With various positions vacated and not refilled, and others determined to be redundant or simply not as efficient as they should be, the Town of Fort Frances has reshuffled some of its employees over the past few weeks.
CAO Bill Naturkach said the process began in earnest at the end of last year as the installation of a new computer system, and well as undertakings like “benchmarking” other regional communities (determining their revenues and expenditures and comparing these to those of the town), became higher priorities than in the past.
“We’ve been looking at the most efficient and proper ways to do things,” noted Naturkach, adding no one was terminated in the shuffle.
One example is former Administration and Finance manager Darryl Allan, who now is the manager of Information Technology, essentially taking total responsibility for the operation of the town’s computer system, Web site, and paper filing.
“With introducing our new computer system over a two-year period, Darryl had been doing that exact same thing already,” Naturkach remarked.
Naturkach also noted given his role as CAO, Allan’s former position seemed redundant. As such, Naturkach will assume the responsibilities of facilitating the Administration and Finance executive committee.
Likewise, the position of manager of Planning and Development has been phased out.
Chief Building Official Rick Hallam, who had been acting in an “acting” capacity since Ted Berry left several years ago, now will be superintendent of Planning and Development, being responsible for all the staff in the division as well as the Planning and Development executive committee.
Administrative assistant Kathy Lawson has taken on the role of deputy-clerk for the purposes of attending committee of the whole and council meetings in the absence of Clerk Glenn Treftlin.
Meanwhile, the position of treasury assistant has been created. Laurie Witherspoon, who accepted the position and started work Monday, will assist Treasurer Diane Pearson and perform treasury department duties.
Treftlin, Hallam, Allan, and Pearson now will report to Naturkach.
In Naturkach’s absence, “acting administrator” responsibilities will be assumed on a rotating basis by Allan (from the present up to June 30), Treftlin (July and August), Pearson (September and October), and Community Services manager George Bell (November and December).
As noted in last week’s Times, former Operations and Facilities manager Pat Hickerson has resigned and worked his last day Friday. The town is now advertising to replace him.
Bruce Spottiswood will assume this role until a replacement is hired.
(Fort Frances Times)
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
