
2/292 of 29

2. When making decisions, systematically evaluates alternatives in terms of potential

impacts or consequences.

Response

Percent

Response

Count

(1) 0.0% 0

(2) 2.9% 1

(3) 5.7% 2

(4) 22.9% 8

(5) 62.9% 22

(N/A) 5.7% 2


skipped question 0

3. When decisions are being made, demonstrates the ability to collaborate and seek group

solutions - to work out "win-win" solutions.

Response

Percent

Response

Count

(1) 0.0% 0

(2) 2.9% 1

(3) 2.9% 1

(4) 20.0% 7

(5) 71.4% 25

(N/A) 2.9% 1


skipped question 0


3/293 of 29

4. Is insightful regarding the dynamics of organizational change and its impact on

constituents, employees, and services.

Response

Percent

Response

Count

(1) 0.0% 0

(2) 0.0% 0

(3) 5.7% 2

(4) 28.6% 10

(5) 65.7% 23

(N/A) 2.9% 1


skipped question 0

5. Comments regarding questions 1 - 4. Please indicate the specific question to which the

comment applies, if applicable:

Response

Count

8

answered question 8

skipped question 27


4/294 of 29

6. Maintains effective working relationships with local and regional governments.

Response

Percent

Response

Count

(1) 0.0% 0

(2) 2.9% 1

(3) 2.9% 1

(4) 32.4% 11

(5) 50.0% 17

(N/A) 11.8% 4


skipped question 1

7. Maintains effective working relationships with state governments.

Response

Percent

Response

Count

(1) 0.0% 0

(2) 2.9% 1

(3) 8.8% 3

(4) 20.6% 7

(5) 35.3% 12

(N/A) 35.3% 12


skipped question 1


5/295 of 29

8. Maintains effective working relationships with the federal government.

Response

Percent

Response

Count

(1) 0.0% 0

(2) 0.0% 0

(3) 11.8% 4

(4) 26.5% 9

(5) 26.5% 9

(N/A) 35.3% 12


skipped question 1

9. Comments regarding questions 6 - 8. Please indicate the specific question to which the

comment applies, if applicable:

Response

Count

7

answered question 7

skipped question 28


6/296 of 29

10. Maintains an image of the City to the community that represents service, integrity,

sensitivity to public needs, and professionalism through his own conduct.

Response

Percent

Response

Count

(1) 0.0% 0

(2) 0.0% 0

(3) 3.0% 1

(4) 15.2% 5

(5) 78.8% 26

(N/A) 3.0% 1


skipped question 2

11. Demonstrates the ability to work successfully in an ethnically, culturally, and racially

diverse community in a way that demonstrates sensitivity.

Response

Percent

Response

Count

(1) 0.0% 0

(2) 0.0% 0

(3) 0.0% 0

(4) 21.2% 7

(5) 75.8% 25

(N/A) 3.0% 1


skipped question 2


7/297 of 29

12. Enjoys the respect of members of the community, as well as other members of the

Public Administration profession.

Response

Percent

Response

Count

(1) 0.0% 0

(2) 0.0% 0

(3) 0.0% 0

(4) 21.2% 7

(5) 75.8% 25

(N/A) 3.0% 1


skipped question 2

13. Works cooperatively with all groups to find solutions to shared problems, issues, and/or

opportunities.

Response

Percent

Response

Count

(1) 0.0% 0

(2) 3.0% 1

(3) 0.0% 0

(4) 27.3% 9

(5) 66.7% 22

(N/A) 3.0% 1


skipped question 2


8/29


9/299 of 29

16. Comments regarding questions 10 - 15. Please indicate the specific question to which

the comment applies, if applicable:

Response

Count

7

answered question 7

skipped question 28

17. Suggests creative solutions to the City's financial needs.

Response

Percent

Response

Count

(1) 0.0% 0

(2) 0.0% 0

(3) 3.0% 1

(4) 39.4% 13

(5) 39.4% 13

(N/A) 21.2% 7


skipped question 2


10/2910 of 29

18. Keeps expenditures within budgetary constraints.

Response

Percent

Response

Count

(1) 0.0% 0

(2) 0.0% 0

(3) 6.1% 2

(4) 27.3% 9

(5) 45.5% 15

(N/A) 24.2% 8


skipped question 2

19. Monitors citywide financial performance regularly and takes corrective action as

needed.

Response

Percent

Response

Count

(1) 0.0% 0

(2) 0.0% 0

(3) 3.0% 1

(4) 27.3% 9

(5) 42.4% 14

(N/A) 27.3% 9


skipped question 2


11/2911 of 29

20. Alerts City Commission to changes or trends that may affect the City's future financial

condition.

Response

Percent

Response

Count

(1) 0.0% 0

(2) 0.0% 0

(3) 3.0% 1

(4) 15.2% 5

(5) 33.3% 11

(N/A) 48.5% 16


skipped question 2



Response

Count

5

answered question 5

skipped question 30


12/2912 of 29

22. Fosters continued professional development, personal growth and learning among City

government staff.

Response

Percent

Response

Count

(1) 0.0% 0

(2) 0.0% 0

(3) 12.5% 4

(4) 12.5% 4

(5) 34.4% 11

(N/A) 40.6% 13


skipped question 3

23. Provides a participatory management environment for City employees

Response

Percent

Response

Count

(1) 0.0% 0

(2) 0.0% 0

(3) 6.3% 2

(4) 21.9% 7

(5) 40.6% 13

(N/A) 31.3% 10


skipped question 3


13/2913 of 29

24. Demonstrates the ability to collaborate and seek group solutions.

Response

Percent

Response

Count

(1) 0.0% 0

(2) 3.1% 1

(3) 6.3% 2

(4) 18.8% 6

(5) 62.5% 20

(N/A) 9.4% 3


skipped question 3

25. The Manager's efforts lead to the successful and timely accomplishment of goals.

Response

Percent

Response

Count

(1) 0.0% 0

(2) 3.1% 1

(3) 6.3% 2

(4) 21.9% 7

(5) 50.0% 16

(N/A) 18.8% 6


skipped question 3


14/2914 of 29

26. Ensures City staff also treats everyone with respect and dignity.

Response

Percent

Response

Count

(1) 0.0% 0

(2) 3.1% 1

(3) 9.4% 3

(4) 21.9% 7

(5) 43.8% 14

(N/A) 21.9% 7


skipped question 3

27. Values diversity of opinion, ideas, and views.

Response

Percent

Response

Count

(1) 0.0% 0

(2) 0.0% 0

(3) 3.1% 1

(4) 18.8% 6

(5) 71.9% 23

(N/A) 6.3% 2


skipped question 3


15/2915 of 29

28. Plans, organizes, and supervises implementation of ongoing City programs and

services.

Response

Percent

Response

Count

(1) 0.0% 0

(2) 0.0% 0

(3) 9.4% 3

(4) 15.6% 5

(5) 53.1% 17

(N/A) 21.9% 7


skipped question 3



Response

Count

6

answered question 6

skipped question 29


16/2916 of 29

30. Keeps the City Commission advised of new legislation and developments in public

policy as well as actions in other jurisdictions that may have an impact on the City's

activities

Response

Percent

Response

Count

(1) 0.0% 0

(2) 0.0% 0

(3) 9.4% 3

(4) 12.5% 4

(5) 31.3% 10

(N/A) 46.9% 15


skipped question 3

31. Organizes program planning in anticipation of future needs and problems and

establishes common goals to be adopted by the City Commission.

Response

Percent

Response

Count

(1) 0.0% 0

(2) 0.0% 0

(3) 6.3% 2

(4) 25.0% 8

(5) 34.4% 11

(N/A) 34.4% 11


skipped question 3


17/2917 of 29

32. Demonstrates the ability to define and communicate a vision for the future of our City

that captures the support of the citizens and institutions of our community.

Response

Percent

Response

Count

(1) 0.0% 0

(2) 3.1% 1

(3) 9.4% 3

(4) 31.3% 10

(5) 40.6% 13

(N/A) 15.6% 5


skipped question 3



Response

Count

3

answered question 3

skipped question 32


18/2918 of 29

34. Effectively implements policies and programs approved by the City Commission.

Response

Percent

Response

Count

(1) 0.0% 0

(2) 0.0% 0

(3) 3.2% 1

(4) 25.8% 8

(5) 41.9% 13

(N/A) 29.0% 9


skipped question 4

35. Keeps the City Commission informed of current plans and activities of administration

and new developments in technology, legislation, governmental practices, and regulations.

Response

Percent

Response

Count

(1) 0.0% 0

(2) 0.0% 0

(3) 6.5% 2

(4) 19.4% 6

(5) 25.8% 8

(N/A) 48.4% 15


skipped question 4


19/2919 of 29

36. Communicates the City Commission's policies and positions effectively to staff and the

public.

Response

Percent

Response

Count

(1) 0.0% 0

(2) 3.2% 1

(3) 6.5% 2

(4) 35.5% 11

(5) 41.9% 13

(N/A) 12.9% 4


skipped question 4

37. Maintains knowledge of current and innovative trends in the area of local government

services and incorporates that knowledge in program suggestions and research.

Response

Percent

Response

Count

(1) 0.0% 0

(2) 3.2% 1

(3) 3.2% 1

(4) 32.3% 10

(5) 48.4% 15

(N/A) 12.9% 4


skipped question 4


20/2920 of 29



Response

Count

3

answered question 3

skipped question 32

39. Please rate the City Manager's performance overall.

Response

Percent

Response

Count

(1) Unacceptable 0.0% 0

(2) Needs Improvement 3.3% 1

(3) Meets Expectations 3.3% 1

(4) Exceeds Expectations 23.3% 7

(5) Outstanding 70.0% 21


skipped question 5

40. Identify any current actions by the City Manager that you would most like to see him

continue.

Response

Count

15


skipped question 20


21/2921 of 29

41. Identify any current actions by the City Manager that you would like him to discontinue.

Response

Count

2

answered question 2

skipped question 33

42. Identify any actions not currently being undertaken by the City Manager that you would

like to see him implement.

Response

Count

6

answered question 6

skipped question 29

43. Name (optional):

Response

Count

9

answered question 9

skipped question 26


22/2922 of 29

Page 1, Q5. Comments regarding questions 1 - 4. Please indicate the specific question to which the commentapplies, if applicable:

1 #1 and #2 - I don't interact with Ken in these areas. May 17, 2012 9:00 AM

2 #4. All of my interaction with CM Has been on cross-jurisdiction boards andcommittees. I would characterize the CM's ability in this area as both insightfuland appropriately protective of the City's interests.

May 17, 2012 7:04 AM

3 None May 17, 2012 5:46 AM

4 *1 - - Seeks and meets with community leaders when making budget reductionconsiderations.

May 8, 2012 8:40 AM

5 Takes a very open and non-combative approach May 6, 2012 7:39 AM

6 My responses are specifically related to our relationship as city managementcolleagues. Ken does a great job.

May 6, 2012 4:40 AM

7 Ken is unique is his empathy for internal and external stakeholders, and heunderstands the impact of decisions on both constituencies. I believe thatcapacity for empathy makes him more cautious than he needs to be, sometimes,

more tolerant of inertia. But he has a good team, and he's trusted. Those assetsmake him an effective leader.

May 5, 2012 7:11 PM

8 I worked with Ken in my community volunteer and work roles prior to me leavingBattle Creek just recently. Ken went out of his way to seek feedback from me,particularly when it came to young professionals and he really listened to thatfeedback. One thing I suggested to him was, if he wanted feedback from youngprofessionals other than just me, that he start attending Battle Creek Area YoungProfessionals events. And he did! By attending regularly, the youngprofessionals began (and still do) see him as a true partner and he was able togain their feedback on a wide variety of issues. He even encouraged hisemployees to also get involved with our group and others. More importantly, Itrust Ken a lot. I always felt that I could be completely honest with him and the

information would stay between us, but be used as a tool by him to better BattleCreek.

May 4, 2012 2:32 PM


23/2923 of 29


1 I don't interact with Ken in these areas. May 17, 2012 9:01 AM

2 #7 and 8. No knowledge or contact with CM in these areas. May 17, 2012 7:05 AM

3 none May 17, 2012 5:47 AM

4 Marked (N/A) to the question above as I'm not familiar with his performance inthese areas.

May 7, 2012 10:36 AM

5 I do not know Ken in this capacity and am unable to comment. May 7, 2012 8:51 AM

6 My perception is that Ken effectively expresses the interests of the city throughavenues available - through elected leaders, for example, and through theprofessional departments that are relevant.

May 5, 2012 7:15 PM

7 I worked with Ken in my community volunteer and work roles prior to me leavingBattle Creek just recently. Ken went out of his way to seek feedback from me,particularly when it came to young professionals and he really listened to thatfeedback. One thing I suggested to him was, if he wanted feedback from young

professionals other than just me, that he start attending Battle Creek Area YoungProfessionals events. And he did! By attending regularly, the youngprofessionals began (and still do) see him as a true partner and he was able togain their feedback on a wide variety of issues. He even encouraged hisemployees to also get involved with our group and others. More importantly, Itrust Ken a lot. I always felt that I could be completely honest with him and theinformation would stay between us, but be used as a tool by him to better BattleCreek.

May 4, 2012 2:32 PM


24/2924 of 29


1 Regarding #14 - I believe Ken has had to deal with a culture that has not beencandid and effective in the past. While he aspires to candid, effective meetings,he is not always surrounded by others who share the same values.

May 17, 2012 9:01 AM

2 12. Ken is very visible in the community and is highly respected by all groups. May 17, 2012 7:33 AM

3 none May 17, 2012 5:47 AM

4 Ken is an outstanding community leader. Trustworthy, reliable, creative, visible,and supportive!

May 13, 2012 7:07 AM

5 *13 - - The difference is between night and day with this City Manager vs. theprevious. The former City Manager's approach was, "take it or leave it" or "it'smy way or the highway". This City Manager is creative and sympathetic to theplights of all involved, meets with key individuals in a non-combative discussionon resolving issues.

May 8, 2012 8:47 AM

6 Ken is a very open and approachable person. He is a great leader and has goneto great efforts to make Battle Creek a great place to live, work, play and invest

in. His collaboration with various stakeholders is beyond the norm. Battle Creekis fortunate to have him.

May 7, 2012 10:37 AM

7 Ken is a true partner and collaborator in the community. May 7, 2012 8:51 AM


1 I don't interact with Ken in these areas. May 17, 2012 9:01 AM

2 #17-20. No interaction with CM on these items. May 17, 2012 7:07 AM

3 none May 17, 2012 5:47 AM

4 *17-20 - - - It is hard to know for sure if the City Manager is the one to praise forthese questions, but he is to be praised for selecting an Assistant City Managerwith these skills and allowing him and other staff members to do their job - - -then making the tough decisions as needed.

May 8, 2012 8:50 AM

5 I have no knowledge here. May 6, 2012 4:43 AM


25/2925 of 29


1 I don't interact with Ken in all of these areas. May 17, 2012 9:02 AM

2 I know several city employees who are very complimentary of Ken's leadershipand management skills.

May 17, 2012 7:35 AM

3 #22, 23 and 28. No interactio with CM on these issues. May 17, 2012 7:08 AM

4 none May 17, 2012 5:47 AM

5 Not being a City employee it is hard to answer these questions, however,knowing many of these employees and from what I have witnessed, I would sayhe is doing an outstanding job in this area.

May 8, 2012 8:53 AM

6 I can think of a few exceptions among the city's staff who fall short of Ken'sstandard of treating people with respect.

May 5, 2012 7:20 PM



2 #30-32. No interaction with CM on these issues. May 17, 2012 7:08 AM

3 none May 17, 2012 5:48 AM



2 #34-36. No interactio with CM on these issues. May 17, 2012 7:09 AM

3 none May 17, 2012 5:48 AM


26/2926 of 29


27/2927 of 29

Page 9, Q40. Identify any current actions by the City Manager that you would most like to see him continue.

1 From my viewpoint, Ken is particularly effective in: -Speaking gently but candidlyand encouraging others to do the same -Representing our City in a positivemanner -Collaborating with other spheres of influence around the community

May 17, 2012 9:08 AM

2 strong financial oversight of city, which has included long term approach.Exhibits a very good image in the community, and works very well with variouscommunity organizations and their leaders.

May 17, 2012 8:36 AM

3 I am concerned about the size of government at all levels so I encourage Ken toseek ways to reduce the size and cost of city government. Keep up the goodwork!

May 17, 2012 7:39 AM

4 Continue to effectively manage budget May 17, 2012 5:51 AM

5 I find the Manager to be thoughtful, deliberative, and very competent. He has arefreshing sense of humilty that always seems to put the needs of the communityabove his own. This, in my opinion, enhances his effectiveness and providesgood modeling for others -- both within and outside of City government. I lookforward to watching him continue to grow in this very challenging role.

May 15, 2012 11:13 AM

6 Remain visible and connected to other organizations in our community. May 13, 2012 7:08 AM

7 Continue to provide the City of Battle Creek's leadership in facilitating a "win-win"plan for identifying and subsequently developing the strategy to relocate ArcadiaBrewing Company's Brewpub, Distillery and Restaurant within the 100 block ofMichigan Avenue by October of 2014.

May 9, 2012 1:25 PM

8 Talking with those community organizations and leaders about his plans orconcerns prior to making a final decision. This is what has made him socommunity conscious.

May 8, 2012 9:10 AM

9 Continue colloborative efforts with Calhoun County, including Dispatch Authority,GIS efforts. Include County in records management discussions and seek more

county-wide solutions to common problems.

May 7, 2012 12:37 PM

10 These aren't necessary "action" but his way of being approachable, transparent,easily accessible is valued.

May 7, 2012 10:42 AM

11 Ken is very willing to partner with the nonprofit, corporate and publicorganizations that make him so effective. This is a trmendous asset for the Cityof Battle Creek.

May 7, 2012 8:54 AM

12 upgrading the infrastructure downtown May 6, 2012 7:44 AM

13 His collaborative spirit May 6, 2012 4:47 AM

14 Ken is a good listener and, more importantly, I don't hear him whining about the

cuts the city has been forced to make over the last few years - he just gets itdone...

May 5, 2012 6:03 AM

15 See comments on page 1 May 4, 2012 2:35 PM


28/2928 of 29

Page 9, Q41. Identify any current actions by the City Manager that you would like him to discontinue.

1 none May 17, 2012 5:51 AM

2 None. May 7, 2012 10:42 AM

Page 9, Q42. Identify any actions not currently being undertaken by the City Manager that you would like to seehim implement.

1 Work with neighborhoods and schools to devleop a master plan in safewalkways and bicycle paths through the city

May 17, 2012 2:36 PM

2 Ken has been in his position long enough to be more emphatic abouttransparency rather than politicking in some areas. He probably underestimateshis influence, and may have the ability to do more to change the culture here inBattle Creek.

May 17, 2012 9:08 AM

3 hold city staff or departments accountable for timely responsiveness to

community groups, individuals, citizens or businesses requiring assistance.implement systematic, zero-tolerance code enforcement approach city wide.Will require a supportive city commission which should make a public statementabout it's support of a zero tolerance approach.

May 17, 2012 8:36 AM

4 Responding to messages in a more timely manner. For the most part he does,but there are times that he doesn't. That being said, he does have a lot to dealwith on a daily basis and may plan on getting back right away and somethingelse comes up; then time passes.

May 8, 2012 9:10 AM

5 Perhaps more public speaking engagements conveying information about theCity.

May 7, 2012 10:42 AM

6 A communitywide marketing and recruitment effort to attract new residents tobuy or rent homes in Battle Creek. This isn't typically the role for a city manager,but the organizations in Battle Creek that should be doing this already (majoremployers, chamber, visitor bureau, realtors association, etc.) are not doing iteffectively or in concert with each other. Ken is plenty busy and doesn't needmore to do, but someone with real power needs to take the lead on a mission toattract residents who will populate our schools, churches, stores and tax rolls.

May 4, 2012 2:00 PM


29/29

Page 9, Q43. Name (optional):

1 Talia Champlin May 17, 2012 9:08 AM

2 Tim May 17, 2012 7:39 AM

3 Rod Auton May 17, 2012 5:51 AM

4 Dennis Bona May 13, 2012 10:12 AM

5 Tim Suprise May 9, 2012 1:25 PM

6 Chris Sargent May 7, 2012 8:54 AM

7 Dave Powell May 6, 2012 7:44 AM

8 Frank Peterson May 6, 2012 4:47 AM

9 Nicole Finkbeiner May 4, 2012 2:35 PM

Community partner survey results, 2012

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Transcript of Community partner survey results, 2012