Haines Borough Assembly members needed more time to provide feedback for manager Debra Schnabel’s first evaluation.
Assembly members were recently tasked with filling out an evaluation form with feedback on several questions about Schnabel’s performance since she started as manager in June 2017. Questions included identifying the manager’s strengths, performance areas that need improvement and constructive suggestions. The form also asked for a ranking, one being poor to five being excellent, on 10 topics like Schnabel’s individual characteristics, professional skills and status, policy execution, relationships with elected people, relationship with citizens, and others.
Mayor Jan Hill said at a committee of the whole meeting Monday the process didn’t feel complete because assembly members’ responses hadn’t been compiled, and the rankings hadn’t been averaged. Hill said she also hadn’t reviewed the evaluation forms with the manager before a meeting with the assembly.
“I would appreciate some more time because I do feel this is an important process,” said assembly member Brenda Josephson.
“I think the most important thing we can do is give Debra as much guidance or directions or suggestions as we can to make our life better, her life better and the community’s life better,” said assembly member Tresham Gregg.
Assembly member Tom Morphet said he’d like to talk to borough staff to give more informed answers to questions. “The more time we put into it, the more beneficial the results will be,” Morphet said.
Borough clerk Alekka Fullerton and borough department heads were also asked this week to complete an evaluation form.
Hill said she wanted to assure Schnabel that “I don’t think you have anything to fear. I think we all believe you’re doing a good job…I think some of us just weren’t prepared.”
The assembly will discuss the evaluation at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 8. in the assembly chambers.