Rick Duquette's first job for the City of Grand Forks required him to wear a police uniform. Thirty-four years, he'll be retiring in a suit and tie, a uniform of a kind for the city's top unelected official.
Duquette, 57, said he's officially calling it quits Oct. 1 after a dozen years as city administrator.
"Leaving (the city) in a good place is important to me," he said.
He notified Mayor Mike Brown and City Council members of his decision Monday, he said.
"You know that employee you can recommend whole-heartedly without hesitation? That's Rick," Brown said Tuesday. "He's strong on all fronts."
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Brown added Duquette had blossomed in his leadership role and will be missed.
As city administrator, Duquette is charged with overseeing the day-to-day operations of city government.
Duquette said he is proud of his office's ability to work effectively with City Council during his time with the city. Other career accomplishments Duquette said he is pleased with are reducing the amount of mills residents pay in taxes, establishing more leadership training opportunities in City Hall and creating an employee succession plan.
Following his retirement, Duquette said he plans to continue working although he would not specify what he would be doing.
He began his career with the city as a police officer. After nine years in that role, he became an investigator and in 1991 was named investigative coordinator of an interagency drug task force. In 1993, he became a night watch commander.
Three years later, Duquette took the job of mayor's assistant under Mayor Pat Owens.
Duquette secured his current role after serving as an interim city administrator following the abrupt resignation of his predecessor Richard Warne.
Call Jewett at (701) 780-1108; (800) 477-6572, ext. 1108; or send email to bjewett@gfherald.com .
