Heggelund still with city Tuesday

City CAO had no comment regarding what looked like her offering resignation, says only focus right now is transit changes

The city’s chief administrator was in her office, working to implement transit changes, on Tuesday -- the day after she offered her resignation to council over the issue.

Merete Heggelund told Monday’s meeting that talk of “administrative failure” over a new bus system was an indictment of public services staff over the design and roll out of a transit revamp.

“My position at your disposal,” she said.

Council voted 6-3 to revert to previous system and routes, while changes are re-examined, but the issue of Heggelund’s status was left hanging.

On Tuesday, Heggelund responded to a News inquiry with a short note that her first responsibility was to attend to the complicated tasks of the transit switch.

She would not comment further.

On Monday, several councillors said they felt like they were misled by staff who said changes would save money, and increase ridership and service.

Others took great lengths to say the situation was wellintentioned and not the fault of staff.

Generally, most council members hoped the issue wouldn’t lead to Heggelund leaving her post.

“I hope not,” said Coun. Les Pearson. “She’s the most valuable administrator we’ve got.”

Cou. Julie Friesen, who moved the motion said it was not a reflection on staffs efforts.

“Staff have believed in this who worked hard and (riders) who were hurt by it,” she said. “It’s not about blame. Sometimes you try something with the best intentions and you have to say ‘it’s not working. Let’s go back and find the very best way to make it work.’”

Mayor Ted Clugston voted against reverting to the former system, saying time was needed for interim changes.

“It’s very concerning,” said Clugston of Heggelund’s situation on Monday.

“I don’t want to speak on her behalf, but she was directed by council to find cost savings ... Is her staff asking if they should follow her directive, or will council change their mind? It’s a very difficult situation.”

It is not the first time Heggelund has gone to bat for city staffers who come under fire, which has earned her a good deal of respect from city employees who felt political heat from politicians and top administrators.

Genial in public, but said to be a straight shooter and hard-nosed behind closed doors, Heggelund has impressed observers in the post.

Council members, staffers and outside business and agency officials, say Heggelund is effective at a number of massive undertakings at city hall.

They include a petroleum division growth strategy, the Financially Fit budget review, a corporate reorganization and widespread health and safety review was also undertaken.

Heggelund, 56, joined the city as corporate services commissioner in August 2012.

Her background — in finance, utilities and petroleum exploration — was heralded as a unique set of qualifications in line with Medicine Hat’s unique needs.

Previously a vice-president with Norwegian state oil company, Statoil, Heggelund lived in Calgary, but owned land near the Cypress Hills.

They became aware of the position while travelling through the city from her home in Calgary.

"She knows energy and large operations," said Mayor Norm Boucher said at the time. "She really is a perfect fit for the position."

She became CAO in 2014 when Ray Barnard retired, and then was given responsibility for the energy division when the city amalgamated departments in 2016.