Council got their first look at two new additions to city administration at Monday’s council meeting.
It was the first council meeting for Randy Patrick as city manager. Patrick has previously served as the city manager in Chestermere, Alta. and in Thompson, Man., and had been with the enterprise region in North Battleford.
In speaking to reporters after the meeting Patrick said he was excited about both his new role at City Hall, and the community itself.
“I’m looking forward to the challenges here,” said Patrick. “I always like a job that’s fun, but also want that challenge. This gives me both.”
In his first week on the job, Patrick said he’s spent time touring City facilities, and he’s impressed with what he has seen so far.
“There’s a lot out there,” said Patrick. “It’s amazing for a city this size how much infrastructure and how much recreational facilities we have.”
What has impressed Patrick so far has been the business development seen in the city lately.
“It’s good for everyone. It’s good for people around to get those services,” said Patrick. “It’s one of those things that makes a community a nicer place to be.”
It was also the first meeting for the new Director of Leisure Services Cheryl DeNeire. Prior to coming to North Battleford, DeNeire had been director of parks and recreation with the town of Assiniboia.
Both were hired following an extensive nationwide recruiting process that took place this summer. In speaking to reporters Monday, Mayor Ryan Bater said he was happy to see both of these senior leadership positions filled.
“Council’s very excited about these new individuals being here with the City.”
He cited the importance of the city manager’s role. “It’s the one employee that reports directly to council,” said Bater.
Patrick had been settling into his new role for a couple of weeks, but DeNeire had arrived only three days before.
With DeNeire’s hiring, it was confirmed by Bater that Bill Samborski is now officially retired as Leisure Services director after working for more than 25 years with the City in various capacities.
“We wish him well,” said Bater. “He served the city very well not only as director as Leisure Services but also as acting city manager. He’ll be missed, we just wish him the best in whatever his future has in store for him.”
While some administration positions are now filled at City Hall, the recruitment process continues for the important director of finance position, left vacant earlier this summer with the departure of Amarjit Mahil. Margarita Pena is filling the role on an interim basis.
Bater said Monday that the finance position has now been posted, so the recruitment process is under way. He expressed hope a new individual will be in place in a “suitable amount of time.”
