , To wn M an a g e r s O f f ic e – C i t y of L o w e l l D e c e m b er 20 1 2 – Ma y 2 01 3 •Conducted a survey completed by 25 towns to compare building inspectors'salaries. •Devised a presentation highlighting the most utilized and underutilized parking spaces in the City. •Formulated a method to identify trash routes with the highest trash disposal costs. Clancy Main Reference Comments The following comments were provided by six individuals, including the Town Manager of Billerica; a Billerica Select Board member; the Facilities Director for Billerica; the Director of Administrative Services in Billerica and former Assistant Town Clerk in Maynard; the Chief of Staff to the Mayor of Newburyport and former co -worker in Billerica; and a Senior Project Manager at LeftField OPM Services who has worked on projects in Billerica. • Clancy Main is a workhorse. He takes his work seriously and he gets things done and done well. He brings people in, so no one ever gets blindsided. • He is skilled at screening applicants and recommending the top candidates to me. I have him with me at the final interviews because he is so intuitive. • Clancy sits in on all collective bargaining sessions with me and does the research to help decide what we can put across the table. • He put the budget book together in a format that allowed us to go for the GFOA award and we got it. He worked with every department head to get that done. • Clancy has done all the social media for Billerica. He has made it interactive, gets people involved, and keeps it updated. • He is diplomatic and is skilled at working in a political environment while remaining neutral. • I have been on the Planning Board, Finance Committee, and now the Select Board. Clancy is an integral part of the Town Manager’s office. He has a strong work ethic; he’s the first one in the building in the morning and one of the last to leave. He’s been a ble to build good relationships with both factions in Billerica which isn’t an easy feat. This can be a tough town, and his ability to work with both sides makes us a better community. • Clancy was the lead on the new Senior Center and Recreation Center facilities. We have a $165 million budget and he’s involved in every part of the budget. Our Town Manager is brilliant; he has groomed Clancy for a Town Manager position and Clancy’s skills are exceptional. He is smart, experienced, responsive, and dedicated. • Clancy was instrumental in inviting businesses in to partner with the community and to keep our economic development moving forward. He is a vital reason why we just experienced two of our biggest years of growth. • He is great with people. He always makes time for them if they have questions or issues to bring to his attention. He’s excellent with staff and very well liked. He also gets involved with the town. Just this week, he was calling Bingo at the Senior Center ; he was on the Christmas parade float, and he’s part of the Memorial Day and Yankee Doodle Day events. • I have worked with Clancy for the past three years on seven public construction projects totaling approximately $38.5 million for the Town of Billerica. I have observed him in many capacities including assisting with Spring & Fall Town Meetings, Select Board meetings, Community Preservation Coalition meetings, Historic District and Planning Board meetings, and many other public meetings. He is extremely well respected by his colleagues, committee/board members, and members of the public. He has been an asse t on all the construction projects. Clancy is a natural leader, easy to work with, and an extraordinary communicator. He always maintains a calm demeanor and fosters positive discussions and a team mentality, even in challenging situations. • Clancy has an excellent relationship with the board s, staff, and with the town manager. • Clancy helped the entire Town Hall pivot to virtual and hybrid meetings and worked to keep Town Hall and all the construction projects running during the pandemic. “Without a doubt, I confidently recommend Clancy Main for a Town Manager position.” • Clancy is excellent to work with. He made my transition to municipal government very smooth and worthwhile. He is a big factor in my commitment to municipal government and in this being the best job I’ve ever had. • He delegates very effectively and serves as the quarterback, bringing people into the team and using people’s talents to get things done. Clancy is respected by everyone in town. • I work with him on many facility projects. We were re-doing all the lighting in the library and renovating the auditorium in Town Hall. He ha s his hands in everything but doesn’t micro-manage. He lets the experts do their jobs. Clancy is a problem solver. He is calm, collected, and is always supportive of finding solutions and getting things done. • He was the person who led the town through virtual remote meetings during the pandemic. He also took the lead in implementing all the COVID testing and screening that took place in the town as well as the distribution of the vaccines. He motivated people t o pull together and identified all the needed resources. • He also works well dealing with citizens and their issues by coordinating very effectively with the responsible departments. • He has shown a real ability to handle tough situations. An example was a case where some employees were recognized for the above -and-beyond services that they provided during the pandemic, and it fell on Clancy to give people the good or bad news of whethe r they would be receiving any ARPA funds to recognize their efforts. He had a way of handling it that proved very effective, and he didn’t shy away from the challenge. • He is excellent with technology. He is always able to troubleshoot issues that arise. • Clancy was a great co-worker, but he was more than that… on the organizational chart we had equal reporting responsibilities to the Town Manager, but he really served as a mentor to me. He guided me on day -to -day operations and trained me with the job I had been assigned by helping me to solve problems that came my way, particularly during the beginning of my time in the position. • He also served as the key project manager for the town, managing major projects and special assignments. Additionally, he handled all the HR work for the town prior to an HR director being hired. He also played the role of being the selectmen’s contact wit hin the Manager’s office on town issues. • Clancy built a great relationship with Select Board members as well as with the town manager in creating the administrative leadership team. • He is a hard worker, and he builds upon prior experiences to take on new challenges. He has a real propensity for fixing problems and is willing to try new ideas and be creative to find solutions. He puts in long hours. • He has excellent relationships with everyone and is very approachable. • Clancy is very good at building systems and processes for the organization and very good with technology, especially with communication -oriented technology like social media. He took it upon himself to monitor social media pages to address citizen issues, making him the go-to person in the town for solving problems. • He knows what he doesn't know and looks to learn and absorb the information. • Clancy has excellent follow-up on problems and is very detail oriented. An example of a challenging project that he took on is the Howe School renovation for Billerica cable. He pulled together a variety of financial resources and people to collaborate to make that complex project a reality. He has worked on a lot of building projects, including a $176M high school, $11M field project, and $10M fire station. • He also tries to get out ahead of issues to keep people informed and on -board. For example, he produced short Tik Tok videos to help people understand various issues and projects taking place in town. • Clancy is ready for the next step in his career. He has grown in every position he’s had, and he is ready to be a Town Manager.