The Spray Lake Sawmills Family Recreation Park Society has announced that top staffer, Robin Mitchell, is no longer working at the facility. "The board of directors of the SLSFSC regret to inform you that we have terminated the employment of our general manager and executive director Robin Mitchell," said society president, Hank Biesbroek in a press release. "We are not prepared to discuss the details of his termination. The board is looking to take some time to reflect and reorganize and will continue to champion the physical and social well-being of the community. There should be no apparent change in programs or services at SLSFSC." The volunteer board is tasked to operate the SLSFSC facility on behalf of its owners – the Town of Cochrane and Rocky View County, who jointly own the facility. Although only sparse details were given, Biesbroek did add that this was a "tough decision for the board" and that Mitchell had a "great tenure" with the facility. He also said he and other board members will be spending more time at the facility during this transition period "to give confidence to the staff that we're not on a witch hunt." An interim manager, Adrian Sakundiak, has been hired. Although Sakundiak does not have a recreational background, Biesbroek said he is a highly qualified candidate with impressive education and business credentials. Biesbroek said the board acknowledges that this will be a significant transition for the staff of more than 200 and that the board is doing their best to ensure the facility continues to strive for excellency. In September, council learned that the facility was facing a $1.2-million shortfall this year, largely due to ballooning staffing costs resulting from mandatory stat holiday pay and minimum wage hikes, as well as unforeseen pool chemical costs and membership sales slowing down. Biesbroek clarified that membership sales are not down, rather that forecasted sales have not been met. While the board gave the green light for an operational audit, it has been put on hold while the board deals with the current staffing change. Biesbroek did say early indications have revealed that when compared to similar facilities in the province, the SLSFSC is well-positioned and headed in the right direction and that the facility has experienced many shifts since taking on the Jayman BUILT Aquatic Centre and Phillips Curling Centre – all which he chalks up to positive learning experiences.
