HomeMy WebLinkAboutCitySlick_September_2014by Lauryn Grimes
Finance Director John Wallin retired Sept.
4, shortly after celebrating his 30-year
anniversary with the City in June.
“In 30 years’ time, there have been a lot of
changes and the City has accomplished so
much,” said Wallin. “Whether I had
a direct role [in those changes]
or not, to see the City lead
in financing is quite an
accomplishment.”
Though saying goodbye
has been difficult, Wallin
is excited to pursue
other hobbies with his
time and even do some
traveling.
“I like nature photography.
I like to read and I normally
only get to pick up a book on
vacation. I have a lot of interests,
just not a lot of hours to allocate to
them,” said Wallin.
Wallin is not the only one feeling bittersweet
about his departure from the City. He has left
a mark on City staff, whether they’ve been
here for three or 20 years.
“John is about as straightforward and no
nonsense as you can get,” said City Manager
Scott Neal. “He has been a major contributor
to building the financial strength of our
organization. Everyone who works for the
City owes him a debt of gratitude for that.”
Independent bond-rating agencies Standard
& Poor’s and Moody’s Investors Service
affirmed their high bond ratings for the City
of Edina under the leadership of Wallin. Edina
is one of just a few communities in the State
with both “AAA” and “Aaa” ratings. Earlier
this summer, the Department also received
the Government Finance Officers
Association (GFOA) Certificate of
Achievement for Excellence in
Financial Reporting and the
2014-2015 Distinguished
Budget Presentation Award.
“John is going to be
missed, that is for sure.
He was the best boss I
have ever had,” said Utility
Billing Supervisor Lori
Lohmann. “He was a great
mentor and always helped
you when you were stuck with
a problem you could not figure
out.”
“I’m going to miss his demeanor and that he
has always stood up for his employees. He
was a great, knowledgeable resource for
everybody in the City,” said Accounting
Associate Lynn Zuidema, who celebrated her
24-year anniversary with the City the same
day Wallin retired.
“The people here are what I’ve enjoyed the
most,” Wallin noted. “I think this is the most
professional and best bunch of department
heads and employees. It has made my job
over the years so much easier.”
A newsletter for the City Council and employees of the City of Edina 9|12|2014
John Wallin: A Steward of 30 Years Says Goodbye
Sept. 12, Lindy,
Administration
Sept. 12, Brandon, Police
Sept. 16, Dave, Fire-Rescue &
Inspections
Sept. 17, Paul, Edinborough
Park
Sept. 18, Jordan,
Communications &
Technology Services
Sept. 20, Dave, Fire-Rescue &
Inspections
Sept. 21, Joan,
Communications &
Technology Services
Sept. 21, Darrell, Fire-Rescue
& Inspections
Sept. 22, Laurie, Finance
Sept. 24, Scott,
Administration
Sept. 25, Dave, Edina Liquor
Sept. 26, Joseph, Police
Sept. 28, Luke, Police
Sept. 28, Pete, Fire Rescue &
Inspections
Sept. 29, Steve, Public Works
CITYSLICK p1
John Wallin, Continued on Page 2
on EDINET
LOOK FORMORE STORIES
On Sept. 5, Eric Roggeman began his duties as
Finance Director. Roggeman, a graduate of St.
John’s University, was hired as the Assistant
Finance Director for the City in 2005. Prior
to working for the City, Roggeman was an
Accountant for the City of Burnsville and a
Senior Auditor for KPMG LLP and the Office of
the Legislative Auditor.
On Sept. 5, Kyle Sawyer began his duties as
Assistant Finance Director. Sawyer, who holds a
degree in Accounting and Finance from the
University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire, was hired
as Accountant for the City in 2011. Sawyer came
to the City from KDV, Ltd., where he was a
Government Audit Senior Accountant.
Christopher Van Dam began work as a 9-1-1
Dispatcher for the Police Department Aug. 18.
Van Dam previously worked as a Dispatcher
for Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office since
2006. He holds an associate degree in Air
Traffic Control from Minneapolis Community
and Technical College and a bachelor’s degree
in Communications from the University of St.
Thomas.
Derek Northenscold began work as an Engineering
Technician Aug. 18 for the Engineering
Department. Northenscold currently serves in
the Army Reserve as a Motor Transport Operator
and has more than 10 years of service in the U.S.
Army. Northenscold most recently worked for
Perkins Specialized Transportation Contracting as
an Equipment Operator.
Melissa Marohl began work as a 9-1-1 Dispatcher
for the Police Department Aug. 4. Marohl
holds a bachelor’s degree in Journalism from
Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota,
and was most recently a Sports Writer for
ECM Publishers, Inc. For four years, Marohl
also served as a Dispatcher for Valleyfair
Family Amusement Park.
Anthony Svoboda began work as a Fire Inspector
Intern for the Fire Department Aug. 1. Svoboda
holds a Certification in Fire Protection from
Hennepin Technical College. He is currently
working as a Firefighter/EMT for the Eden
Prairie and New Richland Fire departments.
In Wallin’s place as Finance Director now sits Eric
Roggeman, who was recently promoted from
Assistant Finance Director. The City’s Finance
Director supervises a staff of six and oversees the
City’s budget of $90 million, investment portfolio
worth up to $70 million and the City’s debt, which
is around $100 million.
“John has been a mentor to me,” he said. “We
worked together for a long time. I hope I’ve learned
from him. I’ve tried to take notes along the way, so I
hope to continue some of the traditions he started.
“We’ve got a long tradition of really solid financial
management in the City. The goal is to make the
transition as smooth as possible for everyone,
including residents, Council and City staff. [This
process] won’t be without changes, but [I hope]
they will be minor and seen as positive.”
Former City Accountant Kyle Sawyer was promoted
to fill Roggeman’s previous position of Assistant
Finance Director.
“I have learned a lot from both John and Eric. I’m
always excited for a new challenge and the
opportunity to increase my learning,” said Sawyer.
“[Wallin] has been a significant presence here for
over 30 years,” said Neal. “We are going to miss
[him].”
Roggeman and Sawyer began their new duties on
Friday, Sept. 5. The City is currently in the process
of seeking a new full-time Accountant.
For more information, contact the Finance
Department, 952-826-0366.
John Wallin, Continued from Page 1
CITYSLICK p2
ANNIVERSARIES
Dan McMahon, Public Works, 35 years.
(Sept. 17, 1979)
Rick Puppe, Public Works, 30 years.
(Sept. 12, 1984)
Janet Canton, Parks & Recreation, 25 years.
(Sept. 25, 1989)
David Venne, Police, 5 years.
(Sept. 22, 2009)
Taunya Hegyi, Police, 5 years.
(Sept. 29, 2009)
STAFF NOTES