Severance generates shortfall for ranch

Published: February 24, 2009 7:00 PM By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star:

Shifting administrative directions has come with a hefty price for cash-strapped O’Keefe Ranch. Tom Danyk’s duties as manager ceased in mid-December and he will receive a severance of $42,187. “There was a contract of employment and this was a situation of the board and the manager choosing not to renew the contract,” said Rod Drennan, president of the O’Keefe Ranch and Interior Heritage Society, which runs the site. “There was a clause for severance if the contract was not renewed.” All of the severance is being picked up by the City of Vernon, which owns the ranch, and the money is coming out of reserves. Danyk, who had been manager since 2004, could not be reached for comment. Specifics about Danyk’s departure have never been revealed, but Mayor Wayne Lippert did state in December that the society board decided to pursue a new direction.

Largely because of Danyk’s severance, the ranch was looking at a $46,178 shortfall for 2009. On Monday, city council agreed to provide an extra $45,800 to the ranch this year, bringing its total financial support to $260,178. “Most of the shortfall is that payout which we said we would cover,” said Coun. Mary-Jo O’Keefe. Beyond the severance, it’s hoped that the increased financial support will allow the ranch to proceed with some outstanding issues. “They need to redefine the ranch so it’s sustainable. It needs a strong base which it doesn’t have right now,” said O’Keefe. O’Keefe expects that the city will be required to subsidize the heritage site for some time. “There is a lot of capital work that needs to be done,” she said.

The additional dollars for O’Keefe Ranch were unanimous among council. “With the ranch, we have to keep funding it so we can see where it is going,” said Coun. Bob Spiers. Drennan believes council is being proactive by not only providing the $45,800 but the total of $260,178. “It’s awfully good news,” he said, adding some of the money will go towards the heating system in the main building. Members of the society will hold a strategic planning session to look at its goals, including hiring a new manager. “We will be looking at what it is that we need to move forward. What skills do we need to move forward?” said Drennan. It’s hoped that a new manager may be in place this spring, although not likely in time for the April opening. “We have to move quickly because we really need a manager,” said Drennan.