City council has responded to a staff recommendation and created the new position of real estate manager to handle the city’s land dealings. The position will be part-time – 28 hours a week– and command a yearly salary of $75,000. “The idea behind this position is that we have been using so many different individuals to handle our real estate dealings. This will coordinate everything through one individual,” said Coun. Patrick Nicol, “Given the volume of acquisitions and road works we have going on, we think the position will probably pay for itself.” The position is only scheduled for a term of three years, which allows council to review the benefits and costs of having a single real estate manager.“Whether the position will be effective or not, time will tell. It will have to be proven,” said Nicol.
Coun. Barry Beardsell, the only member of council to vote against the creation of the position, said that the lack of substantial debate concerned him. Beardsell also said that he views the position as an unnecessary extra layer of administration. “This is coming out of left field after the budget has already been done. There was little debate at the June 5 in camera meeting,” said Beardsell. The salary for the position will be paid out of the land committee budget, and although it may seem high to the public, Coun. Jack Gilroy said the nature of the position calls for a high salary. “That’s the rate you pay. It may seem exorbitant but look at what real estate agents make each year,” said Gilroy. Gilroy added that the problem will be finding a suitable candidate, not paying him or her. “Business is pretty good in the real estate market now so I just hope we can find someone.” The position would deal with all aspects of the city’s real estate dealings and whoever staffed the position “would be very busy”, said Gilroy. Gilroy also hinted that the successful applicant may be responsible for some significant deals in the future. “There are lots of in-camera items that will be coming out in the next few weeks that I can’t discuss right now,” said Gilroy.
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