Here we are in June already! I have several things I want to inform you about but first I want to talk a little about our great city employees. I have discovered since becoming Mayor all the things they do for the city and I think you need to know about them too.
First let me talk about the front office folks that help you in city hall.
Paetyn Dreckman is the glue that holds everything together! Her official title is Financial Officer. That simply means that anything having to do with money she handles. This includes all fund transfers and deposits, verifying and paying bills, and she monitors the city budget and handles all the state and federal loans and grants as well as sales tax reporting and revenue, she does all payroll and project accounting. She has completely reorganized the financial system for the city and can tell you exactly where everything is. She also prepares a monthly and yearly financial statement for the city council(and reported by the Gazette) Paetyn is heavily involved with preparation of the resolutions and ordinances enacted by the council and organizing city council meetings. She also is involved with Human Resources including claims, benefits, requirements and staff performance reviews. I could fill a several pages with the things Paetyn handles for Garretson. You want to know something about Garretson, she can tell you or at very minimum point you in the right direction. She is a huge resource to me and the city, She is always smiling and even when she is buried!
The other smiling face you will see in the city office is Sonya Swanson. Sony's job description doesn't even begin to cover what she does. First she administers all the utility information and billing. This includes gathering the data and troubleshooting the reporting instruments. She processes all the monthly utility bills. She also enters and records all utility payments. We have had some issues with the new software update with regards to billing. Sony has spent long hours working with the vendor and with customers to fix the issues. It appears that we have finally gotten over that hump, but she is ready to handle any additional issues. The other huge thing Sony does is related to city parks and streets. Sony handles all the camping and park reservations and makes sure spots are ready. She is works with Jordan on maintenance of the utility systems . She spends a great deal of time making sure the streets and parks are clean, well kept and ready for your visit. When we have snow, Sony is plowing, scooping and hauling snow. If something needs to be done, Sony will step up and get it done. She is truly a pleasure to work with!
Next month I will talk a little about Jordan and JR, and Doug, these guys make so much happen I can't even believe it!
So whats coming up this month? RASDAK was here on June 1st, and they will be back this week-end. I really want to thank all of you who welcomed the RASDAK folks. They had a great turnout for the start of the ride. Our business and towns people stepped up to make them feel welcome. I had the privilege to speak to them on Saturday night and then later enjoy there company downtown. They were extremely complimentary on everything the town did to make them welcome. Great job Garretson! Jordan and JR and their crew have been working very hard to get the swimming pool open. It is scheduled to open on June 4th. Get down now and get your passes. The next big thing is Jesse James Days, the 14th thru 17th and the schedule is packed with fun and games. Please invite your friends to come and see the festivities and show case what a great town we have. The Commercial Club has been working very hard on making sure everyone has fun! LeRoy Austin is sponsoring a street dance on Saturday night. The schedule of events is huge! Be sure to check it all out! Great fun for all. Almost forgot to mention the city’s new downtown green space. There are places to relax and enjoy time downtown, as well as the new art display. Kris Frerk has been organizing, go downtown and enjoy! I think the town will have lots of visitors in the month of June, please welcome everyone you see to Garretson.
I also want to thank those of you who attended our city council meeting on Monday the 3rd. Your input and suggestions help the city council make the right decisions. You are always welcome!
-Bruce Brown, Mayor
