Saturday, March 21, 2009

Severance deal exceeds $150k By Jennifer Smith

The decision to let go a veteran employee will cost Coldstream $153,897.

That is the total severance payout to Wendy Kay, the former chief administrative officer, who was dismissed from her position in December.

Her dismissal included a paid leave.

Kay had worked at the district for 15 years, the last three of which she held the CAO position.

It was a council decision to dismiss Kay, but the reasoning for it remains behind closed doors.

So did the severance numbers, until they were obtained through a Freedom of Information request by The Morning Star.

The payout shows that Kay will receive a three month lump-sum payout (including 17.5 per cent in lieu of benefits) of $31,090.

Her 12-month severance is the remainder, $122.807.

Kay’s position was filled by Michael Stamhuis, formerly the director of engineering.

That move has some significant cost savings to it.

“We saved the salary of director of engineering this year,” said Mayor Jim Garlick, since that position will not be filled this year. Instead, Stamhuis has taken on three roles at Coldstream.

Catherine Lord, director of financial administration, also left Coldstream in mid-February (which was her own personal decision).

Stamhuis has taken over her duties as well, with the help of staff.

“He’s doing a really good job,” said Garlick.

An announcement about the director of financial administration position is anticipated in April.

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I have been a resident of Coldstream since 1976. I have had 15 years of experience on Council, 3 years as Mayor. As a current Councillor I am working to achieve fair water and sewer rates and to ensure that taxpayers get fair treatment. The current direction regarding water supply is unsustainable and I am doing all I can to get the most cost effective water supply possible.