Lemoore City Council hires its public director as 'interim' city manager

Lemoore City Attorney Jenell Van Bindsbergen issued the recommendation to approve Olson for the position of “interim city manager” beginning June 7. He could work for at least one year at $125,000 the first year.

Only Councilmember Holly Blair voted against Olson. “I would like to say that I strongly disagree with this recommendation,” she said without elaborating.

Olson was hired by the city in 2015, arriving in Lemoore to take on the public works department. He has a degree in business management and prior to serving with Lemoore he worked at Blue Diamond Growers in Turlock as the operations manager.

He took over the reins from longtime Public Works Director David Wlaschin, who retired in 2015. 

"It's a privilege to be serving the community as interim city manager," said Olson. "My family has deep roots in the community which makes this opportunity a perfect fit. We have an executive team that works well together and is committed to the betterment of Lemoore."

The public works director is responsible for storm water maintenance, water, building and construction, refuse, engineering and sewer, attributes a city manager should probably be well versed in.  

“Nathan is well respected by city staff and his peers on the leadership team. I feel he will continue the necessary stability established during Chief Smith's assignment as acting city manager,” said Mayor Ray Madrigal.

“He understands the current challenges facing the city and has been actively engaged in resolving key issues which came under his purview as public works director, and he’s demonstrated the knowledge, skill and ability to lead our team in the interim. I also like his extensive experience in the private sector which gives him a different perspective for achieving practical solutions.”

Lemoore Police Chief Darrell Smith was the acting city manager when Andi Welsh, the previous city manager, was placed on administrative leave. She has since resigned from the City of Lemoore and left the area.