Town Administrator Scores Well on One-Year Evaluation

Chairman of the Board of Selectmen Robert Hogan read the summary of the annual evaluation of Town Administrator John Petrin during Monday night's meeting. This was an evaluation of Petrin's first year in Burlington. 

Here is the text of the summary Hogan read: 

"According to the wording in his contract, an annual evaluation was completed for John Petrin after completing his first year of service to the town.

Four members of the Board of Selectmen participated. With advice from legal counsel, I abstained because of the unique relationship between the Veterans Agent (Department Head) and as a member of the Board, with the Town Administrator.

The four members took this task very seriously and thoughtfully and responded to this electronic survey, prepared for us by Joanne Faust, our Human Resources Director. 

There were 44 categories of evaluation, with five possible responses, from unacceptable, needs improvement, satisfactory, exceeds expectations, and exemplary. The TA received positive responses in the three categories of satisfactory, exceeds expectations and exemplary. There was no indication that he needs improvement, nor that any of his work was unacceptable.

In the Nine categories of Leadership, the Board stated that the TA led by example, setting a high standard in all leadership categories.

The members felt that the TA was quick to get to know the staff and understand where problems existed. 

In financial management there were seven areas of evaluation and the members stated that the TA took a look at things and immediately began to address cost cutting issues.

The TA frequently participates in community events and is regularly visible, and he has built relationships at the state level and across the state that he is able to use to get timely information on issues affecting the town, was the response from the members in the five Community Relations group.

In his relations with the Board of Selectmen, the Board members noted in the nine areas of interest that the TA keeps the Board well informed between meetings giving the members time to follow up and ask questions and raise issues. His involvement with Massachusetts Municipal Association is a valuable tool to stay abreast of issues.

In the seven items for Personal Qualities, the TA received successful, exceeds expectations and exemplary ratings  in areas of high ethical standards, honesty, integrity, working well with individuals and groups, earning respect of professional colleagues, professional judgment and maintaining his poise.

The members thought his most prominent strength is his knowledge, that he is ethical, and leads by example. They also thought his background in community government has helped him in managing the town and guiding the board." 

Petrin was humble in his response to the evaluation. 

"I’ll fall back to staff, we have a great staff and great people," he said, adding "Even though you stated I have no 'needs improvement' we can always strive for improvement. Appreciate opportunity to serve this great community."