Lagerbloom Takes Milton City Manager Job Again

By DOUG NURSE
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Wednesday, February 04, 2009

For Chris Lagerbloom, his first stint as Milton city manager was an ordeal; the second time was better; and the third time, he actually kind of wanted the job.

Lagerbloom, the city’s public safety director, now has the city manager job for keeps. The deal won’t be clinched officially for a couple of weeks while the city meets legal advertising requirements.

“He’s been around since the city’s inception (Dec. 1, 2006),” said Mayor Joe Lockwood. “He knows the ins and outs of the city, he gets along with the City Council, and the staff and the public. What he lacks in longterm experience, he makes up in willingness to go the extra mile.”
Lagerbloom said in a prepared statement that he’s enthused about the future.

“I am very excited about this opportunity,” said Lagerbloom. “Having lived in Milton for nearly two decades, I have a lot of faith in the City and would be honored to help lead Milton in this position.”

Lagerbloom stepped into the breach in August 2007 after then-City Manager Aaron Bovos resigned under fire. He labored to keep the city afloat until April 2008 when the City Council hired veteran administrator Billy Beckett.

But in August, Beckett threw in the towel, saying he was tired of the constant head-banging with some members of the City Council. Once again, the city turned to Lagerbloom, who, armed with some experience, felt a little more comfortable in the city manager position.

In October, the council hired Mortimer Smedley on a short-term contract until a permanent city manager could be found. Mayor Joe Lockwood said he determined Lagerbloom was willing to take the job.

When the Council agreed to let Smedley resign Friday, three weeks early, it asked Lagerbloom to fill in yet again.

Then on Tuesday, council members concluded they might as well let him have the top administrative post.

Before joining Milton, Lagerbloom served in the Alpharetta Police Department for 11 years, rising to the rank of captain. He was leader of the fledgling city’s Public Safety Work Team that planned the launch of the police and fire departments.

He has taught public safety leadership at Reinhardt College since early 2008. He also is co-chair of the State Certification Committee for the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police
Lagerbloom earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Georgia State University and a master’s degree in public administration from Columbus State University.