By SHANNON HAUGLAND
Sentinel Staff Writer
The Assembly gave the city attorney and city administrator “satisfactory” reviews, at a special meeting Tuesday night.
The evaluations for City Attorney Brian Hanson and City Administrator John Leach were conducted in executive session, with similar comments presented to the public after the Assembly returned to regular session.
Hanson has been working for the city for five years, and Leach has just finished his first year.
Each of the evaluations lasted around an hour, and both men were given “satisfactory” reviews, with the caveat that although that was the metric being used, the Assembly found each of their performance to be “exemplary” (Hanson) or “top notch” (Leach).
Commenting today, Assembly member Kevin Knox said he’s “extremely happy with the work (Leach) has done, as well as Brian. The value we get as a community from both their work is above and beyond. Their professionalism and skill sets are more than we could’ve asked for in some respects.”
Kevin Mosher agreed, saying “they’re both doing a great job. They’re doing an excellent job and I’m pleased with them both.”
Thor Christianson said he thinks both are doing “quite well.”
“Considering what we’ve gone through as a city in the last year, John is doing a great job,” Christianson said. “He’s brought a level of organization to the city that was needed, and we didn’t realize we needed it until he started doing it. I think Brian has been a source of steady leadership. If we never hear from him or see him we know he’s really doing his job. I think Brian is doing a great job. We’re lucky to have them.”
Rebecca Himschoot in a text added:
“Sitka is fortunate to have the professional skills both men bring to their positions and as a result we are headed in a positive direction.”
The Assembly received forms to use as an evaluation tool, but in the past has used them only as guidelines for discussion.
Leach and Hanson were present for their own executive session discussions. Hanson’s review ran from 6:05 to 6:58 p.m.; Leach’s from 7:04 to 8:12 p.m., City Clerk Sara Peterson said.
When the Assembly returned to regular session, Mayor Steven Eisenbeisz said he planned to meet with Hanson to discuss a benefits and salary package; Eisenbeisz said today he will present a proposal to the Assembly for approval. Hanson hasn’t received a raise since 2018.
Leach’s pay adjustment approved last November went into effect March 1, 2021, so no raise was didcussed, the Sentinel was told.
Leach said today by text that he felt the evaluation went well.
“They were extremely pleased with my performance and asked me to continue to come forward to them with ways they can further support my position and city staff,” he said.
Six members attended: Eisenbeisz, Knox, Mosher, Himschoot, Christianson, and Crystal Duncan. Valorie Nelson was absent.
