After 35 years of working with the Town of Fort Frances, Chief Administrative Officer Bill Naturkach is retiring, it was officially announced in a letter from Mayor Glenn Witherspoon yesterday afternoon.
As first reported in yesterday’s Daily Bulletin, Naturkach’s last day of work will be Sept. 30.
Despite recent news council had to transfer $1.81 million from reserve funds to finance the 2002 year-end deficit, and grumblings from the community and within council regarding whether the town should have been involved in the RiverWalk condominium project, Naturkach denied he’s getting out of the kitchen due to the heat.
“It’s all part of the responsibility of the office, and one has to accept that,” he said. “Yes, we had a problem with the 2002 year-end and we fixed that.
“The management is getting the financial house in order,” added Naturkach, noting an auditor’s report from Forch Mauro of BDO Dunwoody is expected Oct. 14, along with what is called a “management letter.”
These should mean more fixes in store for town administration, but specifics won’t be revealed until that Oct. 14 report.
Naturkach noted the timing of his departure is fitting, given the recently changing face of town staff (including a new treasurer and manager of Operations and Facilities), management shifts, and the announcement Mayor Glenn Witherspoon won’t be seeking a fifth term in November.
Meanwhile, Naturkach said he’s looking forward to what he feels is a well-deserved rest.
“It’s been a long road, I’ve seen a whole lot of things in my time. It’s been very interesting, but I can say I’ve had no regrets,” he remarked.
“Everything from airports to Zambonis—I don’t think there was one area I haven’t been involved in,” added Naturkach. “In the end, as with all town employees, it’s about providing front-line service for the community.
“I’m pleased to have done that.”
In his retirement, Naturkach plans to redirect his priorities to his family, including a new grandson, travelling (especially on his motorcycle), and continuing his volunteer work in the promotion of good municipal governance practices.
He may even consider some consulting work—after enjoying some vacation time.
“I enjoy what I’m doing. But it’s time I got on with my own life, and not worry about the priorities of the community,” he said.
“I could have retired years ago. I’m surprised I lasted this long,” chuckled Naturkach. “I still have most of my hair. On the outside, everything’s still in place in this 6’2” frame.
“But on the inside, I’m worn pencil-thin.”
“The past 35 years in municipal administration have seen many changes and many people come and go,” Mayor Witherspoon wrote in a letter to town staff.
“Please help me in extending a fond farewell to a long-time servant of the Town of Fort Frances,” he added.
Naturkach started his career with the town on July 2, 1968 as the tax collector. In November, 1974, he moved to the position of chief accountant and then to acting clerk/administrator in February, 1978.
In April, 1986, Naturkach held the position of clerk, deputy treasurer, and deputy CAO. On Feb. 2, 1988, he was promoted to the position of CAO, where he has served in that capacity for the past 15 years.
Throughout his career, Naturkach found himself actively involved in many municipal organizations, such as the Rainy River District Municipal Association and Rainy River District Social Services Board, as well as the varied committees of the town.
Earning the AMCTO and Certified Municipal Officer (CMO) designations also were a highlight of his career, as well as serving as president of the Association of Municipal Managers, Clerks, and Treasurers of Ontario.
Christine Ruppenstein, with the human resources department at the Civic Centre, said yesterday afternoon the town will start advertising for a new CAO “A.S.A.P.”
Fort Frances Times
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