MOUNT VERNON – Thanks to a recently completed leadership training program, city employees were able to develop at least two new actionable projects with direct citizen benefit.
A community medical program and a process to streamline property renovations under the Community Reinvestment Area are two of the most visible training outcomes, Mayor Matt Starr told the Mount Vernon News.
“I look at these things, I get really excited at the innovation that our leaders have just embraced. And we are extremely anxious to share this with the new city council,” he said.
All front-line supervisors, department heads, assistant directors and foremen participated. Each staff member was assessed through CliftonStrengths, which reveals personality trait strengths. They covered topics such as embracing change, inspiring a shared vision, enabling others to act, challenging the process and understanding risk management.
The training process began in early 2020 but took a yearlong hiatus due to the pandemic before resuming last year. This was the first time the city had held leadership training since 2003. The only person still with the city since that training was auditor Terry Scott.
Each participant helped develop an assigned project, Starr said. Each project aligned with the city’s strategic plan (Phase I of which the city council had already adopted). Thus, the projects tied into the plan’s leadership topics, with built-in stakeholder appeal.
Starr said the projects were varied and interesting.
“We are planning to share these with city council,” he said. “Because there's some really innovative ideas ... that can certainly enhance the services to the public, as well as save money and, again, enhance the quality of life for our city.”
Projects
Establishing a countywide, full-time drug task force was researched as one of the topics. Another project proposes options to keep sidewalks in good repair. It also looks to find alternative forms of transportation around the city.
Development of the proposed East Side Fire Station also received attention.
“Another group worked on just a very simple project that means a great deal to the community, the cleaning of the Walk of Honor,” Starr said.
The Walk of Honor is in a shady spot on the Public Square, so mildew forms quickly.
He said cleaning the Veterans Walk of Honor is difficult for the city to handle with limited staff.
“But we did find out that there are volunteer groups who would take that on to make sure that the bricks are maintained so people can read the bricks,” he said.
For the parks, projects discussed included combating vandalism and upgrading bleachers for safety and comfort.
A study is also underway to improve the customer service of the city’s utilities billing office.
To further the city leadership team’s emotional intelligence, staff will adopt insights gained from observing scenarios that illustrate what not to do.
These lessons will demonstrate better ways to handle interactions that show more emotional responsibility instead of giving into anger, Starr said.
“Within the fire department, there's another group that is looking at community care medical efforts,” he said.
This group will find ways to help people who don’t necessarily need an ambulance when they call EMS. They might need somebody to help them understand their medication or what other resources that may be available to them.
“What they need is somebody that does not consume the resources of a medic or fire truck or whatever the case may be,” he said.
Full cutline for print: Swearing in of the new city council and treasurer (left to right): Bruce Hawkins, president; Joshua Kirby, 1st Ward; Mel Severns, City Council at Large; Janis Seavolt, City Council at Large; John Francis, 2nd Ward; Michael Hillier, 4th Ward; Tammara Woods, 3rd Ward; Amber Keener, City Council at Large; David Stuller, City Treasurer.