Senior manager receives recognition from Swift Current council on retirement
Swift Current council members gave recognition to a senior manager on his retirement during a regular council meeting, Dec. 11.
Mitch Minken attended the council meeting for the acknowledgement after his recent retirement.
He began working at the City Light and Power utility in 2007 and he was appointed as general manager of infrastructure and operations in 2013.
Mayor Al Bridal noted that this was a large portfolio with responsibilities for Light and Power, engineering, solid waste, fleet services, transit, streets and roadways, water and wastewater treatment plants, and even the airport for a few years.
He referred to a variety of successful projects and initiatives that were carried out under Minken’s leadership.
Bridal singled out the expansion of the City’s electrical franchise area as a project in which Minken played a crucial role.
“I don’t believe we could have had it done without your expertise and your help in this,” Bridal said. “You had worked for Saskpower for a number of years and you were a huge help on this purchasing from Saskpower for the citizens of Swift Current. I can’t imagine this isn’t going to pay the citizens of Swift Current for years and years and decades to come. So that’s a huge accomplishment.”
Other council members gave their perspectives about Minken’s role and contribution to the work of the organization.
Councillor Pat Friesen referred to the technical details that Minken clarified on matters such as waterworks, sewers and electricity.
“I truly appreciate the expertise you provided to council and always a joy to work with you,” she said.
Councillor Ryan Plewis recalled that on several occasions all the reports at council meetings were presented by Minken.
“They were always well-prepared and very respectful of council’s questions,” Plewis noted. “Mitch is a person of unquestioned integrity and the guy who’s always been extremely well-prepared for everything that came down the pipe, whether it was something that he was bringing to council or something that council brought to him.”
Councillor Ryan Switzer felt that Minken can look back at a job well done during his time with the City.
“It really should be the goal of everyone who sits at this horseshoe-shaped table, whatever their role is, to leave the city in a better shape than they found it,” Switzer said.
“And you can retire knowing that you did. … You left Swift Current better than you found it, and congrats on a great run, Mitch.”
Minken expressed appreciation for the acknowledgement and also gave recognition for those who worked with him.
“It has certainly been a privilege to serve both councils and the citizens of Swift Current for a little over 16 years, and I wouldn’t have accomplished all those things that you’ve talked about without really great people around,” he said. “I didn’t do those by myself, that’s for sure. I had lots of great people help out. … Thank you for all the great comments, and I leave knowing that the folks that are taking over are going to do a great job for the City going forward.”
He noted that he is settled in the community and he will continue to be a resident of Swift Current.
“When myself and my family came here in 2007, we knew very little about Swift Current, had a couple of friends here, and truly we were taken over by Swift Current’s charms,” he said. “It has become home and we’re planning on staying and continuing our life here. So thank you for that opportunity.”