When Tipp City's David Collinsworth became city manager he told his new employers that, "I would stay five or six years, but perhaps longer if things worked out."
Well, things did work out and now after more than 10 years in the position, Collinsworth attended his last council meeting Monday evening. His official last day on the job is Dec. 1 and then he moves on to become the new Westerville Ohio City Manager.
"In applying for this job, I was really looking for a professional career move and in the process, found opportunities to make new friends and serve a community that has given to me much more than good employment," he said.
"I wasn't on the job more than three month, for example, when I learned of the impending birth of my first child, Rachel, and before too much longer, two more would come along. And then there were car accidents, the loss of loved ones, and an ugly diagnosis - but through it all, the community (staff, council members, fellow parishioners and citizens of good will) helped us through it and provided us tremendous support. For this, I am eternally grateful," he said.
Mayor George Lovett said the two things he judged a city manager on was his technical competence and personal skills in which he gave Collinsworth high marks. He related the first time he worked with Collinsworth was on the Airport Task Force.
"Residents in Tipp City and Monroe Township were concerned that the airport's growth plans would cause additional noise and a decrease in their property values," Lovett said. "Dave did a superb job in working with the airport and helping to calm residents' fears."
Lovett said the city manager showed his technical competence with his oversight of the new Tippecanoe Family Aquatic Center and the recently completed water treatment plant which was built in partnership with the city of Vandalia .
"It also shows what respect people have in you that three department heads each have stayed over 30 years when they very easily could have retired," Lovett said.
"As for the things that the City has accomplished during my tenure, I cannot begin to take credit for any significant portion of it," Collinsworth said. "As you all know, getting things done in the government setting requires the input, assistance, collaboration and cooperation of people from every corner - council members, staff, contractors and certainly not least, the citizens."
"It has truly been a pleasure working with you, I have learned a lot from your wisdom," said councilman Tim Evans. "Our loss is Westerville's gain. You will be greatly missed in this community."
"In 42 years I have worked with many professionals and you are one of the best," said councilman Donald Ochs. "You have made everyone who has worked for you feel like a member of a family. Thank you for a job well done."
"To the citizens of Tipp City, I can only say that I gave you all that I had to provide quality services, ensure an appropriate reinvestment in the community's physical assets, and do so in a fiscally responsible and prudent manner," Collinsworth said.
"Though not all have agreed with me from time to time as to every course of action I have taken or recommended, I never made any such decision without testing it against one bottom line criteria - will this make Tipp City a better place in which to live, work and play.
"We will genuinely miss Tipp City as it will hold a special place in our hearts for the rest of our lives."
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