The Burleson City Council is close to choosing a new city manager to replace Curtis Hawk, who is retiring in March.
Last week, the council narrowed down the list to five candidates, including a former city manager of The Colony. Burleson hired the Voorhees Associates consulting firm to conduct the search.Mayor Ken Shetter said it will be difficult to replace Hawk, who has been city manager since 2006. Hawk came to Burleson as an assistant city manager in 2000."We are a growing city. We wanted someone with experience in a growth area," Shetter said. In 10 years, Burleson's population has grown by 75 percent, to 36,690. Shetter said the council prefers someone with experience in Texas because local governments vary throughout the country.The five candidates are: Dale Cheatham, town manager of Brownsburg, Ind., and former city manager of The Colony; James Earp, assistant city manager of Kyle; Charles Ewings, assistant city manager of Longview; John Godwin, town manager of Fairview; and Elizabeth Grindstaff, assistant city manager of San Angelo.The five candidates will be interviewed in executive sessions Tuesday and Wednesday, and in February, the top candidates will return for more interviews.Shetter said he hopes the finalists will meet with city staff and the community.Burleson is undergoing several development projects, including a conference center and hotel, Hidden Creek Parkway and High Point Business Park. Several parks have also opened recently.Last summer, Hawk's job was in limbo after several council members criticized his performance. But Hawk was not fired, and he announced his retirement.Elizabeth Campbell,817-390-7696Twitter: @fwstlizHave more to add? News tip? Tell us
