Rutherford?s first week full of activity

City administrator David Rutherford experienced his first full week of employment in McMinnville last week and attended his first city meetings in his new capacity Tuesday night.

?I?m just tickled to death to be here,? said Rutherford at the board meeting Tuesday right after being officially welcomed by Mayor Royce Davenport. ?I?m enjoying it. They did ask for a picture for the Web site. I think I?ll just put the hat and the wand.?

He may be happy to be here and enjoying himself, but it definitely isn?t relaxing behind the desk. In his first five days, Rutherford has undertaken the following projects:

? Started trying to retrieve the lost $1.51 million greenway grant that seemed to disappear in September of last year.

? Taken steps necessary to make sure the downtown economic revitalization project phase two goes forward.

? Tried to acquire a zero-interest loan to pay for the $641,000 geothermal heating and cooling system for McMinnville Civic Center.

? Began looking into the widening of North Chancery Street.

? Began examining the city?s 2007-08 budget.

During the Finance Committee meeting, Rutherford presented a preliminary draft of the budget which included what each department is asking for, no tax or fee increase, and a new compensation plan for city employees.

The budget also had a cash balance at the end of next year less than what elected officials would like to see. This being the preliminary draft, Rutherford still has to meet with all the department heads to see if any areas from their budgets can be cut which would increase that balance.

?I can already feel the difference when I come into city hall,? said Mayor Royce Davenport of Rutherford?s arrival. ?I can also see a difference with all the things going on around here.?

During the board meeting, Davenport encouraged aldermen to put together their list of goals for Rutherford to accomplish in his first 90 days. The lists will then be combined to remove any similar ideas and the full board will prioritize the list based on realistic expectations.

The Finance Committee will be meeting again May 15 at 5 p.m. at McMinnville City Hall to take a look at the revised budget after the department revisions. Rutherford plans to have the final budget before the board by July 10 for its first reading and accepted by the board July 24.

Work items from week of April 30 to May 4 presented to Mayor and Board of Aldermen by Rutherford:

? Met with public works and water/sewer to review files on widening North Chancery Street. Requested that the departments revise data if necessary and provide new estimates.

? Met with McMinnville Electric concerning project at Civic Center.

? Discussed with Public Works the Urban Forestry Department and the open forester position.

? Worked on budget.

? Worked on revision to the city compensation and classification plan.

? Discussed the Main Street project with Public Works, collected files and began the review overall project and phase II. Reviewed funding commitments. Received information from engineer that he is on the preferred TDOT list. Will continue to monitor this.

? Met with various department heads to discuss current work programs and proposed projects.

? Attended first department staff meeting. Changed department head meetings to monthly.

? Attended graduation exercise for the Citizens Police Academy.

? Had extensive phone conversation with County Executive John Pelham.

? Met individually with some city employees. Will meet with all by end of May.

? Met various business people and citizens welcoming to McMinnville.