WESTMOUNT INDEPENDENT

WESTMOUNT INDEPENDENT – March 19, 2008 – 5Civic Alert: Finding Westmount’s next director generalPart II: What city hall veterans would look forBy Don Wedge“I don’t think enough peoplerealize how much we citizensare going to missBruce St. Louis when he retiresas director general,”said a friend this week.“About 20 years ago, weand our neighbours had atricky sewage problem. We involved himLetters to the Editorcontinued from previous pagements), then we don’t know why they’rewaiting: our reading is that the majority ofcitizens in Westmount and elsewhere areyearning for this kind of action – now!Let’s go, Westmount! We’re behind you100%.Enthused Westmount citizens,Tony Moffat, Sunnyside Ave. &Richard Aylett, Claremont AveContractors snowedA crackdown on private snow removalcontractors operating in Westmount in theaftermath of the March 8 snowstorm resultedin fines being issued to seven.Three were issued tickets of $1,200each for operating without a permit, reportsPublic Security Director RichardBlondin. The other four received $75 finesfor dumping snow where it would impedetraffic or safety.“We added additional patrols for thispurpose,” he said.Smoked outSmoking in a bus shelter has resultedin a $75 ticket. Public Security officialssaid the offender was spotted by a passingpatrol March 4 in the shelter at Park Placeand St. Catherine St. The fine was issuedunder the provincial tobacco law for whichWestmount public safety officers are designatedenforcers.and he surprised us with a visit to explainwhat was being done. Ever since, we havefelt that we could approach him if we hadanother problem.”That story could be repeated by dozens– probably hundreds – of Westmounters,including myself.How can he be replaced? After 15 yearsin the city’s top job, he will retire later thisyear.Mayor Karin Marks and the councilhave begun the selection process. Westmountis also blessed with loyal servantswho continue to be interested after retirement.I contacted five of them about qualitiesthey would look for in the new top administrator.50-year residentPhillip Aspinall was finance commissionerfrom 1983 to 1989 when St. Louis,then a departmental manager, was earmarkedfor advancement.Aspinall based his views on his municipalexperience as well as a 38-year businesscareer, during which he became oneof Canada’s leading accountants, followedby seven years in the public sector as headof the Royal Victoria Hospital. The 50-yearresident still maintains a close interest inthe city.After some consideration, Aspinall providedan inventory of ten qualities the selectorsshould look for in seeking the newDG (see panel below).“There may have to be some compromises,but you must start with clear objectives.If not, you are in for trouble downthe way,” he warned. “If they can findsomeone with such skills, they will be onthe road to success.”Many of Aspinall’s qualities wereechoed by the others polled.Schultz looks internallyManley Schultz, a consulting engineer,was recruited as director general by the1989 council, with a brief to mentor St.Louis for his anticipated top managementrole.After his three-year term, he remainedinvolved in the community, including becomingsecretary of the Westmount MunicipalAssociation. So he, too, was a closeobserver of St. Louis from several vantagepoints.He retired to Ottawa 11 years ago.Phil Aspinall’s criteria for the next DG1. A university degree.2. Preferably, but not necessarily, an engineer.3. A good communicator, preferably someone who has had experience inhuman resources.4. A good listener would be essential in Westmount, which is so multifaceted.5. A consensus-builder rather than an autocratic type.6. Reasonable computer skills.7. Must be bilingual, obviously.8. Previous experience in a not-for-profit environment —that could be inmunicipal, or other level of government, or a non-governmentorganization (NGO).9. A stable health record.10. A strategic thinker — someone who thinks forward on a macro scale.His first question when told of St.Louis’ retirement was: “Is there someoneinternally?” Of course, there may be, butcouncil has decided to cast a wide net, consultingheadhunters in the process.Cutler welcomes continuityContinuity remains important to MayCutler, mayor when Schultz was recruited.“I am delighted Bruce will stay to train thenewcomer,” Cutler said, adding she wouldfavour another engineer-manager replacement.“Citizens care about the housekeeping.”Embracing the city’s “culture” wassomething emphasized by Fred Caluori,who was deputized to “show the ropes” tothe rookie St. Louis when he joined the engineeringdepartment in 1975.Caluori, who was director of PublicWorks during St. Louis’ term, pointed outthat job requirements had changed overhis 30 years with the city. “Today you cannotavoid the environment,” he stated.Trent looks at relationshipsFor Peter Trent, who in the ’80s encouragedSt. Louis to grasp the opportunityof a big stepping-stone – promotionto head Hydro Westmount – the top prioritywill be the relationship between thenew director general, responsible for allthe city’s activities, and the mayor, as thecitizens’ representative.“It is terrible when they interfere witheach other’s roles – as has happened insome places.“The mayor is in constant contact withthe public and this must be respected.”In choosing the new chief, Trent observedthat often the DG lasts longer thanthe term of the council that made the appointment.Nevertheless, he recognized the challengeahead in selecting the successor.“Good luck to those trying to find the replacement,”was his closing wish.Let’s all echo that!Don Wedge’s e-mail addressis calert@web.net.