Busy veteran administrator pleased but embarrassed by accolades

By Craig Westcott / July 21, 2023

You had the feeling watching him that if Bay Roberts’ chief administrative officer Nigel Black could have made himself disappear for five minutes Tuesday night, he would gladly have done so.

The five minutes in question came early in what turned out to be an issue-packed two-hour regular sitting of council. 

Mayor Walter Yetman used those minutes to compliment Black for a milestone he reached this past spring – 25 years of service as a municipal administrator.

“Something happened back in May that we need to recognize,” said Yetman, as the man who presides over what is arguably the busiest municipality in Newfoundland for its size put his head down and started to redden.

Yetman then started reading from a notice from the Canadian Association of Municipal Administrators, which had written the Town to advise Black had received an award for a quarter century of service. The recognition awards celebrate dedication to public service and municipal management by chief administrative officers across the country.

While being a key cog in the wheel that keeps towns running, the job of CAO can be thankless and challenging. In some communities, keeping councils, which are composed of individuals with their own interests and issues and no party discipline, focused on the agenda, can be like conducting an orchestra of tone deaf, self-taught would-be impresarios. Then there’s the complaints from some in the public who never will accept that a Town Hall can do anything right and is only there to collect taxes. On top of all that, you have to make sure the garbage is collected, the roads are cleared, the water and sewer systems are operating, the parks are safe, and the bills are paid. Twenty-five years in such a job is an education as well as an achievement.

“That’s a long time, Nigel,” said Yetman, who himself has been around councils for a while.

“For a young fellow,” replied Black, drawing appreciative laughs from around the table.

“We are grateful for all the work you’ve done,” said Yetman. “We are grateful to have you and hope you are with us for many years to come. And 25 years is a long time.”

Black began his career as a municipal administrator in 1997 in Fort St. James, British Columbia. He later took a position with the Town of Tumbler Ridge, B.C., before returning to work at Fort St. James and eventually taking the position he has now in Bay Roberts.

“Out of those 25 years, more than half of it has been here in Bay Roberts,” Black said.

“And this is your favourite, by far, right? said Yetman.

“That’s right,” said Black, who is also the past president of the Newfoundland and Labrador division of municipal administrators. Both the national and federal groups are dedicated to professionalizing municipal management. The Town of Bay Roberts has supported Black’s involvement in both groups.

“So, he’s been busy and we’re certainly glad to have him,” said the mayor as the councillors applauded and offered him their personal congratulations.

“That’s enough,” said Black, reddening further. “I do appreciate the words and I appreciate the support of council that participates in the provincial organization and also the federal one across Canada. They’re both great organizations and it’s great to be a part of it. Support from councils like this and all the ones before it is what makes that kind of thing happen, so thank you.”

But Yetman wasn’t quite finished. “It’s great to have you as a part of the team in Bay Roberts, and you’re doing a great job,” said the mayor.

“That’s enough of that,” Black pleaded.