The board’s primary focus was the search for a new Town Administrator, a decision they described as among the most crucial for the town this year. The discussion revealed a strong preference for candidates with a background in managing smaller towns, as opposed to those who have served mostly in assistant roles in larger municipalities. This preference stemmed from the belief that candidates with direct administrative experience in similarly-sized communities would better understand the nuances of Manchester-By-The-Sea’s governance. The board stressed the need for the new Town Administrator to not only possess technical skills but also demonstrate leadership qualities that would inspire confidence among staff and residents alike.

This structure demands that the new administrator possess a robust understanding of school finances and the ability to navigate the intricacies of collective bargaining agreements. The board underscored the necessity for collaboration between the Town Administrator and the school district to address budget limitations effectively.

Affordable housing was another concern discussed at length. The board acknowledged the perception of Manchester-By-The-Sea as a wealthy community, which complicates efforts to provide affordable housing solutions. There was a consensus that the town’s character is at risk of being eroded by the prevalence of large, unaffordable homes. The board highlighted the need for candidates to bring innovative ideas to the table to address this issue, ensuring that the community remains accessible to long-term residents and essential personnel, such as educators and public safety officers.

The potential relocation of the Department of Public Works (DPW) barn to make way for affordable housing on the Pleasant Street property was considered a viable solution. The board acknowledged that many current employees are limited to living in family homes or inherited properties, pointing to the need for more accessible housing options.

In discussing the qualifications for the Town Administrator position, the board emphasized the importance of candidates having experience in securing grants and managing projects effectively. The ability to foster operational excellence and improve existing processes was highlighted as essential. The board also noted the significance of communication skills, particularly in engaging with residents through open forums and outreach efforts to keep the community informed about town activities and initiatives.

The conversation further touched on the qualities needed for effective municipal governance, including the ability to manage daily operations smoothly while handling major projects. The board recognized that the successful candidate should be able to balance leadership and management roles, fostering teamwork and avoiding departmental silos. There was a mention of the need for candidates to have a thorough understanding of local issues, such as infrastructure and traffic studies, drawing parallels between their previous work experiences and the operations within the town.

The board also addressed the topic of workforce diversity and the composition of the search committee tasked with finding the new Town Administrator. They emphasized the importance of including various perspectives from different segments of the community. The need for a diverse committee was seen as vital for reflecting the town’s demographics and stakeholder interests, ultimately leading to a more informed and balanced decision-making process.

As the meeting drew to a close, the board discussed the logistics of reviewing candidates and ensuring transparency in the selection process. They considered the feasibility of committee members accessing audio recordings of the meeting before the upcoming decision-making session.