Lacombe’s newly sworn-in council will entertain presentations from recruiting agencies by its Nov. 6 committee meeting before deciding how it plans to conduct its search for a new chief administrative officer.

Council was presented with a recruitment process at last night’s meeting but wanted more information to help decide the best route to take.

Mayor Grant Creasey sees some value in using a headhunting firm.

“Those types of companies specialize in finding appropriate people and providing us with a field that meets the criteria that council supplies them, Creasey said.

“I think that’s an intelligent way to go. Certainly the only downside is it is an involved process and has a price tag attached to it.

That decision is expected to come at council’s next regular meeting on Nov. 14.

The position of the city’s top civil servant sits vacant after former CAO Dion Pollard accepted the job as Lloydminster’s city manager. Last Friday was his final day on the job in Lacombe after being hired in April.

According to a report from city staff, advertising costs for the position this year totalled about $12,000, which included $10,000 to advertise in the Globe and Mail.

The report continues, there has been interest in the position and that sort of ad campaign might not be needed.

In the meantime, the city’s operations and planning director Matthew Goudy is serving as the interim CAO.

Council appointments

Coun. Reuben Konnik, the only returning councillor from last term, gets sworn in by Police Chief Lorne Blumhagen at City Hall on Oct. 23.

Meanwhile, the mayor’s appointments to boards and committees were approved unanimously by council.

“I tried to make them fairly balanced in the time necessary to serve on them properly, (that) was a consideration, Creasey said.

“Some of the things that individuals stood for throughout the campaign had a bearing on them, as does their work schedules and their interests. All of those types of things go into the decision on what committee or board they would offer the most benefit to.

Of note, council representation on the municipal planning commission will include Creasey and councillors Don Gullekson and Thalia Hibbs.

The mayor will also serve on the three regional utilities commissions: water, wastewater and along with Hibbs, on solid waste.

Reuben Konnik was appointed to the Lacombe Police Commission; Chris Ross to the library board; Gullekson to FCSS; Jonathan Jacobson to recreation, parks and culture.

For the full list and a description of the various boards and committees, follow this link.