Town of Palm Beach Says Farewell to Tom Bradford

It was the changing of the guard on Tuesday, as Town Council gave a heartfelt fare thee well to Tom Bradford and unanimously received Kirk Blouin with open arms as the new Town of Palm Beach Town Manager.

Blouin’s employment contract was approved in a consensus, which will grant him a just under $212,000 annually; a boost of about 7 percent from his previous post as Public Safety Director.

Town Attorneys John Randolph and Margaret Cooper negotiated Blouin’s contract, which required certain stipulations specific to the Town Manager position, with regard to his DROP participation; an optional pension program allowing employees to remain on the job after becoming eligible to draw. Blouin’s election into the program back in 2014, would require an extension past the limitation of 5 years, which had to be written into his employment contract.

Blouin was chosen by the council to replace Bradford in December, after it voted against renewing his contract due to differences of opinion, and a need for new leadership.

When Bradford was hired in 2014, his council-approved employment contract stipulates he is to receive severance pay and benefits for 20 weeks following its termination.

Town of Palm Beach Says Farewell to Tom Bradford

Bradford’s 22 years of devoted service to the Town of Palm Beach, did not go unnoticed. He was acknowledged by Mayor Gail Coniglio for his contributions to the town, having served in numerous roles. She awarded him with a plaque that praises him for his “loyal, distinguished and dedicated service to the resident of Palm Beach,” earning him a standing, cheerful ovation.

Related>> Palm Beach Town Council Names Kirk Blouin As Town Manager

Bradford addressed Mayor Coniglio, the Town Council and all those in attendance, in a show of gratitude before making his exit speech. Stating, “I always tried to do what I thought was right, and to do it the best I could. I hope I’m remembered as a good teammate. I want to thank you for this wonderful ride in my professional life, and may God bless each of you and everyone in this room.”