Office of the Mayor TEL: (715) 261-6800

James E. Tipple FAX: (715) 261-6808

407 Grant Street Wausau, WI 54403

MEMORANDUM

To: Department Directors
From: Mayor Jim Tipple
Date: October 2, 2014
Re: Performance Standards
_____________________________________________________________________________
As we discussed at our September 23, 2014 staff meeting, I have updated your performance
standards to include additional expectations, in addition to those already listed on your appraisal
form, as follows:

1) Proactively identify and develop tracking and reporting systems for time sensitive matters
and key services within your span of control to include tracking assignments and tasking
made by Council Committee and the Mayors Office. This standard includes managing
people and systems within your Department to take action as appropriate and providing
monthly status reports to me as your supervisor;

2) Attending Common Council meetings and Committee meetings within your area of
responsibility. Working with Common Council Committees to identify expectations for
supporting Committee work and implementing departmental procedures for complying.
Informing your supervisor, in advance, when it is not possible to meet deadlines or to
perform consistent with Committee expectations.

3) Anticipating needs of the Common Council and preparing clear and concise staff
analyses when submitting action items to Common Council for decision(s) or action.
Lead Department staff to anticipate policymaker needs and prepare tools to facilitate
informed decision-making. (One sample format is attached, although any effective
format is acceptable)

From the date of this memo, your continued successful job performance will be based, in part,
upon your ability to comply with and guide staff to these standards.

Also as we discussed, I have provided the Common Council with your performance standards
and have invited them to provide me with timely feedback. To ensure proper communication
flow and follow through, please direct your staff to refer Council Members to you as Department
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Director. This direction with the staff should include media contacts as well. As we discussed,
you will be responsible for following up on requests and keeping me apprised of same.

Thank you in advance for your cooperation. This is a great team and our collaborative effort will
increase our effectiveness.

Cc: Common Council

Encl: Sample staffing analyses format
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Memorandum
From: Department Director
To: Council Committee Chair
Date: Date
Re: Staff analysis of (insert the subject of the decision paper)
_____________________________________________________________________________

Purpose: To obtain your approval, work direction, etc. or provide you information for (insert
descriptive information)

Facts OR Considerations:

1. Background (Provide a brief overview of the issue or problem to be resolved)
2. Discussion. Identify factors that to be considered related to the proposed course of
action.
3. History. Provide any background information
4. Rationale: Explain why this is the recommended course of action from staff. Does it
save money? Time? Is it mandated by statute? Governed by Code of Federal
Regulations? An industry best practice? Follow-up on a prior commitment made?

Options: Describe options researched to solve the problem.

Recommendation: Your approval is requested for:

1. What is the recommended course of action?
2. When more than one option exists, explain the reasons (if any exist) one is more desirable
than the others.

Impact:

1. Resources will it cost money? Use staff time?
2. Will a goal be accomplished if implemented? If so, state.
3. Will a system, process or commitment fail if action isnt taken? If so, state.


Coordination: Did you work with others to factor this solution? If so, list and describe.

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Cc: Mayor