Item 8A - City Attorney Evaluation ToolAOI:.':NDA ITEM:
SUBMITTED BY:
DAT E:
BACKGROUND:
CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH
CITY COMMISSION MEETING
STAFF REPORT
Ci ty All orn cy Eva luation Tool
Ca th erjn e Bcn·y, Esq., lluman Resou rces Director (" 8
October 11 , 20 14
AGENDA ITEM I# 8A
OCTOilER 27,2014
Wh il e a pcr ro rmance evaluatio n is meant Lo ana lyze Lhe City Attorney's performance and what
has been accomplished dur in g a g iven perio d of Lime, it is also a com muni cations too l and a
lea rn ing process whereby th e City Commi ss ion ct nd th e Ci ty Attorn ey ca n l ea r n more
about each other's expectations and wh e re s trengths and w ea knesses ex i st in th e
r elationship. Annu a l cva ltJations s h o uld i d enti fy a ny major cliffer e llccs in direc t i on,
miscommun i ca tion Ol' probl e m s before th ey becom e Ci'itiCkl lto the o p e ra lions of til e
City of Atla ntic Beach.
Th e attach ed, taken from Lhc I CMA evaluation tool deve l oped by th e Unive r s ity of
T ennessee fo r Ci ty M a nagers and r evi se d to r e rl cct th e duties and responsibil ities of
the City Allorn cy , ha s 7 categories w i t hin whic h lo cva luale th e p erfo rma n ce of th e
Ci ty Attor n ey. l l <)ISO gives th e opportunity for a narr ative ev a luation by et~c h
Com m iss ioncr.
I3UDG ET: No impact.
RECOMMENDATION : Adopt th is eva lu ation toollo he uti lized for an an nu al evaluation of the C ity Atlorney,
wh ich proce ss w ill be directed by the Mayor and coordinated by the C it y Manager each year.
ATTACHMENTS: C ity A ttorney Evaluation Tool
REV IEWED BY C I TY MANAG ER: . /L {, c'/t!±z ,z;U._.,
City Attorney Performance Evaluation
City of Atlantic Beach, Florida
Evaluation period: _______ to ______ _
Commissioner's Name
AGENDA ITEM# SA
OCTOBER 27,2014
Each member of the Commission should complete this evaluation form, sign it in the
space below, date and return it to Human Resources. The deadline for submitting this
performance evaluation is ____________ . Evaluations will be
summarized and included on the agenda for discussion at the Commission Meeting on
______________ . Those evaluations not received by Human
Resources by the date listed above will not be considered.
Mayor's Signature
Date
Commissioner's Signature
Date Submitted
Page 1 of 7
INSTRUCTIONS
AGENDA ITEM #SA
OCTOBER 27, 2014
This evaluation form contains seven categories of evaluation criteria. Each category
contains a statement to describe a behavior standard in that category. For each
statement, use the following scale to indicate your rating of the City Attorney's
performance.
5 =Excellent (almost always exceeds the performance standard)
4 = Above average (generally exceeds the performance standard)
3 =Average (generally meets the performance standard)
2 =Below average (usually does not meet the performance standard)
1 =Poor (rarely meets the performance standard)
Any item left blank will be interpreted as a score of "3 =Average"
This evaluation form also contains a provision for entering narrative comments,
including an opportunity to enter responses to specific questions and an opportunity to
list any comments you believe appropriate and pertinent to the rating period. Please
write legibly.
Leave all pages of this evaluation form attached. Initial each page. Sign and date the
cover page and return to the Human Resource Director by the requested date. On
the date space of the cover page, enter the date the evaluation form was submitted to
Human Resources. All evaluations presented prior to the deadline identified on the
cover page will be summarized by the Human Resources Director into a performance
evaluation to be presented by the Commission to the City Attorney as part of the
agenda for the meeting indicated on the cover page.
PERFORMANCE CATEGORY SCORING
1. INDIVIDUAL CHARACTERISTICS
__ Diligent and thorough in the discharge of duties, "self-starter"
__ Exercises good judgment
__ Displays enthusiasm, cooperation, and will to adapt
__ Exhibits composure and attitude appropriate for the position
Add the values from above and enter the subtotal __ + 4 = __ score for this category
Page 2 of 6 Initials
2. LEGAL CONSULTATION
AGENDA ITEM# SA
OCTOBER 27, 2014
__ Provides the scope of legal expertise necessary to meet the City's needs on issues that
arise
__ Provides his best and honest recommendations given all existing legal issues and
ramifications
__ Possesses knowledge of and provides efficient and effective advice on the City's Charter
and Municipal Code
__ Advice provided regularly takes into account and balances the overall goals and
objectives of the City
__ Proactively identifies potential legal issues when he is aware of them to avoid problems
from occurring
__ Accurately identifies and addresses all legal issues within documents and items that he
reviews
Add the values from above and enter the subtotal __ + 6 = __ score for this category
3. LEGAL REPRESENTATION
__ Aggressively represents the interests of the City as directed by the Commission
__ Approach to legal matters is effective in achieving the best possible legal outcomes for
the City's interests given the issues that arise
__ Represents the City in a professional and ethical manner
__ Is impartial and objective in his duties and responsibilities
__ Estimates of legal impacts are reasonably accurate on a regular basis
Add the values from above and enter the subtotal __ + 5 = __ score for this category
4. STAFF WORK
__ Prepares ordinances, resolutions, contracts and other legal work accurately and
consistent with the direction and objectives communicated by the Commission, City
Manager and/or Department Heads
__ Maintains a good working relationship with members of the City's management team
__ Able to maintain the Commission's and Staff's confidence while informing them of the
different legal risks that proposed actions might generate
__ Displays a positive attitude in carrying out his responsibilities and responding to requests
Page 3 of 6 Initials
AGENDA ITEM# 8A
OCTOBER 27, 2014
Add the values from above and enter the subtotal __ + 4 = __ score for this category
5. COST/FISCAL ACCOUNTABILITY AND CONTROL
__ Effectively manages and controls legal costs given the issues, assignments and requests
made to him
__ Legal tasks are performed with appropriate authorization according to established
procedures and contract requirements
__ Fiscally effective approach in achieving best possible legal outcomes for the City's
interests given the issues that arise
__ Invoices accurately identify tasks and expenses in sufficient detail to provide
accountability and cost control
Add the values from above and enter the subtotal __ + 4 = __ score for this category
6. RESPONSIVENESS/TIMELINESS OF ACTIONS
__ Requested legal work and assignments are completed in a timely manner within
established time frames
__ Accessible when needed to respond to requests for legal information and assistance
__ Timely completion of legal reviews and requests for information
__ Effective follow-up to requests that are made to him
__ Accurately interprets and clarifies Commission and City Manager direction
Add the values from above and enter the subtotal __ + 5 = __ score for this category
7. COMMUNICATIONS
___ Effectively communicates with Commissioners, City Manager and Department Heads
__ Answers are provided in a timely and understandable manner
__ Maintains confidentiality with regard to all legal matters, as appropriate
Add the values from above and enter the subtotal __ + 3 = __ score for this category
Page 4 of 6 Initials
NARRATIVE EVALUATION
AGENDA ITEM #SA
OCTOBER 27,2014
What would you identify as the City Attorney's strength(s), expressed in terms of the principle
results achieved during the rating period?--------------------
What performance area(s) would you identify as most critical for improvement? _____ _
What constructive suggestions or assistance can you offer the City Attorney to enhance
performance? ____________________________ __
Page 5 of 6 Initials
AGENDA ITEM# SA
OCTOBER 27, 2014
What other comments do you have for the City Attorney e.g., priorities, expectations, goals or
objectives for the new rating period? ----------------------
Page 6 of 6 Initials