Flower Mound Town Council on Nov. 6 approved a little more than $48,000 to spend on search firms to find replacements for the town’s police chief and library director. Police Chief Andy Kancel and Flower Mound Public Library Director Sue Ridnour are both set to retire.
What happened
Town Manager James Childers told council he realized how the news of the departures of Kancel and Ridnour might have come as a surprise to the general public.
“They’ve been awesome and phenomenal in serving this community,” Childers said. “The good news is that they’re going to stay on board through this entire process so we have a smooth transition.”
He expects Kancel and Ridnour to stay through March until their replacements are on board. He said celebrations and recognitions eventually will be held for them.
Anna Thorsen, communications specialist for the town, said in an email that Ridnour’s last day will be March 28, and Kancel’s official retirement date is Nov. 24, but he is expected to stay on as interim chief until March 2024 while town officials search for a replacement.
Diving in deeper
Ridnour has been with the library since 1999. She was the youth services librarian for 13 years and has served as the director for the past 11 years, Thorsen said.
Kancel has worked for the police department for 10 years, beginning as chief in November 2013. Before his stint in Flower Mound, he was at North Richland Hills Police Department for 24 years.
The details
For the police chief position, council approved hiring Strategic Government Resources, a full-service firm specializing in executive recruitment. The company submitted a proposal and agreement that includes providing executive search services for a fee not to exceed $24,150, the council agenda stated.
The company will provide the town with the following search services: position profile brochure and marketing, semifinalist recorded online interviews, media reports, background investigation reports, reference checks and up to two multiday on-site visits.
For the library director search, council approved Bradbury Miller Associates, a national firm specializing in public, academic and special libraries. Bradbury Miller Associates submitted a proposal and agreement that includes providing executive search services for a flat fee of $24,000, the council memo stated.
Bradbury Miller will provide the town with the following search services: recruitment strategy, including a regional and national networking program; promotion; outreach; identification of potential candidates; initial candidate screening; candidate assessment; semifinal and final interviewing and reference verifications.
