The Community
Press
2022 FALL
INSIDE! Volume 115, Issue 13
Telling YOUR Story!
Wednesday, September 28, 2022
$1 Including GST
New Flagstaff Assistant CAO a familiar face Leslie Cholowsky Editor
There’s a familiar face at Flagstaff County for the new Assistant CAO. Jim Fedyk, former Town of Sedgewick CAO, took up the post this month. Fedyk is no stranger to Flagstaff County’s halls. On Sept 1, 2011, 11 years to the day he returned, he started work as the County’s Community Recreation Liaison. “That was me starting a new career from scratch,” he says. Fedyk says working closely with County CAO Shelly Armstrong inspired him to focus his career path. “She’s the one who started me on this path to the administration education. She told me she thought I had the potential to do what she did.” Fedyk said that had a lot of influence on him at the time, having returned from a number of years working overseas, at a time where he was seeking to settle in to a long-term career. In 2014 he started his education in municipal administration, completing both Level 1 and Level 2 in a four-year period. Certificate in hand, he then sought a CLGM designation - “Certified Local Government Managers.” It signifies a public manager who has received a high level of academic and professional achievement, and who has a commitment to ongoing education. the CLGM designation “recognizes a manager, of good character and reputation, who practices the standards government by the society.” It requires an oath, and Fedyk says he takes that very seriously. While pursuing his education, he had moved to the community of Cold Lake where he remained in the recreation department, but this time in a very handson position, managing a number of large recreation facilities along with 100 staff. “I wanted to broaden my horizons by going there, and I did that, and gained a lot of practical experience. But I always thought I’d come back to a smaller municipality.” Fedyk says Cold Lake is an amalgamation of three former communities in close proximity. The issues of the day reminded him a lot of the Flagstaff County region. In 2014, he returned to Sedgewick to take on the position of CAO, taking his career firmly in hand with his designation top of mind. “I feel like I brought much needed
stability, consistency, and staff stability to the Town Office.” Fedyk has a lot of respect and admiration for the long-term employees of Sedgewick, especially those in Public Works. “They are extremely dependable and hard working.” Fedyk thinks one key aspect of his management style is that he doesn’t try to do other staff’s jobs. “People need to enjoy going to work. I respect them and support them and do what we need to do to give them autonomy in their positions.” The new position offered him the opportunity to continue to expand his education about municipal governance. Fedyk says he enjoyed working at the Town of Sedgewick very much. “I never had my eye on what was happening at Flagstaff County in terms of job opportunity. I was minding my own business with my work in Sedgewick.” But now that he is back with Flagstaff County, taking the position left by Brent Hoyland’s retirement, he says it feels right. “It felt odd to come back to Sedgewick after working in Cold Lake.” Both positions had challenges, he says, and he was able to apply a lot of the practical knowledge he’d gain in Cold Lake to his CAO position. Moving forward, Fedyk says he thinks partnerships within the region will be the key to everything. “They are not easy to forge, and it takes consistency and mutual respect. We must be willing to compromise; we all give and take, and that’s what keeps relationships healthy.” Fedyk comes to Flagstaff County at a good time as not only is he taking on a new role, for him, Flagstaff County is changing the administrative organizational structure, as approved by Council this April, and revised mid-September. Under the new organizational chart, Fedyk’s responsibilities will include Corporate Services, like finance, payroll, information services, and assessment; Community Services, including planning and development, economic development, and emergency services; and municipal services, including agriculture and public works. Fedyk answers directly to the CAO, Shelly Armstrong, but will be the go-to person for all three of the divisions. He says Council has also tasked administration with development of a succession plan for administration. “It’s part of strategic plan, and part of long-
Visitors to Flagstaff Countyʼs administration office may see a familiar face. Jim Fedyk has returned to Flagstaff County, taking on the role of Assistant CAO after the retirement of Brent Hoyland. term planning.” Fedyk says there will be less of a hands-on aspect in his new role, but considers it an opportunity for growth, to view projects and departments from a different aspect, providing input and guidance as needed. “My experiences to date have provided me with the benefit of learning; this role will continue that. I’m looking forward to learning as much as I can over the next few months. “It’s a great opportunity for me; it’s a great place to work. There are great peo-
ple here. “I left my role in Sedgewick to broaden my horizons, and I look forward to adding some value to the county organization with my past experience.” Fedyk attended his first Council meeting on Sept. 14, where Council appointed him as assistant signing authority. “Now we’re off and running,” he says. “Right now I’m trying to be a sponge and soak up as much information as I can.”
Sedgewick Legion Branch lays wreath to honour Queen’s 70-year-reign Garry Swainson, President of the Royal Canadian Legion, Sedgewick Branch 55, placed a wreath at the Sedgewick Cenotaph on Monday, Sept. 19, to commemorate the 70-year reign of Queen Elizabeth II, whose funeral was held that day.