Town Council Develops Goals Framework for Incoming Town Manager
Strategic planning committee to review proposed objectives covering water infrastructure, roadway improvements, municipal operations and economic development before new administrator takes office July
BRIDGEWATER - June 17 - The Bridgewater Town Council moved forward with establishing performance goals for incoming Town Manager Justin Casanova Davis, referring a comprehensive framework to the strategic planning committee during Monday night's meeting.
Councilor Paul Murphy introduced the goals order, explaining the council aims to set clear expectations for the new administrator who begins work July 1. The proposed framework addresses four key areas: drinking water infrastructure, roadway planning, exemplary town operations, and economic development strategy.
"I saw that in prior years, I believe the last time it was done was FY23, so it hasn't been consistent," Murphy said. "But now's the time to get consistent with town manager goals with our new incoming town manager."
The goals document includes specific responsibilities and measurement criteria for each objective. Under drinking water infrastructure, the town manager would be responsible for developing a comprehensive plan to address water quality issues, including PFAS contamination remediation.
For roadway planning, the goals call for creating a sustainable infrastructure maintenance program and securing funding sources for ongoing improvements. The town operations section focuses on maintaining efficient municipal services and transparent communication with residents and the council.
The economic development component requires the town manager to work with local businesses and explore opportunities for responsible growth while preserving the community's character.
Murphy emphasized the framework provides a foundation that the strategic planning committee can modify as needed. "I thought it was good to type this up and share it with the council and the public to know what our expectations are of our incoming town manager," he said. "I don't think there'll be any surprises in here."
Council President Johnny Loreti supported the proactive approach to goal-setting, noting the timing aligns with contractual requirements. Davis's employment agreement stipulates that performance goals must be established between July and September.
"I like the idea of kind of hitting the ground running and getting this working," Loreti said. "That's why I asked Councilor Murphy to introduce this tonight and then strategic planning can meet over the next few weeks."
Councilor Adelene Ellenberg suggested adding a forensic audit component to the town operations section, specifically mentioning the golf course and other budget areas as potential subjects for review.
The council voted unanimously to refer the goals framework to the strategic planning committee for further development. Committee Chair Kevin Perry will schedule meetings to refine the objectives before presenting them to the full council.
Loreti encouraged all councilors to participate in the strategic planning process, noting the importance of comprehensive input on town manager expectations. He also suggested advertising the committee meetings widely to allow public participation.
"With something as important as goals for a new town manager, I think it's really important to have everybody's input," Kennedy said.
Councilor Mark Linde recommended adding earlier communication requirements with the Bridgewater-Raynham Regional School District to help the council receive budget information sooner in the annual planning process.
"I'd like to see earlier communication with the Bridgewater-Raynham Regional School District to have more information about financing that we need prior to putting the town budget together," Linde said.
The goals initiative builds on previous work done under former Council President Erik Moore, who collaborated on town manager objectives before the position became interim due to staffing changes. The current framework represents the first comprehensive goal-setting effort since fiscal year 2023.
During the meeting, councilors also discussed incorporating a 360-degree evaluation process that would include feedback from town committees and boards. Resident suggestions from the public comment period emphasized the importance of including various stakeholders in the assessment process.
The strategic planning committee will review the proposed goals alongside Davis's contract requirements and previous evaluation frameworks used by the town. The committee plans to present refined objectives to the full council before the new town manager's first performance review period.
Loreti noted that the current contract includes a one-to-five rating scale for different performance areas, but suggested aligning the evaluation more closely with specific goal achievements.
The council's proactive approach to goal-setting reflects efforts to establish clear expectations and accountability measures for municipal leadership. The framework addresses several priority areas identified by residents and councilors throughout recent budget discussions and public forums.
The strategic planning committee will coordinate with Davis after he starts his role to ensure the goals align with his administrative priorities and the town's immediate needs. The final objectives will serve as benchmarks for annual performance evaluations throughout his tenure.
All councilors expressed support for the initiative, viewing it as an essential tool for maintaining effective municipal governance and transparent public administration.
Watch the complete meeting courtesy of the Town of Bridgewater.
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