At midday Friday, Cape Girardeau city manager Doug Leslie was in his office discussing Monday night's city council meeting with Mayor Jay Knudtson and assistant city manager Ken Eftink.

It is a meeting Leslie will not attend.

Instead, Monday will be Leslie's first day of retirement. And at a farewell reception Friday afternoon, Leslie fought to control tears as he listened to Knudtson, members of the city council and city staff praise him as an understated, gentlemanly figure who mixed dedication to his duties with concern for the well-being of city workers.

"We try to take credit for the good stuff and when bad stuff happens, we try to make it your fault," Knudtson joked as he thanked Leslie for his 19 years with the city.

Leslie has plans — renewing his pilot's license, getting his boat in shape for use and flying remote control airplanes — that should keep him busy, he said. But he's also got some packing to do. He hasn't taken any time to collect the memorabilia of almost two decades in city government or put away reminders of his University of Arkansas alma mater.

At the reception, after receiving the proclamations, cards and accolades, the clearly emotional Leslie thanked the more than 80 people who joined the party — "it is just really awesome to see the support of friends" — and promised he would return for a visit from time to time.

"I am just so privileged to have been a part of it," Leslie said.

Leslie moved to Cape Girardeau in 1990 after stints in Texarkana, Ark., and Nevada, Mo., as a city official in positions that included public works director and city manager. He was hired as assistant public works director, quickly moved to the top job in the department and, after stints as assistant city manager and interim city manager, received the city's top job in 2003.

In describing how employees felt about their boss, Heather Brooks said it was the little courtesies and positive attitude that city workers will remember. "He has probably touched each and every employee in this organization in a positive manner," she said.

While Eftink will take over as interim manager, the search for Leslie's replacement is proceeding. A city council screening committee with John Voss, Loretta Schneider and Marcia Ritter will begin by holding a closed meeting March 23 to review applications. The deadline for applications is March 20.

The next city manager needs to provide vision for the future, proven problem-solving skills and the ability to mobilize an organization, Voss said. Expertise in economic development will be important, but applicants won't be disqualified if they have never worked in city government, he said.

The pool of applicants will be narrowed for review, then narrowed again for in-depth reference checks and interviewing, Voss said. The subcommittee's goal is to be finished so the new city manager can take over in June, Voss said.

As he received congratulations from guests at the end of the reception, Leslie said he will remember the good working relationship he had with city staff, even with the occasional bumps. "It makes the job a labor of love," he said.

rkeller@semissourian.com

388-3642

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