By BOB SHRALUKA
WZBD.com
Jeremy Gilbert, operations manager for the city of Decatur, is resigning that post, effective Friday.
Gilbert said he has accepted a “no brainer” offer as a project manager from Brooks Construction Co. of Fort Wayne.
His resignation letter was revealed and accepted at Tuesday night’s meeting of Decatur Council.
“I want to say thank you for a lot of years of service to the city, to a lot of departments, and I want to wish him all good luck in his new job,” Mayor Dan Rickord said of Gilbert.
Gilbert oversaw numerous city departments, including the park and recreation board.
He was a city employee for several years before then-mayor Schultz (who just died less than a week ago), named Gilbert as operations manager, a new position which oversaw several departments, including park and rec.
At the same time, Schultz brought the city water and sewage departments together and selected Dan Rickord as utilities director. Rickord is now the city’s mayor.
“I joined the city team 21 years ago with the same vision as (mayor) John Schultz, to make this city a better place to work and live,” Gilbert told WZBD.com
“I truly enjoyed my years with the city, watching and managing such projects as the Rev (sports complex), downtown redevelopment, the roundabout, Piqua Road sidewalk project along the middle school, East Monroe St. roadway improvement project (Lake Shores).
“As I sit back and look around, I am amazed at what my fellow employees and city leaders have been able to achieve over the last 21 years.”
It should also be mentioned that Gilbert worked closely with the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) to bring millions of grant dollars to the city through the state’s Community Crossings program, the funds used to repave streets and replace sidewalks.
In his letter of resignation, Gilbert said:
“The decision was not made lightly, as I have greatly valued the opportunities for growth and development within the city. I appreciate the support and guidance provided to me and the experiences I have gained.
“I am committed to making the transition as smooth as possible and will do everything I can to complete my responsibilities and assist in training a replacement if necessary.
“Thank you again for the opportunity to be part of the City of Decatur in this role.
“I wish everyone continued success.”
Matt Schultz has been assistant operations manager since the start of 2017.
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