Photo by Whitehorse Star
Robert Fendrick, Brian Crist and Christine Smith
Details sparse on managers’ sudden firings
Few details are being made available on the firings Wednesday of two top city directors who have worked for the municipality for close to 20 years.
Few details are being made available on the firings Wednesday of two top city directors who have worked for the municipality for close to 20 years.
Rob Fendrick, the now-former director of corporate services, and Brian Crist, the former director of infrastructure and operations, who once served as acting city manager, were dismissed Wednesday by city manager Christine Smith.
Smith confirmed this morning the dismissals were “completely without cause,” but within her authority to do.
While she couldn’t publicly explain the firings due to privacy issues, she referred to both Fendrick and Crist as “excellent people.”
Beyond that though, she noted it’s a personnel matter and human resources issue and thus will not provide further details.
Smith sent a letter to city staff Wednesday letting them know of the decision.
“I am writing to let you know that I have made the very difficult decision of ending the employment of Mr. Robert Fendrick and Mr. Brian Crist,” it reads.
It goes on to note the need to respect the privacy of both former managers.
“However, I can assure you that my decision was made consistent with my vision and direction for the city. There will be some minor organizational restructuring as a result of my decision, but this does not involve further departures and the managers involved have been informed.”
Smith then went on to note both Fendrick and Crist have “provided long-standing service to the city, and they will be missed by many of you.”
They were thanked for their commitment and contributions to the city and will be provided “appropriate assistance by the city to support their transition.”
The letter finally notes staff assistance will be sought over the next few weeks to “cover off the gaps from their absence with the city.
“I am committed to supporting you in this difficult time, please let me know if there is anything more that you need from me.”
The decision appears to have the support from council with councillors Mike Gladish, Jocelyn Curteanu and Dave Stockdale stating their support in separate interviews.
“I do support the direction the city manager is taking,” Gladish said, noting as the other councillors did that the details of the dismissals cannot be discussed publicly.
“It’s a personnel matter,” Stockdale said before stating his support for Smith’s decision.
It is up to the city manager to hire or fire city directors, Curteanu said, noting the only position council directly hires for is the city manager.
“We are supportive of our city manager,” she said.
Other council members – including Mayor Dan Curtis – could not be reached for comment by press time this afternoon.
It was less than a year ago – in April 2014 – that Smith started her work as city manager.
She came into the role replacing Crist, who had served in the position on an acting basis for about a year following the suspension, reported medical leave and subsequent firing of former city manager Stan Westby.
Smith had been working for the Yukon government in the role of director for Community Services before coming to the city.
Reached by the Star this morning, Fendrick said both he and Crist started working for the city around the same time 17 years ago.
It’s been quite a tenure, he said as he recalled the city playing host to other northern jurisdictions as well as the nation during numerous Arctic Winter Games and the 2007 Canada Winter Games.
Fendrick also mentioned the changes to the city’s landscape, such as the development of the waterfront, among other areas around town.
He also praised the work of many city employees, stating his belief the city is still a great place to work.
Because he’s still waiting to confer with his lawyer, he said he could only confirm the same details that the city had provided in that he was dismissed without cause.
Crist, meanwhile, could not be reached for comment this morning.
Smith said the two director roles – which come with a salary range of between $124,220 and $152,898 – will now be filled by existing city staff on an acting basis while the city goes through a competitive process to fill them permanently.
Severance packages to the two former directors will also be calculated based on a formula set out by the city, said Smith.
Valerie Anderson, the city’s manager of financial services, is now acting as the director of corporate services.
Operations manager Dave Muir is taking on the position of acting director of infrastructure and operations.
Coun. Kirk Cameron also noted the issue is a personnel matter and therefore he couldn't comment publicly. He did note that there were some council members unable to be there when the issue was discussed between council and the city manager.
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Comments (48)
Up 42 Down 0
Michael on May 22, 2015 at 2:23 pm
Having worked at the City myself, I support Brian and Rob 100 percent, they are both amazing. That said, it was definitely not a great work environment and I firmly believe some major changes needed to happen - in this case I think top down may be the best approach. I have not worked with nor do I know Christine Smith but I do know she comes highly regarded and with extensive experience, most recently as Director of Community Affairs, Yukon Government. Hats off to her for making what I am sure was a tough decision. Sometimes you need to tear things down before you can make it better.
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Explanation Please on Mar 18, 2015 at 11:15 pm
Integrity, thanks for the explanation. But how does Stan Westby fit in there? He might have been on probation, I don't remember, and little enough information was given, so everyone assumed whatever you do in those situations. But something tells me council wasn't following him around with a clipboard doing performance evaluations, they must have been getting advice from somewhere.
I agree that Christine Smith appears to have acted hastily and there's several factors that mean it won't be forgotten as quickly as Stan Westby. Both Robert Fendrick and Brian Crist helped bring in that restructuring plan which moved around some departments, created new positions etc. So a year or so later they're not in step with city direction?
Brian was recently given an award and lots of praise for serving as acting city manager. A few months later he's just not working out?
That restructuring document (I can't remember the name and I don't think it's on the website anymore) said staff morale was low at the point the plan was being prepared, for various reasons.
During that period where we were between city managers, the city was operating at less than full strength. Those positions may not be easy to fill, so it's hard to see how Christine has improved things, unless we don't really need so many people there. It's also hard to see how morale could be improved by this.
Council should be worried, too, about how attractive a workplace they offer, especially now, having gone through one city manager and two long-term managers in less than two years. I can't even remember who was city manager before Stan Westby.
I wouldn't be too hard on Kirk Cameron. He didn't seem to be someone who phoned in the job, and if it all comes down to a friendship, it's far from the worst thing I want to see in a councillor. But something seemed to really trouble him, and if anything, he opened a window on the matter. If he's prescient, and saw it becoming an election issue, then good on him for getting out in front of it. We don't really get many opportunities to see how councillors interact, but Gladish's graceless remarks are a concern. I do think this is one of the best councils we've had in years, though, and Cameron was a big part of it.
Ironically, if this had been conducted with more transparency, I could believe the city is turning in a different direction. But the only thing different really, is we're two men down and the city isn't looking like a great place to work right now. You don't have to be a fan of Fendrick or Crist to be taken aback at the way their dismissal has been handled, by Smith and these three councillors and the mayor.
Up 2 Down 1
Josey Wales on Mar 18, 2015 at 9:07 pm
Hey integrity...that was absolutely fantastic that post.
I have to say it is refreshing to read other POV's... who clearly have both critical thinking skills and knowledge.
Even if I may not agree, which in this case I do with 99%.
Ya lost me on the vote thing...I'm done with it.
Civic, Territorial, Federal...they are mostly self serving fools many hell bent on lunacy, destruction and absolute greed.
Up 1 Down 0
north_of_60 on Mar 18, 2015 at 5:09 pm
@Max Mack "I long for the days when we had real colour and contrast on city council, and people willing to make a stand no matter how unpopular it seemed.
Where are the Duke Connellys of the world when we need them?"
Well stated MM, I couldn't agree more. We used to have councilors with integrity, not just ones using it as a political stepping-stone into YTG politics.
Up 12 Down 22
integrity on Mar 18, 2015 at 3:38 pm
Firing someone without cause does not mean there wasn't a cause it more likely signals that Christine Smith felt it would be cheaper and less controversial as firing for cause would most certainly involve a messy legal battle. Given that Fendrick is married to a lawyer legal advice is readily available.
If the firings were done to be an example to other workers then I think Christine Smith went for overkill firing both managers at the same time and thus increased the controversy.
She actually has the mandate to fire anyone she supervises as the City Manager and she is not required to consult anyone including the Mayor and Council. If she were to consult them and they tried to influence her decision that would actually be improper as they don't have the mandate to hire or supervise the workers. This does not mean she shouldn't inform them of her plan for their information only but she doesn't require their permission.
That being said, if she made a poor decision she is accountable to the Mayor and Council as they hired her. If the Mayor and Council made a poor decision by hiring Christine Smith amongst others things they will not be re-elected. That is the structure.
As to personal opinion, there would seem to be many ways to resolve an issue without firing two top managers that have been in place for a long time. What this appears to signal is that the City Manager Christine Smith may lack skills for the job and should be held accountable for this. As for the Mayor & Council this is simply icing on the cake as they will be voted out.
I could care less if the Mayor is friends with Kirk Cameron although I doubt that is surprise given both are Liberals and this is a tight nit group in this town. The mayor might want to re-evaluate his definition of friendship though if his friend Cameron grandstands by quitting City Council and embarrasses you personally and professionally in doing so.
I won't be voting for Curtis, Cameron or Gladish but you have ensured I will get out and vote.
Up 14 Down 0
Max Mack on Mar 18, 2015 at 3:32 pm
I long for the days when we had real colour and contrast on city council, and people willing to make a stand no matter how unpopular it seemed.
Where are the Duke Connellys of the world when we need them? Enough of the self-congratulatory, back-patting councillors who are ever eager to spend, spend, spend and raise taxes, service/user fees and penalties/fines.
Our City Councillors all seem to be cut from the same cloth, variations on a theme, subtle changes in mood only.
Up 20 Down 22
yukon56 on Mar 17, 2015 at 9:12 pm
City manager needs to go
Up 31 Down 23
Principled stand or strategic? on Mar 17, 2015 at 12:16 pm
Kirk Cameron quitting COW council might be a principled stand about the firings or it could be something else. He knows a sinking ship when he sees it and fears being tainted along with the others. I would think it would be wise to quit now if one had any hope of being re-elected. How about Mayor? My guess is he has even bigger ambitions than COW with two other elections coming up. We will see soon enough if his liberal cronies can make that happen.
Up 44 Down 24
Wilf Carter Kirk Cameron on Mar 17, 2015 at 12:07 pm
Good move Kirk. More should just resign and have election early which is permitted.
Up 35 Down 27
jwhite on Mar 17, 2015 at 9:15 am
Kirk Cameron captured many people's sentiment when he said, as he resigned from council "this wasn't the way to do it".
I have a new respect for Mr. Cameron.
Up 33 Down 24
Guncache on Mar 17, 2015 at 8:30 am
This is not the first time that a new Whitehorse city manager has fired competent people. The COW has had managers that have fired staff and they themselves have quit in a years time. I remember when a COW manager who was here less than a year fired the Fire Chief, Brian Monahan, a competent employee. The COW has a history of hiring losers in top positions.
Up 43 Down 27
L Leong on Mar 17, 2015 at 8:16 am
Looks mighty suspicious. Firing two managers who have good ethics and sound judgement, with years of experience and dedication, looks like the city manager and mayor, (and maybe council) want to do something that is not ethical and/or in good judgement. As a tax payer I am very concerned.
I'm curious which councillors were not present for the meeting regarding the dismissal, and why?
Up 36 Down 20
Not unhappy with this on Mar 17, 2015 at 5:58 am
Bobby Bitman, you are right of course. The vision should be mayor and council's, and Christine should be its implementer.
One memory of Rob Fendrick stands out - saw him at council asking for add'l money to 'fix' the parking meters he'd ordered, which could be subject to vandalism. He demonstrated how easy it was to remove coins, then laughed and said words to effect of 'You'll have to approve the money now'. It was around $200,000 on top of initial outlay ($300,000) if memory is correct, have never forgotten his arrogance and disregard.
Up 49 Down 6
north_of_60 on Mar 16, 2015 at 10:09 pm
Monday night at Whitehorse City Council, Kirk Cameron resigned, due to administration firings over past week.
It would appear that one Councilor has the integrity to indicate
"The King is Not Wearing Any Clothes"
Thank you Kirk.
Up 10 Down 0
Wilf Carter Incompetence on Mar 16, 2015 at 5:08 pm
Very true statement I see it in parts of the Yukon Government all the time.
Up 33 Down 2
Stu Summer on Mar 16, 2015 at 4:29 pm
My vision of the city is to make city employees and mayor and council accountable.
If you do not have this type of experience let me share this with you. If you have a conflict with the city and ask 4 or 5 questions or make 4 or 5 good points, they will ignore it all and give a very short reponse which does not address your concerns. It like they are in higher politics when all they have to do is be helpful and honest which seems like a foreign concept.
Up 23 Down 6
Wilf Carter Did the Management give employees time to change before termination on Mar 16, 2015 at 4:13 pm
In normal situations with long term employees if they are not doing what Mayor and Council and management want they are given direction and time to change.
That is normal management practices.
Up 56 Down 1
Bobby Bitman on Mar 16, 2015 at 10:16 am
To 'not unhappy'. Thanks for the insight, and you make a good point. However it would be nice to know what 'Christine's vision for the city' actually is, and why these two could not possibly be a part of it and had to be eliminated.
Up 62 Down 4
Incompetence on Mar 15, 2015 at 5:29 pm
When senior managers fires staff that are competent it is because the senior manager is incompetent and does not want competent people under them that they cannot control. This goes on in the Yukon Government all the time. The Yukon Government spends so much money on incompetent behavior is is unbelievable.
Up 80 Down 2
moose101 on Mar 15, 2015 at 7:09 am
Amazing that council supported Smith on her vision and direction and 99.9 % of the residents of Whitehorse do not know what this is. Sounds like a West African nation getting rid of anyone who does not support your regime.
Up 82 Down 7
... nice to be powerful on Mar 14, 2015 at 4:58 pm
Gee Christine I'm really glad you have a vision for Whitehorse. Would you mind sharing that with the people that pay your salary? But, since you make in excess of $160,000 a year I guess you must really be smart and figure we don't need to know so excuse us for asking. Good to know that Dan has your back.
Up 23 Down 76
Not unhappy with this on Mar 14, 2015 at 3:38 pm
Both these fellows are fine people, but they have basically run the show for several years, and I can`t say they have done a very good job of it. For all of those complaining about poor services or tax increases, you can bet that these 2 were behind many of them (with the approval of mayors and councils) It`s a gutsy move, and I`m willing to see how it plays out. As for comments against Christine - one can`t be much more of a `local`than she is.
Up 124 Down 4
jwhite on Mar 14, 2015 at 2:50 pm
According to the City Manager, she has fired these two people without cause. Common sense suggests that this decision will be expensive for that reason alone. But of more concern is that the City has lost two competent and dedicated people who have each risen to the occasion when the City found itself without a leader, and they both did this very well. What's even more galling is that it is likely that retirement was not far on the horizon for either of these people, and all she had to do was wait a while. Since they were fired "without cause", waiting would not have been much of a challenge for a competent city manager. Their combined dedication and expertise would have been a significant loss if they had both quit at the same time. It's just bad management that they have been fired without cause. One has to wonder why any competent person would apply to work at the City of Whitehorse under this regime. Taxpayers can't do anything about the manager's action. But we can express our distaste to the elected officials who allowed this to happen. In the next election, I hope we will make sure not to vote for the mayor or any of the incumbents.
Up 65 Down 2
Mayor/Council should have not permitted these dismissals until after the next election on Mar 14, 2015 at 12:51 pm
Mayor and Council should not permitted these termination without cause until a new Mayor and Council was elected in October 2015. Just another bad move.
Up 116 Down 3
Yukon Cornelius on Mar 13, 2015 at 9:49 pm
2 long term employees dismissed without cause equals 24 months severance pay (each) plus benefits and possibly punitive damages. Pretty expensive day for the CoW.
Up 79 Down 3
Salar on Mar 13, 2015 at 9:24 pm
Big changes....As has been said...wow...lots of corporate memory lost. Imagine their familiarity with the quarterly needs, new project launches, etc.
There must be a 'new direction' initiative from Council agreement with the new Manager. It's not a new (see how many times I've used new) philosophy for regimes but it's the future that will judge their decision.
Up 104 Down 5
Mitch Moroziuk, Former Director of Operations, City of Whitehorse on Mar 13, 2015 at 9:11 pm
What a loss to the City. Brian and Robert were great people to work with professional to the core with the best interests of the City at heart. Their loss will be felt and a lot of corporate knowledge has been lost. Brian and Robert I wish you the best in where ever the future takes you and the City of Whitehorse has lost two fabulous employees.
Up 24 Down 75
YTer on Mar 13, 2015 at 6:05 pm
So little information and context, yet so many knee jerk, reactionary opinions.
People have to remember that Miss Smith was also a capable director at community affairs. Just because the managers who were canned were good people does not mean their termination was not valid.
Sometimes things need to change. I'll wait and see how this plays out.
Up 127 Down 11
taxpayer on Mar 13, 2015 at 6:04 pm
Do you think that Mayor Dan Curtis and council have figured out yet that who most needed to go was actually Christine Smith whom has no relevant background qualifications (Bachelor of Science from Alberta)? Sounds to me like she needed to get rid of people that knew more than she did.
Good luck in the next election, I predict a higher than usual turnout this time!
Up 95 Down 8
Bobby Bitman on Mar 13, 2015 at 3:42 pm
"I can assure you that my decision was made consistent with my vision and direction for the city."
Gee, that's great Christine. Glad you are so pleased with yourself and YOUR vision and direction for 'the city' (Whitehorse in case you forgot where you landed).
I reserved judgement until reading a dozen posts. Thinking maybe there was something about these two workers that actually did justify giving them the boot after they have spent almost their entire careers serving Whitehorse. Nope, they seem to be well respected.
You sound like a real piece of work. Maybe this was your shot across the bow to warn the troops to fall in line - or else. Good luck with that. You're going to need it if that's what you were thinking.
Up 171 Down 8
Chris Sorg on Mar 13, 2015 at 2:43 pm
A huge loss for the City. Two extremely dedicated and hardworking individuals that I've enjoyed working with over the last 15 years. A tremendous amount of corporate memory down the tube. Of course I don't know the back story, but likely a matter of a new City Manager wanting to put her own team in place. Unfortunately, a very shortsighted decision. Best wishes to both Rob & Brian in their future endeavors.
Up 135 Down 9
COW needs a third party manager on Mar 13, 2015 at 11:00 am
Given all the waste of money and now the termination of two senior employees without cause requires a third party manager to take over. Poorly made management decision by mayor and council the COW is in trouble. But what do we expect from this group?
Up 50 Down 8
Josey Wales on Mar 13, 2015 at 9:59 am
Hey FP...great post, good work! Cannot say I have ever seen so many folks agree with you Francias.
Keepin' 'er short & sweet and Robin Hooding the point did it I think.
....fantastic, keep up the good work.
@Wow...headin' near a hundred for you too? Wow!
Folks let them have it, freely express yourself to the absolute limit and send a message to the Nobles...a loud one with whatever civic issues of relevance to your "disposable income" and how the Nobles see so fit to dispose of it.
Your income that is via their epic entitlements and chronic stupidity...keep disposing it
Up 154 Down 6
Max Mack on Mar 13, 2015 at 8:34 am
"my vision and direction for the city"?? I thought City Council provided the vision and direction?
Translation: Crist and Fendrick wouldn't allow themselves to be doormats?
I would love to know more about this little drama . . .
Up 136 Down 6
Yukon Observer on Mar 13, 2015 at 5:19 am
It appears Christine Smith has a lot of 'personal matters' with staff.
Up 86 Down 8
Josey Wales on Mar 12, 2015 at 10:23 pm
Indeed more publicly funded drama that will be veiled in secrecy...kinda how Smith came to be where she is.
Very very co$tly to oust two long timers, of course we will wonder why.
Maybe to "move forward" with a spore of fiscal RESPONSIBILITY...CoW will hire some TFM...temporary foreign managers...from Ontario?
Unless they passed a motion to hire Pinoy TFL...then there would be some good multicultural snacks to feed on as one chair gets cooled off...a lil' stretch before the next snack at the next chair warmer station.
....the irony of her being the one to create the latest HR disaster, factoring our laaaast one (her very position)...in this town?
too damn rich eh?
Up 146 Down 12
tony lomas on Mar 12, 2015 at 10:20 pm
What a shame! All that corporate memory and all that loyalty lost. I worked there for nine years as Manager HR with both of these people and know their level of dedication to the City. I know their competency level. You (City Manager) have now created an atmosphere of fear and mistrust within the organization that will take a long time to mend. To Mayor and Council, incompetence seems to be your middle name!
Up 108 Down 5
Smurf on Mar 12, 2015 at 10:16 pm
"However, I can assure you that my decision was made consistent with my vision and direction for the city..."
What vision? What direction? A little bit more clarification about (what she thinks is) the future of the city would be really appreciated! And honestly this comment is absolutely arrogant (MY vision / MY decision) like only she knows what is best for Whitehorse.
Who at the end is paying your wage, Mrs. Smith???
Also I bet that the "replacements" are from down south or east again. That's the way the city wants to go!
I really hope that our citizens are courageous and smart enough to vote the right way in October!
Up 96 Down 2
Explanation Please on Mar 12, 2015 at 10:05 pm
It's not compromising anyone's privacy to share exactly what that vision is, that apparently is very much at odds with the direction of the city for as long as these two have been working there. It's a fairly high-handed statement, I thought city council set the direction. It sounds like they were barely in the loop.
Local media really needs to fill in some blanks here.
Up 59 Down 10
Wolfe on Mar 12, 2015 at 7:48 pm
If there is an area that needs addressing it is that of taxes and spending. The City needs to reign in its spending habits and stop raising taxes to justify the expenditures. There is no budgeting process. They spend more..they raises taxes..and they spend more..and they raise taxes..
They also need to review their wage structure. There are City employees that are very, very well paid for what they do..and I mean those at the service sector.
Hopefully more cuts to come.
Up 106 Down 13
Bonnie Donnelly on Mar 12, 2015 at 7:28 pm
These two have been dedicated public servants for many years making a huge difference to the City of Whitehorse and the Yukon community. Shame on you!
Up 83 Down 9
Former Directors Corporate service and infrastructure on Mar 12, 2015 at 5:58 pm
These are the two who would have headed up the major projects and planning. Are they the goats of Mayor and council and City Manager?
I agree the Mayor and some Councillors should be fired.
This will be costly letting people go without cause.
Up 89 Down 10
Lost in the Yukon on Mar 12, 2015 at 5:28 pm
If memory serves me this Council has an outstanding track record in hiring City Managers. They now seem to be two-for-two.
Maybe the two fired employees disagreed with the new City Managers vision for the City - which probably meant they disagreed with spending $54,000,000 on a new building (edifice). I suspect the new City Manager has pretty sweet digs in the new $54,000,000 building, and her office has a door that opens directly into the Mayor's office.
Up 90 Down 8
Stu Summer on Mar 12, 2015 at 5:25 pm
Wow!
“However, I can assure you that my decision was made consistent with my vision and direction for the city. There will be some minor organizational restructuring as a result of my decision, but this does not involve further departures and the managers involved have been informed."
Too much behind closed doors for me and I am concerned it may be the old out and young in and it may cost us a lot of taxpayer money to compensate these longterm employees. People in positions like those for almost 20 years had to have been a lot that was right.
Why not reel in the behaviour of some City staff Christine- you know, people who chair dysfunctional city committees and ingore the majority of people (a hint they are involved in the bridge issue).
Up 99 Down 12
Lost in the Yukon on Mar 12, 2015 at 4:58 pm
Many suspect that these two long-term and valued City employees had a difficult time reporting to someone who came to the position with no - none - nada experience in managing a City. The City is now going to have to dig deep (read - $$$) to make this go away. Which means that the Citizens of Whitehorse are now footing the bill.
Up 199 Down 26
francias pillman on Mar 12, 2015 at 4:15 pm
Please fire the mayor and council. Thank you.
Up 154 Down 13
Mandeep on Mar 12, 2015 at 4:01 pm
Transparency for this government is completely lacking.
- Stan Westby
http://whitehorsestar.com/News/fired-city-manager-turns-up-in-saskatchewan
It's also extremely egoistic to say:
However, I can assure you that my decision was made consistent with my vision and direction for the city.
Your vision and direction for the City is personal and does not reflect the needs of Whitehorse.
Not to say that the decision wasn't warranted, how can we ever know, but how can you expect support when a public government is making decisions behind closed doors?
So much tax money being spent to allow people to carry out their own little dramas.
Up 193 Down 9
WOW on Mar 12, 2015 at 3:49 pm
Sounds like a dictatorship...I am sure the city will be paying big time for getting rid of those two!