DRAFT

TOWN OF CHELMSFORD
Annual Non-Union Employee Performance Review
Employee Name: Paul Cohen Current Salary: $168,008
Department: Town Manager Office Proposed Salary: To be determined
Position: Town Manager Review Period: FY18

Section I: Objectives/Accomplishments
Assess the employee's performance based upon objectives previously set for this review period. Describe below
each major objective and accomplishments against each objective.

Comments below were compiled from individual Board of Selectmen reviews of Town Manager:

Paul has accomplished the following this year – Sale of the Katrina Road site & Purchase of the Chelmsford
Forum.

He will continue to monitor the Odd Fellows & Fiske House property, development of the FEMA Grant for
Williamsburg, the UMass Lowell West Campus and the redevelopment of overlay district.

GOAL #1
Work with the Superintendent of Schools to finalize a vision for improving Chelmsford Public Schools, including
required infrastructure upgrades, new facilities, and associated funding options.

The Town Manager participated in discussions with the School Department, and at various public forums, to
determine the steps to be followed to improve/maintain Chelmsford Public School facilities. Through Paul the
DPW, spearheaded under budget the infrastructure needed to support all day kindergarten.

GOAL #2
Continue efforts to acquire the UMass/Lowell West Campus property, and develop a plan for its long-term use.

The Town Manager has continued discussions with the UMass/Lowell administration, as well as with the
Legislative delegation to promote legislation that would facilitate the transfer of this property to the Town of
Chelmsford. He also determined what the fair market value of the property should be which reflected the toxic
contamination of the site. However, in the end, the state determined that their best interests would be served
by simply selling off the property to the highest bidder. This has not happened as yet and Paul continues to
monitor the situation.

GOAL #3
Continue efforts to redevelop the Katrina Road Brownfield site.

The Town Manager continues to meet with and work with potential redevelopment partners to identify
appropriate uses for this property. This effort is on-going, due to the challenging aspects of the parcel. Due to
Paul’s “stick to it approach” the sale of property was completed and the state provided 1.3M for the
environmental clean-up of the property.
 DRAFT
GOAL #4
Complete the evaluation of the Chelmsford Forum.

An assessment/appraisal of the Chelmsford Forum has been completed. Under Paul’s leadership the Forum was
purchased from the state at a very fair price. Additionally, a new operator was selected and revenues from the
site which is set up as an Enterprise fund are expected to grow.

GOAL #5
Work towards expediting development along the Route 129 corridor.

Partnered with the Economic Development Committee to raise the visibility of properties in that area, enhancing
interest and investment. Hiring an Economic Development Director has helped spur activity along Route 129, as
well as other areas through the Town.

Section Il: Other Key Performance Factors

Comment upon strengths, effectiveness in dealing with people/teamwork, creativity, problem solving, leadership,
communication, initiative, and productivity. Outline areas requiring improvement which will be addressed in the
Training and Development Section.

• Paul continues to be accessible and responsive to concerns that are brought to his attention. Recently,
when a violation of the Town sign bylaws went against a large display of American Flags, Paul quickly
resolved the situation when the Town’s citizens pointed out the absurdity of the situation.
• He often initiates discussions with neighboring communities to collaborate for regional solutions, and to
consolidate resources for more effective management. This year Paul has increased his efforts to reach
out for new economic development projects. He has had a strong leadership role and for the first time
the Town will exceed its quota of 10% affordable housing.
• Paul is visible in the community. He continues to participate in many local events, and regularly produces
a cable-access television program, in order to keep residents apprised of issues and activities relevant to
the Town.
• Paul has refrain from outbursts of anger at public meetings and is now the leader in creating an
atmosphere where all points of view are encouraged and respected.
• Paul is excellent at the budget side of his job. He manages the financial side of the Town expertly. His
knowledge and understanding of all the accounts and the rules that go with them is thorough.
• As one of the longest-tenured Town Managers in the area, Paul is respected by his peers, and is often
asked to participate in regional events, as well as being recruited for leadership positions on regional,
State, and civic boards and organizations.
• Paul remains accessible and responsive to all members of the community. He communicates with the
Board of Selectmen on all items that require attention, addressing issues in a timely manner, and
providing reports in detail at Board meetings as needed.
• Paul continues to maintain a strong leadership team, allowing his department heads the confidence to
effectively and efficiently operate in the best interest of the Town.
 DRAFT

SECTION Ill: Overall Performance Evaluation (Check One)

Taking into account all areas of the employee's performance described above, please mark (X) in the appropriate
place on the continuum below:

____ Does not meet requirements ____ Requires Improvement ____ Meets expected level of performance

____ Consistently exceeds expected level of performance ____ Exceptional performance

To be determined by the Board of Selectmen.

Section IV: Goals and Objectives

Some Goals are shared with the Board of Selectmen and are often subject to change throughout the year.
However, the following should be the Town Manager's personal goals for the next year.

• Solicit funding and commence implementation of the State’s new Storm Water Directives.
• Solicit funding and commence implementation of the State’s new OSHA Directives pertaining to
Cities and Towns tracking violations.
• Initiate the rezoning of Route 40/Groton Road from the Route 3 Interchange to the Westford Boarder to
allow increased economic/community development.
• Work to support the solicitation of funds for professional consultant services along with the creation of
a committee to examine the towns current operation of Emergency Ambulance Services, Distribution of
Fire Stations, and regional Public Safety Dispatch.
• Promote a bylaw to regulate/prohibit single use plastic checkout bags
• Work to find ways to reduce costs and identify and reduce if any waste in the Town.

For Discussion:
How is this going to be achieved?

How and when will progress be measured?

Expected date for accomplishing this goal?

Section V: Training and Development Plan

Please list the specific developmental objectives and activities which may improve current performance, help
accomplish company/department objectives, broaden skills in the current role, or develop a skill/ability essential
for assuming additional responsibilities.

• Paul, has held the position of Town Manager for many years and understands all the nuances that are
needed to successfully manage a town. He continues nevertheless to keep his skills and knowledge
current by his participation with various State and regional boards and organizations (MMA, MIA,
NVTHS, etc.). He is a member of the Executive Board of the Middlesex3 Coalition, and currently
serves as Treasurer of that organization. The fact that he is recruited for these positions indicates the
high regard that he is held by his peers.
 DRAFT

SECTION VI: Performance Appraisal Approvals

Chair, Board of Selectmen Date Date

Other Signature (If Needed) Date Date

I have reviewed this appraisal and discussed its contents personally with the Board of Selectmen. I accept the
objectives and development plans we have agreed upon.

Employee Date

Section Vll: Employee Comments (Optional)