New Sycamore City Manager Michael Hall wants to help the city adapt to growth and use the latest technologies for efficient delivery of services. Speaking at Wednesday’s noon meeting, Hall explained how his father’s military service involving computer technology spurred him to explore a career in computer sales and marketing. After 12 years in private business, he decided to explore public service work at towns in Colorado, Utah, and Wisconsin before coming to Sycamore. Hall is interested in helping Sycamore retain its small-town values while using the best technology to meet its growing community needs.
Hall uses the “why” leadership philosophy of Simon Sinek to approach types and staffing of services to best serve the city. This means understanding how services are provided and what resources are needed to meet community expectations for their delivery.
Hall said he has five priority focus areas. They are Technical Upgrades (such as replacing financial software that dates from the 1990’s); Long-term Financial Stability; Up-to-Date Capital Infrastructure (such as buildings, vehicles, roads, sewer, and water services); Economic Development; and Community Engagement (getting more people involved with community decisions such as a new city beautification committee).
Hall said one outcome of his “why” approach to management is having each city department explain their services, staffing levels, and longer-range needs. Residents will be able to see technology enhances when the city launches a newly upgraded web site by January. Hall said it is all part of expanding resources to grow with the city.