By MARK SARDELLA
WAKEFIELD — The Town Council held an 18-minute virtual meeting on Zoom Tuesday morning where they discussed matters related to the search for a new Town Administrator to replace Stephen P. Maio who is retiring in July.
Maio was present at the meeting in addition to the six current Town Councilors as well as John Petrin from the executive search firm Community Paradigm Associates, which the town has retained to help identify potential candidates.
Listed on the agenda for the meeting were two items. One was a community survey seeking input from residents on the attributes they wish to see in the next Town Administrator.
The other agenda item was something called a “Position Statement,” which included a description of the town of Wakefield and its government and finances, along with a list of qualities that the “ideal candidate” applying for the Town Administrator position would possess.
The qualities listed include the following:
• Bachelor’s degree required (with a master’s preferred), preferably in public administration or related field.
• At least 5 years of full-time paid experience as a city or town administrator, an assistant city or town administrator, or the equivalent public or private sector level experience, and has performed the functions anticipated under the charter.
• Proficient in municipal financial management, budgeting, and long-term planning.
• Eager to engage and interact with the community.
• Politically savvy.
• Background in economic development strategies and planning.
• Transparent and effective communicator.
- Collaborative team builder.
• Willing to delegate.
• Creative, outside-the-box problem solver.
• Strong, organized leader.
• Personable and approachable.
• Willing to be flexible and embrace change.
• Curious and eager to learn.
• Experience in succession planning.
• Future-thinking visionary.
• Practical, common-sense approach.
• Ability to assess a situation and consider a variety of options.
The public survey seeks input from residents regarding the professional qualifications and personal characteristics that they would like to see in the next Town Administrator. The survey will be available on the town’s website at wakefield.ma.us/. Paper copies will also be available at Town Hall, Beebe Library and the Senior Center. The survey deadline is June 6.
Councilor Douglas Butler asked that experience with union contract negotiations be added to the list of qualifications for the Town Administrator position.
The Town Council will hold its next regular meeting on Monday at 7 p.m. The board is expected to finalize appointments to the local screening committee, which will work with Community Paradigm Associates to arrive at a short list of finalists to be recommended to the Town Council.