Discussion Regarding a New On-line Assessment Tool for the City Administrator's Annual Performance Evaluation

Mr. Kurt Ulrich was hired as the City Administrator on September 17, 2007.  Mr. Ulrich’s Employment Agreement requires the completion of an annual 360 degree performance evaluation.  Upon completion of last year's performance evaluation, discussion ensued regarding another option for a 360 review tool, called CheckPoint 360° and how it might benefit the City. 

Mr. Ulrich's performance evaluation includes feedback from the City Council, his direct reports, and Mr. Ulrich himself. The current performance evaluation is conducted using SurveyMonkey.  A sample of both the current and new assessment are attached.   As with SurveyMonkey,  CheckPoint 360 is designed to collect feedback from the same groups of people.  

As stated, up until now, staff have utilized  SurveyMonkey which  is an online survey that is customizable.  It is prepared  based on the City Administrator's position description, the City's core values and the City Council's  preferences as they relate to the City Administrators's desired performance outcomes.   CheckPoint 360 has significant overlapping core competencies and areas of measurement  when compared to the current performance evaluation; however, it offers a comprehensive automated summary report, including areas for professional development.    The text below is an except from the CheckPoint 360 provider describing the assessment tool in more detail. 

CheckPoint 360° is a 360-degree leadership assessment used to help managers identify and prioritize their own development opportunities and leadership skills.  It is also used to  surface management issues that could lead to low employee productivity, morale, satisfaction, and turnover. This assessment compiles a feedback system from direct reports, peers,  supervisors, and even customers, with a personalized program for developing specific leadership  skills based on that feedback.

CheckPoint 360° measures

• Communication
• Leadership
• Adaptability
• Relationships
• Task management
• Production
• Development of others
• Personal development

Up to 15 minutes.

The cost of one online evaluation is $499.00; however, the evaluation report & development plan that would be generated would  replace a labor intensive process when compared to that of SurveyMonkey.  

Colleen Lasher, Human Resources Manager

For the City Council to  provide their direction regarding the use of a new on-line performance assessment tool or to continue using the SurveyMonkey method for conducting the City Administrators' next performance evaluation.