Terri Thorn, city director of operations, said Jim Daly would serve as the interim building commissioner until a new commissioner can be hired. The Warrenton Board of Aldermen unanimously approved Daly's appointment at its regular meeting Tuesday. Daly's salary will be $40,000 annually. "This is a fairly slow time in the department's operation," said Thorn. "Jim feels very comfortable in serving as the interim commissioner." Daly said he has served the city in the same capacity in the past and feels "confident I can do a good job." Thorn said the city did not have a specific timetable for replacing Fick, who has accepted a training and management position with a firm in St. Louis. Fick's annual salary was $49,000. "We will give Jim the opportunity to be the interim building commissioner," said Thorn, "and see how things go from there." Fick could not be reached for comment. He took over the position in April and was the fourth person to fill that role in the past two years. His predecessor, Nick Beelek, was dismissed by the city in January after just about one year on the job. Prior to that, Bill Penney served as the building commissioner for approximately six months. Penney resigned to take another job with a private firm. Bob Soderholm was dismissed by the city in the summer of 2006. The trend of rapid turnover in the position, said Thorn, was disturbing to city officials. "I wish I knew," said Thorn when asked why the city seems to have problems retaining a building commissioner. "I really believed Neal was going to be the person to make this department a shining light," Thorn related. "I felt he brought the knowledge and the right personality into the job. "I'm disappointed it didn't work out," said Thorn. Fick's duties as building commissioner included inspections and reviews of all building plans for new structures, as well as erosion control within the city. Thorn said the requirements of a building commissioner included those of using "his own discretion in many instances. "There's some room for interpretation in many cases," said Thorn. "I don't know if that's the reason (for the frequent turnover)." Hoffman's tenure as event planner for the recreation department included several new events this year. She set up a car and laser light show in May at the city's new outdoor recreation complex and also organized a carnival at Preferred Outlets of Warrenton two weekends ago. In addition, the city will host a music fest on Aug. 2 at the Warren County Fairgrounds. Hoffman's role will eventually be filled, Thorn said, although the city is not certain when.