Saying that it’s getting near the time for him to retire and enjoy other activities in life, especially spending time with his grandchildren, Atlantic Parks and Recreation Director Roger Herring, Monday, told the Parks and Rec. Board that it’s time to start looking for someone to succeed him. He said “As I look down the road…I’m proud of all the things we’ve accomplished, yet there’s more to do…when I took this position, I committed to five-years…I will fulfill my five-years, but…I’m not getting any younger and there’s things I want to do.”

Herring has a little less than two-year remaining on his five-year commitment. He’s spoken with Atlantic Mayor Dave Jones and City Administrator Doug Harris, about the possibility of hiring a full-time assistant to work alongside him and learn the ropes. Herring says the assistant would learn the Operations aspect of the department, which would allow Herring to work on other, important aspects of the job, such as grant-writing.

Herring said he has a person in mind for the position, but it would be premature to announce anything at this time. He said he would like to have someone in-place later this winter or early next spring. The person hired would be responsible for some of the labor intensive parts of the job, as well as learning the administrative aspects.

Mayor Jones said he backs Herring’s request for an assistant. He said he’ll meet next week with the City’s Personnel and Finance Committee to discuss funding for the position.