By JONATHAN WHITAKER
The Atwater City Council hired from within on Monday with the approval of Janell Martin as the town’s new city manager.
Martin has been serving the city in various roles over the past 12 years, up until recently as the assistant city clerk / records coordinator. She was appointed as the interim city manager at the end of June when former City Manager Chris Hoem resigned after two years in the position.
The four Council members who were present at Monday night’s meeting agreed to the new appointment. Councilman Brian Raymond was not in attendance.
“It’s going to be great working with the staff that we have here,” Martin said after the vote. “We have a phenomenal group of people, but I first want to thank the Council for giving me this opportunity, and the mayor, and the words that everyone said here tonight speak volumes.
“I love this community. … I wasn’t born here. I was born in Japan. My mom and dad were in the Air Force, and we came here because of Castle, and my roots are deep, and the community means the world to me … and because of that, when I come here every day, what I do here means so much to me, and that’s why becoming the city manager means that to me, as well.”
Martin grew up in Atwater and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration. She is married with children who have also grown up in town.
“I was raised by parents who taught me the value of service and giving back, and I am honored to carry those values into this role,” she stated in a recent city press release. “I look forward to working alongside our dedicated City employees to provide quality services, support responsible economic development and growth, and help create a strong future for the community that has given so much to me and my family.”
In the same release, Mayor Mike Nelson expressed enthusiasm, saying, “Janell’s long-standing history with the City and her growth through various positions give her a unique perspective and understanding of Atwater. She demonstrated tremendous commitment and responsibility during her time as Interim City Manager and as Assistant City Clerk, and I am confident she will accomplish great things in this role.”
Martin’s official start date was Tuesday, Aug. 25. Her annual salary is set at $193,747.31. It’s a three-year contract with Martin as an at-will employee. It was also pointed out that Martin declined the use of a city-owned car for transportation.
During Monday night’s meeting, several people in the audience spoke up in support Martin, including longtime city advocate Linda Dash.
“I’m so happy that the five of you decided to hire from within, and within our city,” Dash said. “I have 300, 400 percent trust and faith that she will do an outstanding job. And I hope some of the other staff members will follow suit in turning in their city cars. …You need a car, take it from the pool. And that’s just gonna save the city money.”
Former Mayor Jim Price said: “I know how this process of a city manager can go from my experiences, and I’m sure glad you guys didn’t go through that, too. I think that you’re (Martin) going do a magnificent job. I really do. Your common sense approach, and just saying, ‘keep your city car.’ That speaks volumes for people. … You know, I hate waste, and this is a big step in the right direction to go and see you make a gesture like that. And I hope that this continues for an awfully long time. Three years. I hope it goes right into six.”