HARVARD – The city has replaced Parks and Recreation Superintendent Bob Burkart after notifying the 19-year city veteran he’d be let go last month.

Harvard officials cited an inability to reach established city goals when making the decision to fire Burkart in mid-January, City Administrator Dave Nelson said. Nelson said City Council members reached a consensus on the move, although Mayor Jay Nolan has ultimate hiring and firing authority.

“In my experience anyway, my employer doesn’t really pull any punches,” Nelson said. “This is what we want to get done – A, B, C, D – and you’re evaluated off the goals you set, and rightfully so.”