DEMOREST — At its first meeting of 2017, the Demorest City Council voted unanimously to accept the immediate resignation of City Manager Steve Lindsey, then promptly named the person who will replace him.
"We have accepted his letter of resignation," Mayor Rick Austin said. "We wish him well for all of the endeavors that he may participate in the future."
Austin had positive things to say about Lindsey.
"Steve Lindsey has done a fantastic job for us," Austin said. "I can't say enough for his leadership ability during a very difficult transition time for us. He served us diligently over the last year and seven months, and I'm very appreciative and the council is very appreciative of the leadership that he's provided to the city."
Lindsey began work as city manager 19 months ago, after being named a finalist along with Kristi Shead of Piedmont College.
Tuesday night, the council voted to hire Shead to replace Lindsey.
"We look very much to Kristi Shead joining this team and helping us move to what I perceive is the next level of excellence," Austin said. "She's going to do a fantastic job."
Shead is senior financial analyst at the college, a position she's held since 2011.
Prior to that, Shead worked for Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Metro Brokers and for Highlands Country Club, and at Killearn Inc., from 2002-2008.
Austin said Shead "brings a vibrancy with her and a knowledge base that's going to be very, very beneficial for this city."
While all the personnel actions occurred in open, public meeting, in accordance with Georgia law Shead will be considered the sole finalist for the position over the next 14 days, said City Attorney Joey Homans.
"It's just an appropriate mechanism for us as we do appointments at the beginning of the year to name her," Austin said. "We've made the motion and the terms of that have been outlined. We will formally accept her, although the position is hers. We will formally do that after the 14-day posting period."
Austin said he anticipates Shead will begin work after giving a two-week notice to her current employer.
Contacted after the meeting Shead said, "I'm thankful for the opportunity and looking forward to working the with mayor, council and citizens of Demorest. This is a great way to begin 2017!"
In other appointments Tuesday night, the council reappointed Marlena Sosebee as city clerk, Joey Homans as city attorney, Ben Turnipseed as city engineer, Joely Mixon as city treasurer, Robin Krockum as police chief, Ken Ranalli as fire chief, Bryan Popham as public utilities director, Charlie McGugan as wastewater superintendent and Phillip Gruber as code inspector.
Additionally, the council appointed Robert Sneed as municipal judge. Sneed also serves in that capacity in Helen.
