Item 3C - City Attorney Evaluation ToolAGENDA ITEM:
SUBMITTED BY:
DATE:
BACKGROUND :
CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH
CITY COMMISSION MEETING
STAFF REPORT
C ity Attorney Eva luation Tool
Catherin e Berry, Esq., lluman Resources Direc tor ~
October I I , 20 14
AGENDA ITEM II JC
N OVI~M B E R 10,2014
While a perform ance eva lu at ion is meant to analyze the City Attorney's performance and w hat
has been acco mplished during a given period of lime, it is al so a co mmunica ti ons tool and a
lca ming process whereby t he City Commiss i on an d the City Atto r n ey can lcn m moJ'C
a bout eac h other's expectations a nd where stren g ths and WC(ll<nesse.s exist in the
t·elationship. Annual eva lu<Jtions sho uld identi fy t:~ny major differences i11 directi on,
miscommunication or problems before they become critica l to the operCJtions of th e
City of Atla ntic 13cach .
The att ached, take n from th e I CMA eva l uation too l developed by t h e Unive r s ity of
Te nn essee for Ci ty Managers a nd revised to retl cc t the uuli es and r espo nsib iliti es or
th e Ci ty Attorney, has 7 categori es within w h ich lo eva lu<1te l h e pcrform<1nce of th e
City Attorney. I t ;1lso gives the opportunily for a n arrative eva lu<1 tion by each
Commissio n er.
DUDGET: No impact
RECOM MEN OAT JON : Adopt thi s eva lu ati on tool to be uli lized for an ann ual evalua tion ofthc C i ty Attorney,
w hich process will be directed by th e M ayor and coordinated by t he Cily Manager each year.
ATTACHMENTS: City Attorney Eva lu ati on Tool
REV IEWED BY C ITY MANAG ER: . .-1 k evn ~!_./
City Attorney Performance Evaluation
City of Atlantic Beach, Florida
Evaluation period: _______ to ______ _
Commissioner's Name
AGENDA ITEM # 3C
NOVEMBER 10, 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# 3C
NOVEMBER 10, 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 # 3C
NOVEMBER 10, 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 # 3C
NOVEMBER 10, 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# 3C
NOVEMBER 10, 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# 3C
NOVEMBER 10, 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