Buckeye council unanimously appoints Douglas Sandstrom as city manager

The Buckeye City Council on Aug. 26 voted unanimously to enter into an employment agreement appointing Douglas Sandstrom as the city manager.

The city attorney summarized the recruitment and vetting process, saying the council conducted a nationwide search and that staff and a consultant narrowed dozens of applicants to finalists. "Turns out that the best candidate in the nation to fill our position was right under our roof, with mister Sandstrom," the city attorney said during the presentation.

The attorney also thanked David Roderick, who served as interim city manager, and Cindy Camarett, the human resources director, for their roles in carrying out the search and transition. The council then moved to approve the employment agreement and the mayor called for the vote; the motion passed unanimously.

Douglas Sandstrom addressed the council after approval. "I am very, very honored by having been selected by the mayor and council for this, and I'm extremely embarrassed by everything that our city attorney said," Sandstrom said, adding he is "extremely happy" to take the position and look forward to leading the organization. The transcript records council praise and thanks for the transition effort during the interim period.

The employment agreement was presented as conforming to parameters discussed in executive session; the clerk recorded a unanimous aye vote on the motion to enter into the agreement. The agreement appoints Sandstrom as city manager and authorizes the mayor to execute the document on the city's behalf. The council and staff said the appointment positions the city to continue current projects and planned growth initiatives.