It looks like some major changes are being made at the NPCA.
Dave Barrick and the NPCA have parted ways.
In an afternoon release, Board Chair Dave Bylsma confirming that the controversial acting CAO has left the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority in "a mutual separation agreement."
Barrick, a former regional councillor from Port Colborne was fired by from the NPCA as Corporate Services Director at the end of November but then reinstated on December 6th and then promoted to the CAO's job.
Some new regional councillors had an issue with the hiring since they didn't get a say in the new leadership.
Yesterday, NPCA board members voted in favour of taking a better look at the 2019 budget that was approved by the controversial outgoing board in November.
The board has also stripped a special levy of $1.6 million from the agency's budget, reducing the financial load on the Niagara Region.
They also agreed to hire an external agency to conduct a forensic accounting human resources audit.
During the meeting Chair Dave Bylsma informed members the Region intends to extend the interim boards term by an additional three months.
Regional Council is expected to deal with that at their February 28th meeting.
Below is the full text of the release by the NPCA.
WELLAND, Ont. (February 21, 2019) The Interim Chief Administrative Officer/Secretary Treasurer, David Barrick and the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA) Board have concluded a mutual separation agreement effective today.
“I am proud of what I was able to accomplish during my tenure with the NPCA. During my time, and with the support of my team, we went from running at an annual net deficit of over $550,000 in 2013, to a combined net surplus for NPCA parks of over $280,000 by year-end 2018. The net surpluses add to the overall financial health of the organization, increased investment in capital have been made and operational reserves have been replenished,” said former Interim CAO David Barrick.
“I am incredibly grateful to our Board of Directors who remain engaged and committed to the best interest of the organization, and the assurance that we are following the Conservation Authorities Act. As I move forward to other opportunities, I am excited to bring the same level of creative problem solving, engagement and commitment to excellence that I was able to provide to NPCA.”
The NPCA CAO Selection Committee met for a second time February 19, 2019 to engage a third-party recruitment firm to expedite their search for a permanent CAO.
“Interim CAO David Barrick supported this Board through a period of transition and change,” says NPCA Chair Dave Bylsma. “He has provided guidance and context to enable us to expedite our search for a permanent CAO. I am certain that our fulsome Permanent CAO recruitment process will result in us hiring an individual who will continue to move this organization forward in a positive direction.”