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After 33 years of public service, the last 13 as Holladay city manager, Randy Fitts is stepping down.

He may be tough to replace ­— after all, how many city managers cook for their city councils?

For several years, the council has begun its regular meetings with a group dinner, and Fitts often prepares it.

He's pretty good in the kitchen, says Councilman Steve Gunn.

"I've been cooking salmon for my wife and using one of Randy's recipes," Gunn said.

Fitts will leave his post June 16 to help oversee his family business, US Novelty Company. He previously served on the South Salt Lake City Council and as mayor of that municipality.

"I believe I've taken the city [of Holladay] to a point where I can't take it any higher," Fitts said.

He said he originally took the job on an interim basis, and thought it was supposed to last six weeuks. "It ended up being a long six weeks," he said.

City accomplishments of which he is most proud during his tenure include major annexations and construction of a new fire station. His one major disappointment: the Cottonwood Mall. Closed in 2008 during the recession, Utah's first mall has seen many plans for resurrection, but none has yet clicked.

City Councilwoman Patricia Pignanelli said Fitts was one of the finest people she's ever worked with. While she was on the other side of Fitts on many political and religious issues, she said they were always able to reach a middle ground.

"We didn't always agree, but he always listened," she said. And she praised the timing of his retirement from the city and expressed intention to spend more time with his family. "Smart people always know when it's time to leave."

Councilman Mark Stewart, elected in November and installed in January, said Fitts was a huge help as Stewart learned his way around City Hall and its issues.

"He was always there to answer a question. He will be greatly missed," he said.

Stewart also said the city probably won't be able to find a replacement with the skills or inclination to prepare dinner for the council.

Cooking is not one of the qualifications listed in the city's posting for applicants.