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Administrator, finance director, water and wastewater supervisor to retire at year-end

By
Lori Sorenson

Luverne City Administrator John Call presented his last budget hearing during his last City Council meeting Tuesday, Dec. 6, ahead of his official retirement at the end of the month.
Luverne Mayor Pat Baustian thanked him for his leadership.
“He’s led our community and our city for 17 years, and he’s been one of the most involved city administrators that I’ve ever worked with,” Baustian said at the end of the meeting.
He said Call has been a mentor to administrators in other communities around the state.
“Many, many other city administrators look up to Mr. Call. … You’ve given them guidance and mentorship,” Baustian said. “As mayor, I’ve been very proud to work with you on the city council.”
Luverne’s new city administrator, Jill Wolf, began training under Call this week.
“The torch will be passed over the next two weeks, and we’re so grateful that you’re still giving us that time to mentor and bring our new city administrator up to speed,” Baustian said.
Call and his wife, Brenda, will continue living in Luverne after his retirement.
“The next person to help me move will be Jeff Hartquist,” Call joked.
Baustian thanked Call for his community involvement.
“Thank you, and congratulations on your retirement,” he said. “We’re happy you’re staying here.”
Call admitted he was getting choked up, but responded, “You’re very much welcome. It’s all been good. I appreciate everything.”
With that, the meeting adjourned while council members stood and applauded their retiring city leader.
 
Torch passed in city finance and water and wastewater departments
The city administrator isn’t the only city leadership position changing hands this year.
City Finance Director Barb Berghorst retired this summer after more than 30 years at the helm, and Luverne Water and Wastewater Supervisor Al Lais retires at year-end after nearly 50 years with the city.
Robyn Wessels has taken over as finance director, and Darrel Ykema is the new Water and Wastewater Department supervisor.
The Star Herald will feature these landmark retirements in next week’s edition.

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