Council looks to permanent manager position

The Sisters City Council began last week the process to find a permanent city manager.

Eileen Stein resigned on April 1, and Andrew Gorayeb was appointed by the council as a "limited-duration" city manager. Gorayeb's current agreement with the city expires in August.

With Gorayeb recused from a July 11 workshop, councilor Catherine Childress suggested that the council consider forgoing what could be an expensive and time-consuming search, and explore coming to terms with Gorayeb to continue as city manager.

Childress said, "I am pleased with the things that he has done and how he has managed himself in this position. If we want to continue and have no disruptions to what we have going on, and the accomplishments that we are making, it may make sense to move forward with a permanency with him in that position.

"I don't think that it is fiscally prudent for us to go out on a search," continued Childress. "It could cost $6,000 (for a local search), it could cost $15,000 to $20,000 (national search)."

Councilor David Asson agreed.

"I would have to say that Catherine has summed up my feelings entirely," he said.

Asson and Childress had opposed Gorayeb's original appointment due to dissatisfaction with the process.

Now, all five members of the council are expressing satisfaction with the city's current course.

"I 100 percent agree with what Catherine and David said," offered councilor McKibben Womack. "I think (Gorayeb) is doing a great job with some home runs."

Councilor Wendy Holzman said, "I think Andrew is doing a wonderful job and I would like to see him continue. I think we were very fortunate that he was able to step in at the time he did."

Mayor Brad Boyd summed up the consensus:

"What I see is five councilors with vastly different experience levels and viewpoints, who are elected to represent the citizens, all in agreement 5-0 saying Andrew is doing a great job, he is moving things forward, we want to keep him."

The council agreed on next steps.

Councilor Childress will be updating the 2009 city manager job description and requirements. She will also be compiling what has been accomplished during Gorayeb's brief tenure.

Mayor Boyd will be responsible for bringing the council a contract agreement for review.

When Gorayeb rejoined the meeting and was informed of the council's direction he said simply, "I love this job."

During his tenure, Gorayeb has made significant changes to the city's organization and financial position. Through his staff he has been responsible for recognizing significant cost savings for the city through the renegotiation of contracts and the correction of overpayments.

In his temporary position Gorayeb assumed the contract terms that had been provided to Stein. It is anticipated that there will be no increased financial impact to the city if the council does elect to convert Gorayeb's current agreement to a permanent position.

Outside his work with the City of Sisters, Gorayeb is a coach for youth lacrosse, and high school ASPIRE volunteer. He is also an elected member of the Sisters School Board and the Sisters Park & Recreation District board. Gorayeb was named "Volunteer of the Year 2012" by the Sisters Area Chamber of Commerce earlier this year.