25 - Confirmation of Interim EMS Director Russell Thrasher

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Item No. 25 TO: Mayor & City Council FROM: Grayson Path, City Manager SUBJECT: CONFIRMATION OF INTERIM EMS DIRECTOR DATE: November 9, 2020 BACKGROUND: Kent Klinkerman, EMS Director, announced his retirement effective November 30, 2020. It is now the City Manager's task to fill the position, but in order to maintain operations, he has identified an individual qualified and capable to serve as Interim EMS Director. Pursuant to the City of Paris Charter, Section 23, "the appointment of department heads shall be subject to the approval of the council." While the City Manager is not at this time appointing a permanent department head, he believes it appropriate to keep the City Council informed regarding his selections for Interim Department Heads and request your approval of them. While this is not a Civil Service Department, bringing the Interim to you mirrors the required process we followed for the Interim Fire Chief and Interim Police Chief. STATUS OF ISSUE: The City Manager wishes to appoint Russell Thrasher, EMS Shift B Supervisor, to serve as Interim EMS Director while he searches to fill the position permanently. Mr. Thrasher has 20 years of experience with the City and is currently in the process of training with Mr. Klinkerman to carry on operations, subject to the City Council's approval tonight. The City Manager hereby requests that the City Council vote to confirm Russell Thrasher as the Interim EMS Director. The City Manager plans to advertise for the EMS Director position in the near future. It is expected that Mr. Thrasher will fill the role as Interim for no less than 3 months upon Mr. Klinkerman's retirement.