By Angela Brown

City manager recounts highlights at his last council meeting

Apr 26, 2018 | 10:10 AM

City Manager Jim Puffalt took to the podium Monday night at North Battleford City Hall to bid adieu to council, after giving a report of the many projects he has worked on since starting with the city four years ago.

Puffalt will be moving on in May after accepting a position as city manager with the City of Moose Jaw.

Mayor Ryan Bater thanked Puffalt for his years of service to the city, saying: “We really appreciate not just the new initiatives but the passion you brought to the position. It’s certainly been noticed.”

“During these last four years we’ve thrown a lot at him,” said Bater with a chuckle. “It’s been a time of a lot of change, and there’s been a lot accomplished in the last four years.”

Puffalt said when he started with the city in 2014 council wanted him to make some big changes.

Trades in Sask.

Skilled trades need not limited to building homes

5h ago

Battlefords Volleyball Club

13U BVC Impact take provincial silver in Warman

10h ago

Spirit Group

Battleford Community Spirit Group needs members to stay open

10h ago

Some of the projects he has worked on over the years include the Community Safety Strategy, the Community Safety Officer program, the Downtown Master Plan, the Parking Study for downtown, the Customer Service Review,  the Organizational Review, five budgets – factoring in the Spring 2017 additional budget process, the Community Economic Development initiative, as well as the Joint Indigenous Employment Strategy.

Puffalt said starting the Community Safety Officer program was a major achievement for the city. 

“We became the first two-tiered policing system in the country,” said Puffalt. “We’re very proud of that. We were able to take that and make that happen. That was three years worth of lobbying and discussion with the RCMP. ”

“As long as you can keep your eye on the prize, it’s important to carry on with these programs,” he went on to say. “They are so important to our community.”

Mayor Bater said following council the city will be undertaking a national search to fill the city manager position. The city will be announcing an interim plan at the next council meeting until the position is filled. 

angela.brown@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @battlefordsnow