A DAY IN THE LIFE OF THE CITY ADMINISTRATOR

the City ADMINISTRATOR

By Candice Baxter, Photography by Alex Ginsburg Photographics

Patrick Lawton’s office in City Hall overlooks the glittering lake of the municipal complex. Along his wall of book-filled shelves are decades of family photos, awards and shovels from the groundbreakings of the Germantown Community Library and Germantown Athletic Club addition, some of his proudest achievements in 32 years as City Administrator. He can look out the window and see the fruits of his labor, but the job reaches in many unseen directions.

“The mayor is elected by the people, He and the alderman vote on policy.” Lawton says, explaining his role as the cog in the democratically-elected wheel. “I am appointed by the mayor. So my job as City Administrator is to gather information from the different departments, and when policy is adopted, put it into motion.” Lawton says this is the job he’s always wanted, and he got it at 32 years old. “Really, I’m in the talent business.” He attributes his longevity to hiring people for the right fit and sees the mutual respect that grows when departments work together. From the drive-through vaccine site, down 22 feet into a stormwater drain and up in the sky considering placement of an elevated water tower, a day in the life of Patrick Lawton is anything but a typical day behind a desk.

MORNING

Since February 2 of this year, many mornings begin at the vaccination site at Germantown Baptist Church, a joint effort with the Town of Collierville. Lawton slowly travels through lanes designed by traffic engineers to get people in and out in 20 minutes. He wears a neon safety vest and visits each tent, greeting everyone by name. Lawton remembers when the policemen manning check-in joined the force. He waves at City employees and volunteers in the screening tent and talks with firefighter paramedics drawing up each dose in an enclosed area designated for supplies. In the vaccine tent, 30 medical staff work in shifts to administer up to 2,000 doses per day. After seeing first appointments run smoothly, Lawton heads to City Hall for a department head meeting. “We cover A to Z, animal control to zoning, and everything in between,” says Lawton. Usually gathered around a large conference table, today they meet virtually to set the agenda for the Board of Mayor and Aldermen meeting three weeks out. Each person shares project updates and a bright spot, a bit of pleasant news.

NOON

After lunch is an in-person meeting with a financial advisor about bond issuance for the planned Houston Middle School addition. When should the City issue debt and how much? They consider interest rates, the amount and timing of American Rescue Plan federal dollars and the rising cost of steel. In addition to honoring the commitment to the school system, there must be a choice between funding utilities or storm drainage. “I’m going to take a look at the ditch,” Lawton says at the end of the meeting. “It means more when you can put your own eyes on it.” Lateral E, also known as the Duntreath ditch, is a stormwater drain 12,000 feet long that empties into the Wolf River. Public Works Director Bo Mills picks Lawton up in his utility truck, and they ride down a ramp behind a locked gate. Lawton has known Mills since he started as a backhoe operator. They go almost half a mile, bouncing on the pocked concrete to reach an updated section with slanted walls and weeping holes. The whole stretch south of Dogwood Road needs maintenance, a monumental project to prevent flooding. They discuss details on the way to the Grove for the retirement ceremony of Human Resources Director Steve Wilensky. Lawton remembers hiring him years ago. The average tenure of a City Administrator is around six years, often changing when new elected officials enter office, but Lawton has worked with three mayors. As he strolls through municipal park back to his office, he picks up a piece of litter and throws it away. “Never ask an employee to do something you’re not willing to do yourself.”

NIGHT

Since Lawton began in 1988, the greatest change has been technology. He finishes answering emails and turns to the bookshelf. “My best work are those three people my wife Cathy and I raised,” Lawton says, pointing to the family photos of his children progressing from youth to independence in the city that he loves. “And to see the parents they’ve become.” A shelf is filled with pictures of his five grandchildren, lovingly nicknamed the fab five. “This, my family, is my greatest accomplishment.” On his way out, he turns off the lights. Before going home, Lawton stops by Fire Station 4 for a public meeting about the placement of a proposed water tower on Poplar Pike. Afterward, he walks to his car in the fading daylight. A resident drives up beside him to ask about speed bumps being placed in her neighborhood. “Send me an email,” Lawton recalls her name, though he hasn’t seen her in 10 years. “I’ll take a look tomorrow and get it pointed in the right direction.” ■