PCC Local Time

Board transitions can bring about hand wringing or a promise of welcome change, they may feel like a small shift or a seismic one. But at root, there are fundamental lessons to be learned if you, as the executive leader or manager, are going through one for the first time.

On today's show, we welcome Sara Gibson, Borough Manager at Camp Hill Borough, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, and Scott Hutt, Assistant Manager of Hatfield Township in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. Though the size and structure of the governments they manage differ, they both bring a wealth of knowledge about the core elements of effective onboarding. 

Today we talk about the importance of patience and open communication, a structured onboarding process that also encourages mentorship and an ongoing need to balance change while preserving the core values of local government.

We hope you enjoy!

SHOW NOTESFollow Sara Gibson on LinkedIn

Sara Gibson has served as Manager of Camp Hill Borough for the past three years, driving progress on strategic initiatives like pedestrian connectivity, zoning updates, sewage and stormwater planning, and downtown development. Under her leadership, the Borough adopted a Climate Action Plan in 2023 through the DEP Local Climate Action program. Sara has championed environmental efforts, including the innovative StormFest public outreach event and the establishment of a Sustainability Committee. Camp Hill also participates in Bee City USA, Tree City USA, Bird Town Pennsylvania, and SolSmart programs, with Sara and her team securing grants and technical assistance to bolster these initiatives.

Follow Scott Hutt on LinkedInFollow APMM on LinkedInMORE INFORMATION ABOUT APMMSign up for the PCC Local Time Newsletter to receive updates about the community and this podcast HERE EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS
[00:01:10] Importance of Board Transitions in Shaping Organizational Life

• Sara reflects on her first experiences with board transitions and the challenges of being a professional manager.

[00:05:07] Onboarding New Board Members

• Scott shares his first experience with onboarding and the importance of structured, effective processes.

[00:06:21] Structuring the Onboarding Process

• Detailed explanation of onboarding approaches, including educational seminars with consultants and department heads.

[00:07:45] Building Personal Connections with Board Members

• Sara emphasizes the significance of developing personal connections and understanding board members' backgrounds.

[00:10:44] Quality Interactions Between Board Members and Staff

• Discussion on fostering trust and ensuring productive interactions through community events and informal gatherings.

[00:12:45] Setting Boundaries and Roles for Effective Governance

• Scott elaborates on defining roles and staying in lanes for efficient operations and collaboration.

[00:17:30] Community Events and Relationship Building

• Sara and Scott discuss the role of community events in creating stronger bonds among board members, staff, and the public.

[00:23:00] Navigating Difficult Transitions and Conflicts

• Nancy and Scott explore managing transitions when new board members have conflicting visions.

[00:26:48] Facilitating Dialogue and Building Common Ground

• Strategies for finding common ground and bridging divides among board members.

[00:30:00] Professionalism and Maintaining Boundaries

• Sara emphasizes the balance between personal connections and maintaining professional integrity.

[00:34:00] Vulnerabilities of Managers During Board Transitions

• Discussion on why board transitions can lead to manager turnover and strategies for navigating these periods.

[00:40:27] Preparing for and Embracing Change

• Advice for managers on embracing change and viewing transitions as opportunities.

[00:44:55] Final Reflections and Advice for New Managers

• Sara and Scott offer insights and advice for new managers facing upcoming board transitions.

How many of us feel overwhelmed by the amount of information coming at us about AI today?

One of my best thought partners on the topic of AI is Joe Mench, Assistant Manager at Muhlenberg Township in Berks County Pennsylvania. He is truly boots on the ground at the local government level and this conversation is a starting point for thinking about AI today in our organizations.

We delve into the practical applications of AI for local governments, discussing both the opportunities and challenges. Joe Mench shares his insights on how AI can enhance municipal operations, from improving customer service to predictive analytics for public safety. The conversation highlights the importance of ethical use, transparency, and developing internal policies to guide AI's responsible implementation. The episode also touches on the future of AI in areas such as public works and organizational learning, stressing the need for clear guidelines and cautious optimism. It’s a must-listen for local government leaders interested in leveraging AI to improve services while being mindful of ethical considerations and community trust.

Sign up for the PCC Local Time Newsletter HERE Connect with Joe Mench on LinkedIn

Muhlenberg Township, Berks County, Pennsylvania

TIMESTAMPS

[00:00:00] Introduction to AI Tools and Optimism

Joe encourages trying out AI tools before forming an opinion. He emphasizes that AI is a powerful tool that’s not as intimidating or omnipotent as some perceive.

[00:09:53] Practical Use Cases of AI in Local Government

Discussion on AI applications such as customer service improvements, predictive analytics for infrastructure, and operational efficiencies (e.g., waste management, public safety).

[00:13:07] AI in Law Enforcement for Body Cam Analysis

The use of AI to review body cam footage for good policing practices, improving morale by highlighting positive behavior, and potentially identifying areas for officer development.

[00:16:21] AI as a Tool for Organizational Learning

AI's potential to build internal knowledge libraries for custom learning and professional development within local governments.

[00:18:38] The Concept of AI as an Executive Assistant

How AI can act like an executive assistant, offering data-driven suggestions to facilitate decision-making, while still requiring human validation for accuracy.

[00:20:07] Building AI Chatbots for Resident Interaction

Development of AI chatbots to provide better and more responsive service to residents, moving beyond keyword recognition to more natural, interactive conversations.

[00:28:38] Vendor Accountability and Policy Development

Key considerations when implementing AI solutions, such as asking vendors critical questions about data security and transparency, as well as forming responsible AI policies.

[00:39:00] Addressing Ethical Considerations and Transparency

Conversations about ethical implications, such as ensuring fairness, addressing the digital divide, and maintaining transparency with citizens on data usage.

[00:46:39] AI’s Role in Public Works and Infrastructure

AI applications in monitoring and planning infrastructure needs (e.g., road maintenance, leaf collection), optimizing operational efficiency in public works.

Have you ever thought about capturing your ideas in a book, a TED Talk, or maybe a blog? Perhaps you have a story to tell, expertise to share, or ideas that pile up but never quite come together in a cohesive way. If this sounds like you, stay tuned.

In this episode, Emily Crookston explains why even experienced writers might hire a ghostwriter. She shares how ghostwriting is not just about putting words on paper; it’s about collaboration, shaping ideas, and helping clients clearly communicate their expertise. Whether you’re thinking about writing a book, creating LinkedIn content, or simply sharing your knowledge in any format, this episode will show you how a ghostwriter can bring your ideas to life and make the process less overwhelming.

Sign up for the PCC Local Time Newsletter HERE BIO

Emily Crookston is a best-selling business book ghostwriter, author, and developmental editor. She specializes in helping entrepreneurs and consultants build their businesses by writing a book that sells. As the Owner of The Pocket PhD, she and her team create and execute pre-launch strategies for self-published business book authors to align your thought leadership content, increase your sphere of influence, and prime your audience for the book. Her first book, Unwritten: The Thought Leader’s Guide to Not Overthinking Your Business Book, launches on October 1, 2024.

Emily is also a former philosophy professor, speaker, and podcast guest. When she’s not writing intensely, she’s most likely practicing yoga intensely. She lives for desserts topped with *real* whipped cream.

Find Emily on LinkedIN

Check out Emily's book, UNWRITTEN

TIMESTAMPS

[00:03:33] Why Hire a Ghostwriter?

[00:04:10] The Role of a Ghostwriter in Shaping Ideas

[00:06:00] Collaborative Writing and Developmental Editing

[00:06:47] The Importance of Audience and Translation of Expertise

[00:07:14] The Process of Ghostwriting

[00:09:21] Publishing Options and Self-Publishing

[00:18:33] The Rising Role of Books in Professional Branding

[00:19:48] Writing for Different Formats

[00:27:42] Why Some People Struggle with Writing

[00:29:19] Final Tips on the Writing Process

In this episode, we explore the multi-faceted career of Crandall Jones, a seasoned City Manager. His is not a predictable story, but one with many twists and turns. Crandall opens up about the challenges that impacted his big decisions.

Crandall is currently the Chief Administrative Officer at Upper Darby Township in Delaware County Pennsylvania. He previously served as CAO in Norristown, Pennsylvania in Montgomery County. In addition to serving as an adjunct at Villanova University, he serves on the Board of the APPM.

This episode is particularly valuable for those considering a career in city management or a new opportunity in the field of local government.

The APMM series highlights the many layers and aspects of local government work. Be sure to check out the links to APMM and visit us at the upcoming ICMA conference in Pittsburgh!

SHOW NOTES

Follow Crandall Jones on LinkedIn

Follow APMM on LinkedInMORE INFORMATION ABOUT APMMSign up for the PCC Local Time Newsletter to receive updates about the community and this podcast HERE TIMESTAMPS

[00:00:00] Introduction and Crandall’s Background

• Nancy introduces Crandall and the focus of the episode on his career in city management.

[00:01:51] The Unique Arc of a City Management Career

• Crandall discusses how each city management career is unique and shaped by personal choices and challenges.

[00:04:00] Early Inspiration in Political Science

• Crandall shares how a high school political science course sparked his interest in local government.

[00:07:01] Lessons from Savannah: The Importance of Planning

• Crandall reflects on his time in Savannah, where he learned the value of big-picture thinking and community engagement.

[00:13:15] Transition to City Management

• Crandall talks about his move from economic development to city management and the challenges he faced.

[00:19:38] The Role of Mentorship

• Crandall emphasizes the importance of mentorship in his career and how it helped shape his path in city management.

[00:26:10] Navigating Race-related Issues

• Crandall discusses his experiences managing in diverse communities and the challenges of navigating race-related issues.

[00:34:09] The Importance of Building Strong Teams

• Crandall shares insights on the importance of team building and leadership in local government.

[00:43:12] Strategic Planning and Community Health

• Discussion on the need for strategic planning in addressing long-term community health and infrastructure issues.

[00:52:03] Making Career Transitions

• Crandall reflects on his decision to transition to new opportunities and the factors that influence such decisions.

In this episode of the PCC Local Time Podcast, we explore the evolving landscape of fire services with Rick Kane, the Manager of Manheim Township and a former Fire Chief.

Rick offers unique insights into the critical transition from volunteer to career fire departments, focusing on the importance of strategic planning, leadership, and effective communication.

Many municipal managers will tell you this is one of the greatest challenges facing local government today. Rick gives us an excellent understanding of why that is and how municipalities can respond.

This episode has tons of takeaways for fire service professionals, municipal managers, elected officials, and people like you and me who depend on fire services!

SHOWNOTES:Manheim Township, Lancaster County, PennsylvaniaFollow APMM on LinkedInMORE INFORMATION ABOUT APMMSign up for the PCC Local Time Newsletter HERE TIMESTAMPS:

[00:00:00] Introduction and Overview

• Introduction to the episode and Rick Kane’s background.

[00:01:33] Historical Context of Volunteer Fire Services

• Rick discusses the historical context of volunteer fire services and their deep-rooted independence.

[00:04:00] Transition from Volunteer to Career Fire Service

• Challenges and considerations when transitioning from a volunteer to a career fire service.

[00:09:40] Importance of Communication Between Municipal Managers and Fire Chiefs

• Rick emphasizes the need for open communication between municipal managers and fire chiefs.

[00:15:20] Financial Implications of Fire Service Transitions

• Discussion on the financial costs associated with transitioning to a career fire service and maintaining it.

[00:21:00] Establishing Benchmarks and Standards

• The role of benchmarks and standards in fire services, including NFPA standards and ISO ratings.

[00:26:10] The Strategic Planning Process

• Rick shares insights on the strategic planning process for merging volunteer departments into a municipal fire service.

[00:31:00] The Role of Leadership in Fire Services

• How leadership plays a critical role in managing the transition and maintaining service quality.

[00:37:10] The Future of Fire Services

• Rick discusses the future challenges and opportunities in fire services.

[00:46:50] Moving from Fire Chief to Municipal Manager

• Rick reflects on his transition from fire chief to municipal manager and the lessons learned.

In this episode, we delve into the evolving relationship between a Township Manager and a Fire Chief, focusing on transitioning from a volunteer to a career fire service.

This episode is a fascinating inside look at how a rural community that becomes a suburban one transitions from a volunteer to a full-time career fire service that includes volunteer fire.

Robert Pellegrino and Adam Selisker share their journey, highlighting the importance of trust, community engagement, and strategic leadership. From addressing funding challenges to building a resilient fire service, this episode offers valuable insights for municipal leaders and emergency service professionals. Discover how effective collaboration can transform community safety and resilience.

SHOWNOTES:

Visit Northampton Township website

Connect with Adam M. Selisker on LinkedIn

Follow APMM on LinkedIn

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT APMM

Sign up for the PCC Local Time Newsletter HERE

TIMESTAMPS:

[00:00:00] Introduction and Background

• Nancy introduces the topic and the guests.

[00:01:22] Transitioning from Volunteer to Career Fire Service

• Robert and Adam discuss the initial challenges and steps in transitioning from a volunteer to a career fire service.

[00:04:34] Building a Working Relationship

• The importance of building a good working relationship between the Township Manager and the Fire Chief.
• How Robert and Adam established their working relationship.

[00:06:18] Addressing Funding and Manpower Issues

• Discussion on the funding challenges and solutions, including the federal SAFER grant.
• How they addressed the shortage of volunteers.

[00:08:06] Community Engagement

• Strategies for engaging the community and communicating the need for a paid fire service.
• Examples of successful community engagement efforts.

[00:13:14] Leadership and Trust

• The importance of mutual trust and support between the Township Manager and the Fire Chief.
• Advice for other managers and fire chiefs on building trust.

[00:17:55] Challenges and Solutions

• Ongoing challenges in maintaining a mix of volunteer and career firefighters.
• How they adapted and evolved their strategies over time.

[00:24:30] Impact on the Community

• Positive outcomes of the transition to a career fire service.
• Personal anecdotes highlighting the impact on community safety and resilience.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCE NOTES:

1933 ACT 69 SECOND CLASS TOWNSHIP CODE OF PENNSYLVANIA

SECTION 607. DUTIES OF SUPERVISORS.--THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS SHALL:

(1) BE CHARGED WITH THE GENERAL GOVERNANCE OF THE TOWNSHIP AND THE EXECUTION OF LEGISLATIVE, EXECUTIVE AND ADMINISTRATIVE POWERS IN ORDER TO ENSURE SOUND FISCAL MANAGEMENT AND TO SECURE THE HEALTH, SAFETY AND WELFARE OF THE CITIZENS OF THE TOWNSHIP.

Bert Brugghemans joins us from the City of Antwerp, where he serves as the Chief Fire Officer. Today, we'll gain Bert’s perspective on leadership and decision-making when routine operations turn into rapid response situations.

We talk about Bert's research and how he has progressed his thinking from the early days in the fire service and studies in public health to his later career in leadership and studies in public management. In particular, we talk about leadership-team dynamics and what creates the environment in which trust enables teams to make good decisions in a crisis.

If you are interested in topics like this, sign up for our Friday newsletter to find out what we are up to.

SHOWNOTES

Connect with Bert Brugghemans on LinkedIN

Research Links:

The process of decision-making in a fast burning crisis situation: a multiple sequence approach of decisiveness

The Collapse of Sensemaking in Organizations: The Mann Gulch Disaster

Young Men and Fire

How does Leadership Manage Network-Level Tensions in a Turbulent Environment? A Case Study on the Antwerp Fire Service Network Leadership during the COVID-19 Pandemic

TIMESTAMPS

[00:04:36] Transition from Order to Chaos

[00:08:07] The Unique Role of Fire Services

[00:13:24] Collaborative Leadership

[00:24:31] Decision-Making Research

[00:43:00] Trust and Team Cohesion

[00:45:14] Network Management

[00:49:50] Public Awareness and Investment

Welcome to another episode in the APMM Series on PCC Local Time. I am your host Nancy Hess

Our guests today offer us a glimpse of how labor relations in your municipality can help or hinder your efforts as a manager, and significantly impact your workplace. What is unique about labor relations is that you can only really come to it through experience. No amount of study or expertise will make you good at it. You must develop a practice and an approach or style that is both authentic and appropriate for your situation.

Stephanie Teoli-Kuhls is the manager of Middletown Township in Bucks County Pennsylvania, and Sandra Zadell is the manager at Upper Gwynedd Township in Montgomery County. Both are seasoned managers and adjuncts at Villa Nova University, and as you will learn, Sandra was mentored by Stephanie. So they have a special connection that brings this episode to life.

This conversation offers a wealth of insights for managers looking to foster a collaborative and productive work environment.

Follow APMM on LinkedIn

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT APMM

Sign up for the PCC Local Time Newsletter HERE

Connect on LinkedIn:

APMM

Stephanie Teoli-Kuhls

Sandra Zadell

Nancy Hess

SHOW NOTES:

[00:02:17] Signs of a Good Negotiation

• A good negotiation leaves both sides feeling neutral, without clear winners or losers.

[00:03:31] Components of a Good Relationship

• Mutual respect, open communication, engagement, and consistency.
• Importance of resolving issues proactively before they escalate.

[00:08:46] Impact on Workplace and Services

• How labor relations affect the delivery of services and workplace morale.
• The significance of fostering a collaborative culture.

[00:13:31] Engaging Unions Outside Negotiations

• Building individual relationships with union members and understanding their perspectives.
• Examples of engaging union leadership in discussions about major changes.

[00:22:08] Manager at the Negotiation Table

• Pros and cons of having the manager lead negotiations versus bringing in a professional negotiator.
• Balancing advice from labor attorneys with what is best for the organization.

[00:29:46] Top Advice for First-Time Negotiators

• Being prepared by understanding the negotiation landscape and anticipating issues.
• Being patient and trusting the process.
• Understanding that a good negotiation is one where neither side feels like they won or lost.

[00:34:50] Challenges for New Managers

• Experiences of gender bias and how it can affect negotiations.
• Importance of having supportive colleagues and mentors.

[00:43:18] Questions for Colleagues

• Balancing labor attorney advice with what is best for the organization.
• Learning from both successful and challenging negotiation experiences.

This episode is part of our APMM series on Community Health. Today we dig deeper into the connection between climate action and community health. Our guest, Peter Buck, co-directs the Local Climate Action Program and is the Associate Director of Climate and Sustainability Education at Penn State Sustainability.

Peter brings a perspective that helps us untangle some of the ideas related to climate action and sustainability, and he shares practical steps and success stories that show how local governments can make a real impact.

Climate change isn't just a global issue; it hits home in our neighborhoods, affecting everything from air quality to stormwater management. But local governments face the challenge of building awareness and converting policy to action.

Peter brings great energy to this conversation as he shares his experience with initiatives that are changing the course of our future.

Follow APMM on LinkedIn

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT APMM

Sign up for the PCC Local Time Newsletter HERE

GUEST BIO:

Dr. Peter Buck is a sustainability and climate change professional, public servant, and educator. He co-directs the Local Climate Action Program and is the Associate Director of Climate and Sustainability Education at Penn State Sustainability. Buck has communicated widely on sustainability, education, leadership, and democracy in The Washington Post, Citizens Democracy Works, on the TEDx stage, and in peer-reviewed journals and books. Buck commits himself to leadership and service, serving as an elected official in municipal and school district government, appointed service for climate planning at the local and state level, and in educational and

Connect with Peter HERE on LinkedIn

SHOW NOTES:

[Scroll down for links to resources mentioned in episode.]

Today we explore the impact of climate change on community health and local government actions.

Timestamps:

[00:02:40] Background and Personal Journey

• Peter's early interest in the controversy over teaching evolution and its link to climate science.
• His transition to focusing on climate action due to the real-world impacts on health and safety.

[00:08:17] Local Climate Action Program

• Overview of the program at Penn State.
• Partnership with local governments and students to conduct greenhouse gas inventories and develop climate action plans.
• Examples of different municipalities and their unique challenges and opportunities.

[00:14:55] Challenges and Opportunities in Local Government

• Variations in municipal capacities and readiness to tackle climate issues.
• Importance of regional cooperation for effective climate action.
• Encouraging educational initiatives to promote community engagement and understanding.

[00:18:21] Policy and Infrastructure

• The role of policy windows in creating opportunities for change.
• Integrating climate action into comprehensive plans and municipal budgets.
• Examples of successful initiatives, like the LEED Gold-certified public works facility in Ferguson Township.

[00:24:12] Community Engagement

• Strategies to engage and educate communities about climate impacts and actions.
• Importance of transparency and communication in building community support.
• Leveraging crises as opportunities to advance climate action agendas.

[00:37:15] Future Directions

• Importance of ongoing education and adaptation.
• Encouraging municipalities to start with small steps and build on successes.
• Availability of resources and support from organizations like Penn State, DEP, and ICLEI.

LINKS TO RESOURCES MENTIONED IN EPISODE:

Pennsylvania Municipal League Sustainable PA Conference Fall 2024

Allegheny Connect

Sustainable Pittsburgh

Local Governments for Sustainability

Urban Sustainability Directors Network

Penn State Students are helping Pennsylvania Communities

Zoning may be one of the least understood and most under-appreciated aspects of local government. But my guests today see zoning through the lens of community health and want you to come along with them to better understand how zoning and planning impact our lives.

Ben Estell is manager of Dormont Borough outside of Pittsburgh in Allegheny County Pennsylvania and R.J. Susko is Planning and Development Director in the Town of McCandless in Allegheny County.

In this episode, RJ and Ben discuss the crucial role zoning and community planning play in enhancing community health.

RJ and Ben highlight the paths to their current roles and emphasize the human impact of zoning decisions. They explore topics such as transparency, public engagement, and the challenges of implementing zoning changes that balance community needs and environmental considerations. The conversation underscores the importance of proactive planning and the iterative nature of zoning regulations to foster resilient and thriving communities.

If you like your comprehensive planning to be entertaining and even a little sexy, you have come to the right place.

This episode is part of our 2024 APMM series. APMM is dedicated to the promotion of professional and effective local government management in Pennsylvania.

Follow APMM on LinkedIn

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT APMM

Sign up for the PCC Local Time Newsletter HERE

Guest Bios

RJ Susko serves as the Planning and Development Director for the Town of McCandless, Allegheny County, PA. Ms. Susko holds a Master of Public Administration Urban Affairs and Planning concentration, from the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public and International Affairs (GSPIA), and a B.S. in Public Health from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. A lifelong asker of “how does that work?”, Ms. Susko has been active in the municipal management world for several years, focusing on process improvement, change management, and right-sizing regulations to empower communities to reach their full potential.

Most recently in her current role as Planning and Development Director at the Town of McCandless, RJ has overseen the Town’s first wholesale zoning update in the last 50 years, involving a complete re-write and restructuring of the McCandless land use and development codes.

Benjamin Ryan Estell serves as Manager for the Borough of Dormont in Allegheny County, PA. Ben holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a B.A. in French language and Culture from The Ohio State University. He received his ICMA certification in 2015.

Has led numerous impactful projects, such as the Potomac Avenue Design and Reconstruction, an award-winning storm water management project, and a 5-Year Strategic Planning Process, which has involved significant public input and research. Most recently led a comprehensive zoning rewrite that brought Form-Based Code and Transit Oriented Development into the Pittsburgh suburbs and created the transformational catalyst for a truly welcoming community.

TIMESTAMPS

[00:00 - 05:07]: Introduction and RJ's background in community development.

[05:08 - 10:18]: Ben's childhood experience with a hazardous waste incinerator and its influence on his career.

[10:19 - 15:00]: Discussion on transparency in zoning and public access to information.

[15:01 - 20:10]: Historical context of zoning and its impact on different communities.

[20:11 - 25:00]: Challenges in current zoning, including parking minimums and density issues.

[25:01 - 30:15]: RJ's practical example of implementing a chicken ordinance.

[30:16 - 35:00]: Ben's explanation of Dormont's unique zoning approach.

[35:01 - 40:00]: Importance of ongoing community engagement in planning processes.

[40:01 - 45:00]: Human aspect of zoning and its effect on community health and livability.

[45:01 - 51:00]: Long-term impact of zoning changes and the necessity of iterative design.