Each year, Council conducts a comprehensive performance appraisal process with the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) to evaluate and measure performance against the overall corporate goals and objectives and to define key goals and objectives for the Chief Administrative Officer for the next year.
Council concluded that the CAO has performed well and particularly complimented his leadership in dealing with issues arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. As this was not a normal year, it was challenging to measure the overall performance of the CAO as related to meeting targets on other goals as many had to be adjusted.
Overall a common thread was that more emphasis should be placed on corporate structure, organization, defining roles and aligning staff positions with that of Council, rather than on managing specific projects. Council recognizes that the Town of The Blue Mountains is a rapidly growing and changing community, and Council and the CAO agree that both the CAO and the entire organization will need to continue to grow their capabilities to keep up with the challenges of our complex and growing community.
In terms of core competencies, the CAO was rated most highly for being able to deal with ambiguity and his decision making. Visioning and planning, as well as improving customer service, were identified as areas of focus for the coming year.
In terms of specific performance goals, the highest marks were awarded for the development of the Corporate Strategic Plan and health and safety initiatives, as well as management of internal operations. Focus areas for 2021 relate to improving corporate organization and internal communications, including between staff and Council. An important role for the CAO is facilitating communication and understanding between staff and Council.
Council would also like to see a greater profile for the Town of The Blue Mountains and the CAO on the regional and provincial stage.
Specific goals for 2021 include:
- Improving the effectiveness and efficiency of the corporate report process
- Regular reporting to Council on performance objectives
- Regional, Provincial and local stakeholder outreach
- Communications and leadership with regard to COVID and development
- Improvements on the delegation to other staff for completion of corporate tasks
- Review and consideration of potential realignment of the corporate structure
- Definition of goals and projects for the Senior Management Team
- Ensure safety record superior to the sector average
- Update of employment policies, roles and responsibilities and organizational matrix
- Support for the Physician Recruitment and Retention Committee
- Support for the Blue Mountains Attainable Housing Corporation
- Initiate the preliminary planning process for an East Side Multi-Departmental Facility
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