Town chief administrative officer announces retirement

By Rob Vogt, Local Press Writer
It was a moment tinged with laughter and a bit of sadness at the May 10 meeting of Claresholm town council.
It all focused on Item 16 on the agenda “Marian Carlson, CAO, Notice of Retirement – August 1, 2021”.
“Ohh, I think we’ll skip the next one,” said Mayor Doug MacPherson, who chaired the meting via video conference. “If we ignore 16 long enough it’ll never happen.”
That drew smiles from the rest of council and staff on the video conference.
“(It’s) with deep regrets the notice of retirement of our CAO (Chief Administrative Officer) Marian Carlson,” MacPherson said. “I suppose you’re looking for a motion to accept your resignation?”
“Yes,” Carlson responded.
“If we don’t accept it, can we force you to stay?” the mayor joked.
That drew more smiles from councillors and staff.
“I guess you could,” Carlson said with a smile.
“Well, it goes without saying we deeply appreciate everything you have done for the Town of Claresholm in the last six years,” MacPherson said. “You’ve made a big impact and I think you’ve changed things for the better. Through your guidance I feel that this council got a lot achieved.”
Then he paused briefly.
“I’m so glad I can’t make that motion,” he joked.
“I would just like to say how much I appreciate the opportunity to work for the Town of Claresholm and work for the two councils that I’ve been the CAO under,” Carlson responded. “I agree, with you mayor that this council has made some very good progress over the last 3.5 almost four years of your term. I appreciate the support that this council has given myself along with the remainder of my staff and also would really like to thank the staff for their support as well.
“We’ve got a great organization here and it’s with mixed feelings that I submit my retirement. I’m not resigning, I’m retiring so, in my mind, that’s two different things.
“I wish you and the town all the best. I think you’re poised for great success and I look forward to seeing all of the positive things that are going to happen here in the future.
“Thank you for your support and trusting me with guiding this organization. Thank you very much.”
MacPherson replied he hoped COVID-19 will get under control so they can throw Carlson a party.
He then called for a motion of council to accept Carlson’s retirement.
That was greeted with silence.
Coun. Kieth Carlson then reluctantly raised his hand and moved to accept the retirement letter of one of the people, “That I aspire to act as well as in the future.”
The retirement is effective Aug. 1, 2021.
When the mayor called for the vote no one put up their hand initially.
Then one by one, all seven members of council raised their hands to accept the retirement letter.
“Thank you, I’ll miss everybody,” Carlson said.