Evan Smith: Shoreline City manager to retire in February

By Evan Smith

ShorelineAreaNews Politics Writer

Shoreline City Manager Bob Olander will retire Feb. 25, he told the City Council Monday.

Shoreline Councilman and Mayor Keith McGlashan told me Tuesday that he and Deputy Mayor Will Hall had been surprised when Olander told them during a meeting Friday.

Olander told me that by announcing his retirement now he was giving the Council time to do a search for his replacement.

As for how the Council will conduct a search, McGlashan said Tuesday that it is too early to think about what is next, adding, “There are several options for us to consider.“

Olander has been City manager since late 2005, after four years as assistant City manager.

He took over under difficult circumstances following the controversial departure of his predecessor in late 2005.

He had earlier worked as a city manager or assistant city manager in Des Moines, Ocean Shores, Anacortes and Selah.

He told me that he plans to stay in the Seattle area, travel, spend time with his wife and devote more time to his avocation as a stone sculptor.

Even with his work as city manager, Olander had been completing three sculptures each year for exhibit and sale.

He read the following letter at the end of the Monday Council meeting:

It is with mixed feelings that I am announcing my retirement effective February 25, 2011. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve the City of Shoreline for these past nine years. I would like to thank this and past City Councils for entrusting me with the opportunity and the obligation of helping to lead this great City. I would also like to express my appreciation to the citizens of Shoreline for their participation and support in so many City endeavors and projects. Finally, I would like to thank all of the employees of the City. One of the true joys of serving the City of Shoreline has been working with such a great staff. The employees of the City are an incredibly dedicated, bright, hard working, and caring group of people. The City is indeed fortunate to have such an outstanding staff working on its behalf.

I am making this announcement at this time to provide the City Council with sufficient time for selecting a new city manager and to ensure a smooth transition in administration. Again, thank you for your past and continuing support.