Interim City Administrator Amanda Zeiber will not be staying on past her original resignation date of Sept. 2, according to a letter to Zeiber from Mayor Brian Hodson Friday that has been obtained by the Canby Now Podcast.
Zeiber, who is officially Canby’s assistant city administrator and human resources manager, has been with the city 14 years and served in the interim role on two prior occasions. Her current stint began in February, following the termination of Scott McClure four months into the job.
However, following a meet and greet with the three finalists to be the new city administrator Tuesday night, Zeiber told local media she intended to stay on until the new manager was on board — which she estimated at six weeks, or early October.
“We, the City Council, would like to continue to honor the original date that you chose,” Hodson wrote Friday. “At this point, to do otherwise would require an official action at the next regular city council meeting.”
The letter was sent to Zeiber and also copied to the other members of the City Council.
“We know you will continue to facilitate a smooth transition of projects and programs before your last day,” Hodson concluded. “Please know that we appreciate your many years with the City of Canby and wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors.”
Reached for comment Friday evening, Zeiber confirmed she had announced her separation on July 17 with an effective date of Sept. 2. She did not give a reason.
“The last 2.5 months went by so fast,” she said in an email. “I have had a great career here in Canby and I am looking forward to my next adventure! It has been my pleasure to serve the community and I’ve been honored to meet so many wonderful people along the way.”
Reached by phone, Mayor Hodson reiterated his respect and appreciation for Zeiber.
“I think the world of Amanda,” he said. “I think she has done a tremendous job as HR manager and assistant city manager, and as interim city administrator. She’s done that for us three times now. I’m sad to see her go.”
The council has chosen and informed its preferred city administrator candidate — though his name has not been revealed pending a thorough background investigation.
The three finalists included North Clackamas Parks and Recreation District Director Scott Archer, former Bedford, Texas, City Administrator Brian Bosshardt and Aberdeen, Maryland, City Manager Randy Robertson.
Hodson said it may take as long as six or even eight weeks to bring the new administrator on board, but it could also happen much more quickly than that.
“In the past, I think it’s taken more like three or four weeks to get that done,” he said. “We’re very confident in the person we’ve chosen. And he’s really excited about the opportunity and eager to get going.”
At any rate, there will be a gap between Zeiber’s departure and when the new city administrator takes the reins. But Hodson doesn’t expect that to be a problem, since Zeiber’s departure date was known well in advance.
“We knew there would be some sort of gap, and we’ve already been preparing for the next steps to fill that gap,” he explained, adding that the council may appoint an existing employee to step into a larger role, or perhaps even a qualified external candidate for a brief stint.
“Whatever we decide to do, we know Amanda is a consummate professional and she will leave things in good shape for someone new to step in,” he said. “They’ll be well set up by her.”
