CM Candidate - Mark Kutney Candidate Profiles
Mark A. Kutney 13627 Chatsworth Village Drive • Wellington, Florida 33414
561 .601 .4632 (c) • makutney_3254 @mail.com
Salary: $ 125,000
Experience
2011 — Present Town Manager • Town of Loxahatchee Groves, Florida
2007 — 2011 Deputy City Manager • City of Belle Glade, Florida
Airport Manager • City of Belle Glade, Florida
Emergency Manager • City of Belle Glade, Florida
Acting City Manager • City of Belle Glade, Florida
1999 — 2007 Development Services Director • Town of Davie, Florida
1995 — 1999 Director of Growth Management • City of Hallandale, Florida
1991 - 1995 Community Development Director • City of Titusville, Florida
1984 — 1991 Planning and Development Director • City of Greenacres, Florida
1985 — 1991 Planning and Management Consultant, Diversified Planning Consultants • Lake
Worth, Florida
1982 — 1984 Senior Planner, Current Planning Division • Department of Planning • Sarasota
County, Florida
1977 — 1982 Assistant Executive Director • Department of Planning and Development • City
of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania
Research Analyst • Department of Planning and Development • City of Wilkes-
Barre, Pennsylvania
Educational Background Master of Public Administration with Honors
Florida Atlantic University
( Master of Regional Planning
The Pennsylvania State University
Bachelor of Arts in Urban Affairs
Wilkes College (currently Wilkes University)
Certificate in Public Sector Human Resource Management
Certificate in Internal Investigations, Council on Education in Management in
Association with the George Washington University, School of Business and
Public Management
Certificate in Process Management, University of Florida Leadership
Development Institute
Multiple Certificates, Emergency Management Institute
Certificate of Achievement from the National League of Cities Emergency
Management Training Program PER-284 Crisis Leadership for Local Officials
NLCI
Certified Planner American Institute of Certified Planners, Certification No .
4501 (AICP)
Association and
Committee Membership International City/County Management Association (ICMA)
Florida City and County Management Association (FCCMA)
Governing Board Chairman - Glades Utility (GUA) —Independent
Governmental Authority
American Planning Association (APA)
American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP)
Palm Beach City County Management Association
Springsted City of Atlantic Beach, Florida
Executive Search — City Manager
Candidate Profiles
Florida Chapter of the American Planning Association
Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)
Florida Government Finance Officers Association (FL GFOA)
Urban Land Institute (ULI)
Background Information Mark Kutney is an experienced local government manager with over thirty-
seven (37) years of progressively responsible experience in both Pennsylvania
and Florida. A native Pennsylvanian he has worked in both planning and city
management positions in Florida since 1985 . The current Town Manager of
Loxahatchee Groves in Palm Beach County, Mr. Kutney oversees operations of
a community of just over 3 ,000 residents, with a budget of $ 1 .6 million and a
contract based staff that provides a full range of services; working with a
governing body consisting of a Mayor and four (4) Council members. The racial
makeup of the village is 74 .25% white, 4 .21 % African American and 18 .7%
Hispanic or Latino In prior positions in local government, he has served as
Deputy City Manager of Belle Glade, a full-service community of
approximately 17,000 residents, serving as Acting City Manager for a two (2)
month period in 2008; after the City Manager was removed due to budget
difficulties and conflicts with the governing body. At the time, he chose not to
be a candidate for the position because he did not feel he knew the City well
enough, having only been there a few months . In Belle Glade, Mr. Kutney was
responsible for coordinating the City Commissioners business items placed on
the agenda, worked on development and implementation of several interlocal
service agreements, guiding preparation and adoption of the City' s operating
budget and serving as Airport Manager and Manager of Emergency Services.
Mr. Kutney left Belle Glade because his position was eliminated due to
budgetary shortfalls. Prior to becoming a local government manager or deputy,
Mr. Kutney also served as a Development Director in several challenging
communities (Davie, Titusville and Hallandale) and for a period of time as a
planning consultant in the private sector. Mr. Kutney has applied for the City
Manager' s position in Atlantic Beach because he is on a year-to-year contract
with his current community and would like to return to a more traditional form
of local government. He was well prepared for our discussion and well informed
of the recent issues in Atlantic Beach which the Commission was grappling
with including redevelopment of the Mayport corridor.
Justification for
Recommendation Mark Kutney is an experienced manager and local government professional who
has experience working in a wide range of Florida communities. While having
significant experience in the area of planning and community development, he
has also broadened his skill sets to encompass those range of services found in a
full service community. He has experience in working in coastal communities
and has managed a variety of departments including a redevelopment authority.
If selected as City Manager in Atlantic Beach his initial actions would be to get
to know the elected officials and the staff and assess the strengths and
weaknesses of those he would manage. He would also reach out to community
groups to learn more about what the citizens ' needs and concerns are and would
also immerse himself in reading the City' s ordinances, budget, plans and related
publications to better understand the documented conditions of the City. Mr.
Kutney is a strong relationship builder and is considered to be both fair and
honest in dealing with those around him. He has worked in challenging
communities and established relatively long periods of employment and is an
Springsted City of Atlantic Beach, Flodda
Executive Search — City Manager
Candidate Profiles
individual who leads staff by treating everyone the same and communicating the
( Commission' s goals and objectives to them frequently. He is a proponent of
total quality management principles and works to empower employees as they
go about their day-to-day jobs. He is a strong motivator of staff who recognizes
that employees need positive recognition when earned. He serves as both a
coach and mentor to employees and, while detail oriented, does not infringe
upon the employees responsibility to manage the project assigned. As a former
Development Director he is attuned to working with citizens and the
development community and is a proponent of bringing citizens into the
decision making process. He has good budgeting skills, is collaborative and is
able to build a good vision for the community he serves . He is both an ICMA
Credentialed Manager and an AICP planner indicating a strong commitment to
professional development.
References contacted indicated that Mark Kutney exhibits exceptional integrity
and professionalism, having worked in some challenging communities and
managed to steer a respected and professional course through and past them.
Those contacted were highly enthusiastic about his experience, skills and
abilities as a Manager and local government professional. It was noted that the
places he has worked as a manager are cities and towns where he was not only
the manager, but in some cases the finance director, human resources director
and more importantly in Florida, planning director; providing him a strong
understanding of Florida law and process. His leadership, staff management and
staff development skills are reported to be excellent by those contacted. He is
also said to be an excellent communicator in written form, an excellent public
speaker and a well-organized and professional presenter. His work ethic, project
management and collaboration skills are also rated as excellent by those
contacted. His strengths are considered to be his diligence, integrity, sense of
humor and humanity which he brings to the job daily. The only weakness that
was noted had to do with his inability to close his door to prevent/manage
interruptions . It was noted that Mr. Kutney is currently in the midst of a major
development/economic development land-use controversy which was the
subject of a referendum and is now a matter of litigation. He apparently pursued
the project (a college) in a sound way. Only after the decision, a group of
residents, who did not want a large development in the midst of their rural
lifestyle, started a referendum movement to reverse a legitimate City Council
land-use decision. His work with community and elected officials seems to
reflect an effective and collaborative management style. There was no response
that would cast doubt on his personal or professional standing from those
contacted. Because many of his direct management positions were in smaller
communities it was noted that he may not have experienced a significantly
diverse work force mainly due to their size which is counterbalanced by his
work as a Deputy City Manager in Belle Glade.
S p r l n g t d City of Atlantic Beach, Florida
Executive Search — City Manager
February 25 , 2014
Mr. John A. Anzivino
Springsted Incorporated
1564 East Parham Road
Richmond, VA 23228
Dear Mr. Anzivino :
I recently saw your advertisement relative to the position of City Manager, City of
Atlantic Beach, Florida and I would like to be considered as a candidate for this position.
I currently serve as Town Manager for the Town of Loxahatchee Groves conducting
general management services for the Town through a management company. I believe
that I possess the knowledge, skills and abilities desired for this position and that makes
me a solid fit for the position
As you can see from my enclosed resume, I am an achievement-oriented manager with
over thirty—seven years of experience (thirty-five plus years in a supervisory/management
capacity) with local government (strong-mayor, city manager and county forms of local
government) . What it may not demonstrate is the emphasis I place on building an
organization that is focused on quality improvement and customer service . This
approach requires establishing an organizational culture that is empowered to make
decisions and act with a "bias of action" for ensuring productivity, quality enhancement,
and citizen satisfaction.
In conjunction with this managerial philosophy, I bring an ability to solve problems
quickly, to foresee potential problems, and implement strategies to avoid or resolve these
matters in an anticipatory manner. I also have the skills and abilities to work effectively
with all entities and the media.
I believe my experience and knowledge has prepared me to deal with the challenges
confronting Atlantic Beach. I am an experienced, knowledgeable, creative, enthusiastic
and proactive individual that can provide leadership to the Atlantic Beach team .
With this background, and my two Masters Degrees in Public Administration (with
Honors from Florida Atlantic University) and Regional Planning (The Pennsylvania State
University), I believe that I am the effective leader that the City of Atlantic Beach is
looking to employ.
Sincerely,
Mark A. Kutney, AICP, ICMA-CM
13627 Chatsworth Village Drive
Wellington, FL 33414
C (561 ) 601 -4632
Mark A. Kutney, AICP , ICMA-CM
13627 Chatsworth Village Drive, Wellington, FL 33414-8956
H (561) 793-8512 C (561) 601-4632 W (561) 793-2418
makutney_3254 @mail.com
SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS
Over thirty- seven years of local government experience with thirty- five plus years in a
supervisory/management capacity, and a proficiency in the following areas :
o Growth Management o Budgeting/Capital Budgeting
o Economic Development o Project Management
o Customer Service o Human Resources
o Strategic Planning o Media Relations
o Labor Relations/Collective o Grantsmanship
Bargaining o Emergency Management
I am an ICMA Credentialed Manager and savvy leader with a commitment to the principles of
Total Quality Management (TQM) . Versed in managing change and specializing in dealing with
high pressure/demand activities in local government. A dedicated team player with city (strong
mayor and city manager forms of government) and county experience.
C
PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYMENT EXPERIENCE
Town Manager for the Town of Loxahatchee Groves. 2011 -Present
The Town of Loxahatchee Groves is located in central Palm Beach County and was incorporated
as Palm Beach County' s 38th municipality on 6/23/06 . . The Town has a population of 3 , 173
(2012 BEBR estimate) and comprises 12 . 5 square miles . The Town conducts its activities as a
contract service municipality and I serve as Town Manager conducting general management
services for the Town through a management company. Specifically, these general management
services include general administrative duties, Town Clerk, Finance; Planning and Zoning and
Emergency Management. The Town also provides the following services through major contract
vendors including: Law Enforcement and Fire Rescue via Palm Beach County; Solid Waste
Management; Public Works; Code Enforcement; Engineering Services; and Building Services .
A number of minor services are also provided including Special Magistrate, auditing and debris
removal services .
Accomplishments
o I was presented with the Awards of Financial Reporting Achievement by the Government
and Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) for
preparation of the Comprehensive Annual Financial Reports (CAFR) for Fiscal Year
Ended September 30, 2011 and the Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2012 .
(
o I successfully guided Palm Beach State College through the Comprehensive Plan process
for the purpose of permitting the College to build their fifth branch campus along with
associated commercial development in the town.
o I was responsible for guiding the adoption of the 2012-2013 all funds budget through the
Town Council with an approved reduction of 9 . 37 percent and a General fund reduction
of almost 27 percent.
o I led the efforts that implemented the conversion of the Town ` s wireless computer
system and replaced such with new computer hardware and software; creation of a new
website; and through a forensic data recovery firm recovered one terabyte of electronic
files that were deleted due to mismanagement of the previous management firms .
o Implemented the Town ' s first Capital Improvements Program and Budget.
o Successfully guided the Town in the completion of the construction of the 148th Culvert
Bridge Project and the OGEM treatment (Open Grade Emulsified Mix) of 3/a mile
sections of North Road .
o Monitored and directed Town recovery activities during Tropical Storm Isaac .
C
Deputy City Manager for the City of Belle Glade, Florida 2007-2011
The City of Belle Glade is located on the southeastern shore of Lake Okeechobee and is the
largest city within the greater glades area of Palm Beach County. The City has a population of
17, 107 (2009 Florida BEBR estimate) and comprises 4. 65 square miles . The City' s adopted total
budget for fiscal year 2009-2010 is $ 18, 168,426 and the City has 92 full time employees
allocated throughout the various funds . The Deputy City Manager, works under the direction of
the City Manager and acts as Chief Executive Officer during the City Manager' s absence . As
Deputy City Manager, I served as a Chief of Staff for the City Manager, and I was responsible
for review and coordination of City Commission business agenda items . I also served as the
City' s Airport Manager and Emergency Manager.
In addition to consulting and advising the City Manager about community/program needs, I was
the Project Manager for several high profile projects including the Belle Glade Boat Lock
Design and the Strategic Business Plan for Belle Glade Airport. I was also an appointed (by
the Belle Glade City Commission) member of the Glades Utility Authority (GUA) Governing
Board, an independent water / waste water service provider to the Glades area. This Board is
responsible for all business decisions of the Authority' s 24 million dollar utility operation. In
November, 2010 I was elected chairman of the GUA Authority Board by members of the
Governing board.
(
Resume of Mark Kutney (continued) Page 3
Accomplishments :
o In conjunction with Palm Beach County Emergency Management, I coordinated the
reviews, preparation and City Commission adoption of the Continuity of Operations Plan
(COOP) for Emergency Operations .
o I played an instrumental role in the review, negotiations, amendment and City
Commission adoption of an Interlocal Agreement with Palm Beach County and the cities
of Pahokee and South Bay to create the Glades Utility Authority. This agreement
essentially transferred the City' s water and waste water services to an independent utility
authority.
o Assisted the City Manager with the successful negotiation and development of contracts
to outsource the management of the City' s golf course and commercial
campground/marina to separate management entities .
o I handled negotiations with Palm Beach County for the creation of an Interlocal Service
Boundary Agreement (ISBA) and in conjunction with this effort, prepared and developed
a new application format, procedures, and requirements related to the City' s program for
future annexation efforts .
o I coordinated the successful adoption and the Florida Department of Community Affairs
(DCA) notice of intent compliance finding for the EAR based amendment to the
comprehensive plan.
o I was responsible for guiding the adoption of the 2008-2009 budget through the City
Commission as the Acting City Manager and coordinated the completion the 2005 -2006
( Audit/CAFR that was several years behind schedule .
o On a continual basis, I was responsible for the successful review and coordination of all
agenda reports and business items that were presented before the City Commission twice
monthly.
Acting City Manager for the City of Belle Glade, Florida
September 3, 2008-November 2, 2008
I assumed the duties of Acting City Manager as a result of the City Manager being discharged.
Development Services Director for the Town of Davie, Florida 1999 to 2007
The Town of Davie known for its open space system and western theme development has a
population of over 90,000 and an area of 35 . 6 square miles . Responsibilities included : the
administration and supervision of the Town ' s Planning and Zoning; Building; Code Compliance;
and Engineering Services Divisions . Was responsible for the management of eighty (80)
employees and a total department budget of $ 8,923 , 309 (FY 06-07) . The Department served as
staff support to the Planning and Zoning Board, Site Plan Committee, Unsafe Structures Board,
and Special Magistrate Code Hearing Process .
Specific functional duties included : the development of the Comprehensive Plan and Long
Range Planning Program; Development Review and processing of Development Related
applications (i. e. rezoning, special permits, variances, site plan review and the like); code
Resume of Mark Kutner (continued) Page 4
compliance process; permitting and inspections; economic development; special planning and
design studies and various other functions .
Accomplishments :
o Successfully guided the preparation and adoption of the Town' s Housing and
Transportation Elements Amendments to the Comprehensive Plan. Florida DCA found
the Amendments in compliance .
o Prepared, supervised and guided the adoption of the Griffin Road Corridor Zoning
District. This project was a major planning and design effort resulting from
condemnation of Griffin Road Right of Way and the increase of a two (2) lane section
into six (6) lanes .
o Successfully updated and revised staff planning reports to withstand legal challenges
associated with Quasi-Judicial Hearings .
o Updated and revised code compliance mitigation guidelines for fairness and equity.
o Successfully guided the preparation of the Citizens ' Action Plan for the State Road 7
Corridor.
o In conjunction with my Supervisory Management Team, developed and guided the
preparation of the Development Services Department Strategic Management Plan.
o Principal author of the Town of Davie Customer Service Guidelines.
o Principal author and successfully guided the adoption of the Town' s Cost Recovery
Program related to Development Review Applications .
C
Director of Growth Management for the City of Hallandale, Florida 1995 -1999
Accomplishments :
o Supervised the preparation of the City' s 1995 Evaluation and Appraisal Report (EAR) as
required by Florida Statute . The South Florida Regional Planning Council review staff
promoted the Report as a model for other cities to use .
o Prepared, supervised, and implemented a City-wide improvement program-A
Comprehensive Approach to Code Enforcement.
o Successfully amended, reformatted and guided legislation adopting a Minimum
Property Maintenance Occupancy Code through the City Commission. The Project
had languished for over 8 years prior to my involvement.
Community Development Director for the City of Titusville, Florida 1991-1995
Accomplishments :
o Successfully completed the City's Land Development Regulations and guided this
legislation as well as City-wide Administrative Rezonings through the City
Council.
Resume of Mark Kutnev (continued) Page 5
o Supervised the completion of Titusville Commons Parking Facility and Sylvan
Park Community Center.
o Guided the successful completion of the planning phases for the Space Walk of
Fame Riverwalk Project.
Planning and Development Director for the City of Greenacres, Florida 1984-1991
Accomplishments :
o Successfully guided the passage of legislation that amended the majority of the Zoning
Ordinance, initiated growth control measures and administratively rezoned the majority
of the City.
o During my tenure, was responsible for the review and site planning of over 1 million
square feet of commercial and shopping center development.
o Successfully completed the City' s Comprehensive Plan pursuant to the 1985 Growth
Management Act. The Plan was completed almost entirely in-house .
Planning and Management Consultant, Diversified Planning Consultants, Lake Worth,
Florida 1985-1991
C
Owner of consulting concern specializing in planning and management services . Clients
included the Town of Lake Clarke Shores and Kohl & Mighdoll . Provided services to Barker,
Osha & Anderson, Inc. and Executive Management Consultants as a subcontractor. Scope of
services included : Developing Comprehensive Plans; developing land development regulations;
serving as an expert witness; and the development of planned agreements .
Senior Planner in the Current Planning Division of the Sarasota County Planning
Department 1982-1984
Assistant Executive Director for the City of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania Department of
Planning and Development 1978-1982
Research Analyst for the City of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania Department of Planning and
Development 1977-1978
SPEECHES AND PRESENTATIONS
o Presentation on "Local Government and Private Consultants Working Together" at
the 2007 Florida Planning and Zoning Association Annual State Conference .
o Presentations on "Visions and Realities; Let's Make a Deal" Rethinking
Redevelopment in a Changing Market at the 2007 Broward Alliance Redevelopment
Conference .
Resume Mark Kutney(continued) Page 6
o Presentation on "Linking Land Use-Plans and Regulations" Classroom on
Wheels seminar series, Sarasota Vocational Center.
o Speech on "Small City Planner's Perspective on Doing the Comprehensive Plan In-
House" at the Florida League of Cities seminar on Comprehensive Planning-The Nuts
and Bolts Problems .
o Speech on "Architectural Review and Community Appearance Boards" at the
Florida Planning and Zoning Association Annual Conference.
o Numerous other presentations before various organizations bodies and social clubs .
ADDITIONAL COMMUNICATION SKILLS
Holder of 3rd class Radiotelephone Broadcast License through the Federal Communications
Commission
EDUCATION
Master of Public Administration with Honors, Florida Atlantic University
Master of Regional Planning, The Pennsylvania State University
Bachelor of Arts in Urban Affairs, Wilkes College (currently Wilkes University)
( Continuing Education :
The Certificate in Public Sector Human Resource Management
The Certificate in Internal Investigations, Council on Education in Management in
Association with the George Washington University, School of Business and Public
Management
Certificate in Process Management, University of Florida Leadership Development Institute
Certificates from the Emergency Management Institute, FEMA in the following study
courses :
IS-0O100 . a Introduction to the Incident Command System, ICS- 100
IS-00100 .PWa Introduction to the Incident Command System ICS - 100 for Public
Works
IS-00200 .a ICS for Single Resources and Initial Action Incidents, ICS-200
IS-00700 . a National Incident Management System (NIMS) and Introduction
IS-00800 .b National Response Framework, Introduction
G-300 Intermediate Incident Command for Expanding Incidents
G-400 Advanced ICS for Command and General Staff: Complex
Incidents
Certificate of Achievement from the National League of Cities Emergency Management
Training Program PER-284 Crisis Leadership for Local Officials NLCI
OTHER EDUCATION AND TRAINING
Numerous Certificates and Educational Units obtained can be furnished upon request.
Resume of Mark Kutner (continued) Page 7
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
o Governing Board Member- Glades Utility (GUA) —Independent Governmental Authority
responsible for providing water/waste water services for the cities of Belle Glade,
Pahokee, and South Bay, and the unincorporated areas of Palm Beach County (Glades
area) 2009-2011 . I was elected board chairman in November, 2010.
o American Planning Association
o American Institute of Certified Planners, Certification No . 4501
o International City/County Management Association (member number 247890)
o Florida City and County Management Association
o Palm Beach City County Management Association
o Florida Chapter of the American Planning Association
o Society for Human Resource Management
o Florida Government Finance Officers Association
o Urban Land Institute
o Davie/Cooper City Rotary Club, member 1999-2007, Board of Directors member 2006-
2007
o Town of Davie, Elected member, Board of Trustees, Management & General Employees
( Pension, 2007
(