The new Redington Shores administrator, a take-charge manager, begins adjusting to small-town life.
By SHEILA MULLANE ESTRADA
Published April 28, 2004
REDINGTON SHORES - He read the mail. He studied the budget. He met with commissioners. He even answered phones and greeted residents at the town hall's front counter.
Don Lusk's first week as town administrator was a new experience - both for him and Redington Shores.
Until last week, the mayor and commissioners were in charge of the town's operation.
Now, a professional administrator will supervise the town's six employees, guide and direct most town functions, and execute the commission's policies and priorities.
"The town is really on the move and we are really going to use his help," said Mayor J.J. Beyrouti. "Don has been working very closely with the employees and trying to see what his priorities should be."
Lusk, whose career has included posts as city manager of Pinellas Park and manager of Collier County, said the biggest adjustment has been scaling down his normal approach to a new management position.
"Everything has a different perspective here. It's a small city and everything is in slower motion," Lusk said. "I am used to reviewing the previous manager's files and quickly determining my first priorities. Well, the town has never had a manager, there are no files, and everybody has different priorities."
His first and most important job, according to Lusk, is to define his role as administrator.
To do that, he is keeping copious notes as he talks with employees, commissioners, residents, and officials of neighboring towns.
Here is a breakdown of Lusk's first week:
Monday - looked through the town files; read minutes of past commission meetings; studied the town's budget.
Tuesday - informal lunch with the town's six employees; toured the town with the building inspector.
Wednesday - met with the mayor and individual commissioners; had lunch with the city attorney; spent several hours with the Indian Shores police chief.
Thursday - filled in for the city clerk, who had the day off, working the counter, answering phones and issuing beach permits; met with the Seminole fire chief.
Friday - handled a dispute over a garage between local condominium owners; met again with the building inspector, mayor and commissioners.
He has had some personal business to take care of as well. Friday afternoon, he flew back to Tennessee to pack up his house (now sold) and complete his move to Pinellas County. He and his new wife have rented temporary quarters in Redington Shores and are looking for a permanent home.
In the coming weeks, Lusk expects to be heavily involved in helping the commission develop a budget for the coming year.
"It's a beautiful community and I am really glad I came here," Lusk said. "I hope I can add something to the town."
