Taylor Executive Director of Golf, Parks and Recreation Jeffrey Dobek (right) speaks at the June 18 Taylor City Council meeting after an announcement that he is accepting a position as assistant city manager for the city of Riverview, as Councilwoman Angie Winton listens.
By SUE SUCHYTA
Sunday Times Newspapers
TAYLOR – Golf, Parks and Recreation Executive Director Jeffrey Dobek announced at the June 18 City Council meeting that he has accepted a position as Riverview assistant city manager.
Dobek, who currently oversees both Lakes of Taylor and Taylor Meadows golf facilities, the Taylor Sportsplex, the recreation center, the William Ford Senior Activities Center and the city’s parks, has been with the city of Taylor for more than nine years.
Dobek’s position is a new one, reporting to city manager Doug Drysdale. Dobek will be responsible for the enterprise zones, which include the Riverview city golf course.
A Riverview city official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said the money budgeted for the position of Land Preserve Director Bob Bobeck, who faces serious health issues, will reportedly be reallocated to pay for Dobek’s salary.
Riverview faces multiple challenges, including the likely future closure of its revenue-producing landfill, if its expansion is not approved, which is unlikely to occur in an urban area.
The city also faces difficultly hiring fire and emergency medical technicians for its part-time fire department, and funding the needed repairs for the city’s roads and other infrastructure.
Dobek said it has been a wonderful nine-and-a-half years working for the city of Taylor.
“I was raised here, I went to school here, my children were born and raised here, so it is bittersweet for me to move on,” he said. “I have been honored and privileged to represent you all and the residents.”
He thanked the city council for approving many of his proposals, some of which were for millions of dollars.
Dobek said, as a Taylor resident, he hopes to serve on some commissions in the future.
At the June 18 Taylor City Council meeting, Dobek was lauded by city officials for his service to the city.
Councilwoman Caroline Patts praised Dobek for his positive improvements to the Taylor Sportsplex.
Council Chairman Tim Woolley said he hates to see Dobek leave.
“From the moment you walked in here, you always impressed me,” Woolley said. “We didn’t always agree on everything, but you always impressed me. I think you did a very good job, and I hate to see you leave.”
Councilman Butch Ramik praised Dobek’s leadership.
“I am going to say one thing,” Ramik said. “You never know what happens down the road, so don’t get comfortable in any chair.”
Mayor Rick Sollars said he has talked extensively with Dobek in the past few weeks preparing for the transition, and he praised how well Dobek has groomed his staff to take on leadership positions.
“You have done a great job for the city of Taylor, we are definitely going to miss you, and we will be taking you up on the offer to stay in touch,” Sollars said.
(Sue Suchyta can be reached at [email protected])