By Moses Leos III
Just over a year since hiring him, Buda parted ways May 12 with Parks and Recreation Director, Andy Czimskey.
City Manager Kenneth Williams cited infractions toward the city’s personnel policy as the reason for terminating Czimskey, who was hired March 21, 2013, as a replacement for Jack Jones, who took a parks director position in Seguin.
Since Williams took the position as the city’s top leader, the city secretary and at least four department heads — including Czimskey — have departed Buda, either on their own or through being terminated.
While he would not comment on the specifics, Williams said the city conducted a combination of discussions with Czimskey regarding personnel policy issues.
“The discussions were held over a long period of time,” he said.
He declined to say what policy infractions Czimskey committed, but said the issues were performance related.
“[Czimskey] didn’t do anything illegal,” Williams said. “We wish Andy all the best.”
Since Czimskey’s departure, Assistant City Manager Brian LaBorde is filling the role of interim Parks and Recreation Director.
According to Williams, LaBorde is aided by the existing Parks and Recreation staff, which keeps up daily operations.
“Brian is handling administrative issues,” Williams said. “[Parks and Recreation staff] stepped up and took responsibilities for day-to-day operations.”
Williams also said the move would not affect any pending Parks and Recreation projects on the books. That includes the $570, 949 Bradfield Trail project, which the city aims to complete by the end of 2014.
City Engineer Stanley Fees and Public Works Director Mike Beggs are on the Bradfield Trails project staff.
“We try to cross-train and cross-reference information for projects,” Williams said. “Especially when it’s a construction type project. We have more than one person familiar with the project, so we can get it done.”
According to Williams, the city seeks a new parks director who is what he called “creative,” with “ideas that have worked before.” The new director will also be tasked with managing the city’s existing list of parks projects.
“We encourage innovation,” Williams said. “We want someone to come in with recreation programs, not just parks and maintenance. We want to be able to expand those services for Buda.”
During his one-year tenure, Czimskey oversaw the opening of the Jackson Tyler Norris Memorial Skatepark, along with the placement of a historical marker at the Stagecoach House on South Loop 4. He was also involved with several festivals and events held in the historic downtown district, including Red, White and Buda.
Multiple attempts were made to contact Czimskey.
After taking applications, the city will begin interviewing for the parks director position, which it aims to fill by the end of the month.
“We’re going to start the interview process next week,” Williams said. “We hope to make a decision next week and have someone on board by the end of June.”
