Three Warrenton city employees were fired last week, including two department heads. Recreation Director Patrick Randolph and Human Resources Manager Deb Jett were both terminated following action taken by aldermen in a closed meeting held last Tuesday, Jan. 18. The city moved quickly to fill Randolph’s position, hiring special events coordinator Jenny Hoffmann as his replacement. Terri Thorn, director of operations/finance officer, declined to discuss the reasonings behind the personnel moves. Prior to the promotion, Hoffmann was working 20 hours a week and being paid $16,328 annually. Her salary was being paid out of the city’s tourism fund. Hoffmann will now be paid $55,000. She has been employed with the city for a little over three years and will lean on her previous experience working in the recreation department. When Hoffmann first began working for the city, she was employed full time while creating and overseeing the special events and assisting Randolph. Hoffmann said she is excited about the new opportunity. “Timing is everything,” Hoffmann said. “I didn’t envision myself going full time. When the opportunity came up to help the city and fill this position, I was able to look at where I am family-wise. At this point, there is more time for me to commit to my career. Hoffmann, who obtained a sports management degree from Lindenwood University and played softball there and overseas briefly, has been busy settling into her new position. The start of registration for youth summer baseball, softball and T-ball has been pushed back to Feb. 7 and will continue through March 4. A late registration fee will be accessed for anyone registering thereafter. Hoffmann said the Sweetheart Dance will continue to be held on Feb. 26, though the shoe exchange program scheduled for March 12 has been canceled. “With my previous experience in rec department, I feel pretty solid with where I am now,” Hoffmann said. “Moving forward, the theme I would like to bring on is there are opportunities for everyone to enjoy the programs, despite their level of skills and experience.” With Hoffmann continuing to be in charge of the city’s special events, such as the annual Auto Fest, Circus, Catch the Glow, Hometown Market and carnival, Thorn said a recreation assistant will be hired to assist her. Thorn expected the city to begin advertising the new position within the next three weeks. “I think we have the highest expectations for her,” Thorn said. “She has excelled in everything she has done for the city.” Randolph had been the city’s only recreation director since being hired in November 2006. He was being paid $56,259.84. Jett had been employed with the city since May 2008. Her annual salary was $34,659.86. Thorn said Jett’s duties will be absorbed by current city staff. Also at the closed meeting, maintenance laborer Austin Love was fired. He had been employed with the city since December 2010. All three firings were approved by a 5-0 vote by aldermen. Ward 1 Dan Dieckmann was absent.