By Nigel Maxwell

UPDATE: Prince Albert and city manager part ways

Sep 9, 2013 | 7:36 PM

Usually behind the desk at the front of City Council, Robert Cotterill was notably absent on Monday night. It wasn't just a holiday or sick day that kept him away.

paNOW has learned  that Robert Cotterill and the city have parted ways after a  meeting Monday morning.

The City of Prince Albert is now without a city manager.

Mayor Greg Dionne said council decided a week ago to end the contract with Cotterill, so negotiations were started on Monday.

“As we were both going in different directions and council was clear on the direction they wanted to go and they decided it was time to bring in new blood, new ideas and see where we can take the city,” he said Tuesday morning.

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Because Cotterill's contract didn't end until Feb. 15, 2015, it was decided he would be paid 11-months worth of salary, which sources say is roughly $170,000.

“At the end of the day he has done some good things to the city and we wanted to do it mutual and friendly.  But at the same time we did not want to pay out because the city resident don't like it when these big payouts are handed out,” Dionne said, adding these large payouts won't be the procedure of council in the future.

At this point council is starting the process to find another city manager.  Until then, under the Cities Act, Dionne has the power to appoint an acting director until council meets next Monday where they will discuss what they will do.

“The person that's going to fill this role has to look at our vision.  Our vision is we have totally turned out looks.  We don't have taxpayers, we have customers; we deliver service to them,” he explained.

“We want this person to be customer friendly.  We want to have a friendly atmosphere.  We're looking for someone that agrees with our philosophy of private development, not city spending millions of dollars developing lots when we can do it with private developers.”

He said he wants people to know that they are dealing with the “new” Prince Albert.

Cotterill did not wish to comment on his dismissal, saying it was his wish to move forward from the decision.

“I would like to thank the citizens of PA for their support for the last five and a half years. It is a great community that my family have enjoyed and through the many issues that we have faced, it just made us stronger.”

nmaxwell@panow.com

 On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell