Sun Nov 08 2009
By TODD HELBERG
A light Defiance City Council agenda Tuesday produced some big news -- the city's finance director is retiring.
Council had not planned to convene Tuesday until last week's meeting when the absence of two members left it short of the necessary votes to approve two ordinances. Consequently, a special session was scheduled to consider both pieces of legislation, which passed, right after Mayor Bob Armstrong's announcement.
He said finance director John Seele announced earlier in the day that he plans to retire on Aug. 31.
In a brief letter to Armstrong, the 59-year-old Seele -- finance director since June 2005 -- stated, "I have enjoyed working with the board of control and division heads for the past four years. Thank you for the opportunity to serve the citizens of Defiance, Ohio."
Asked the reason for retirement after Tuesday's meeting, Seele didn't say much else publicly.
"I'm retiring," he said. "There's no one thing to put it on."
Seele said he originally planned to stay through Armstrong's second term, which ends on Dec. 31, 2011. But Tuesday he said, "It's time."
His retirement comes five years short of what he needs to receive full Ohio Public Employees Retirement System benefits. However, he met one of the requirements for retiring in the OPERS system -- he has 25 years of public service, including time as a state auditor and finance director for the city of Bryan.
Armstrong read Seele's letter, then said, "When John dropped that bomb on us this morning ... we weren't prepared." However, when city officials realized it was "this guy's wish to retire," explained Armstrong, they wished "John the best and luck in retirement."
Too, he recognized Seele for "all he has done the last four years to make Defiance a great place to live."
Seele's replacement will be sought immediately, said Armstrong, who under the city's charter has the authority to appoint the new finance director with council's consent.
Asked why he decided to retire in late August when the city's 2010 budget process begins, Seele said he wanted to give the next finance director an opportunity to form his or her own budget.
"I don't think it's fair for someone to come in and work off my budget," he said.
Also, council approved two ordinances that had been let lie last week due to the absence of two councilmen.
The first authorizes the purchase of an eight-inch water meter from Underground Pipe and Valve Inc. for $11,206.
According to city administrator Jeff Leonard, the meter is needed for water service at the new senior living center under construction by Chancellor Health Partners at South Jefferson Avenue and Carter Road.
Also approved was an ordinance transferring $101,900 among several city departments in June.
In another matter, At-large Councilman Steve Hubbard asked the administration about Kingsbury Pool attendance.
Leonard reported that free swimming on Monday -- made possible by $750 donations from the city's service clubs -- has been drawing more than the anticipated crowd (250).
According to Leonard, one issue surfaced with season passes on Mondays. But those with passes need only show them to gain entry, Leonard explained.
Hubbard also inquired about a leak at Kingsbury which reportedly was losing 28,000 gallons of water per day. Armstrong said a diver checked on the problem, and it has been repaired.
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