Watertown City Council supports city manager role amid recruitment discussions

The Watertown City Council convened on February 3, 2025, to address several key agenda items, including the recruitment of a new city manager and the approval of an essential air service contract. The meeting commenced with a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by the establishment of a quorum.

The council approved the agenda with minor adjustments, including the addition of a presentation from Todd Kayes regarding the First District's yearly update. During the open forum, Amanda Culhane, co-chair of the H2050 steering committee, expressed support for maintaining the city manager form of government, emphasizing the need for stability and time to evaluate its effectiveness. Danielle Lewis, founder of Danny's Balcony Indigenous Outreach, raised concerns about the impact of recent federal immigration policies on the indigenous community, highlighting the importance of updating tribal IDs to safeguard community members.

The council then moved to discuss the recruitment of a new city manager. Rob Peterson, chairman of the Succession Planning Committee, presented the recommendation to hire the Robert Half Group as the recruiting firm. The committee had reviewed and streamlined the job description, aiming to attract a broader range of candidates, including those with executive experience outside of public service. The council engaged in a thorough discussion about the recruitment process, emphasizing the importance of a formal and fair selection procedure.

After deliberation, the council voted unanimously to approve the Robert Half Group for the recruitment process, with the expectation of a timely search for candidates. The meeting concluded with a discussion on the essential air service contract, where the council prepared to approve SkyWest as the provider, following a detailed review by the airport board.

Overall, the meeting underscored the council's commitment to effective governance and community engagement, with significant steps taken towards leadership transitions and essential services for Watertown.