By Sheryl Hamlin
The Planning Commission had approved this project in July 2019 granting a small relief to the applicant, but could not adjust the fees. The applicant subsequently appealed to the City Council. At that time, council determined that the item was too complicated for a single hearing and asked the staff to return with recommendations.At the January 15, 2020 meeting, City Manager Singer presented a summary of a complex agreement between staff, the applicant and the applicant’s lawyers.
Mayor Araiza recused himself from this item without indicating why the recusal.
During the discussion Council Member Sobel asked if this action would set a precedent for future development? City Attorney Cotti said no because this action was “project specific”.
The applicant thanked the staff for its hard work.
The project was approved 4-0. Click here to see pictures and renderings.
Staff Reorganization
City Manager Singer presented a new staff organization. With the departure of the Assistant City Manager Tamaupeau, City Manager Singer recommended that the job description of that position be reassigned. The Economic Development activities of the ACM would be assigned to the Community Development Department under James Mason. This department will be renamed “Community and Economic Development Department”.
Public Information and Outreach would be under the City Manager. A new position under the City Manager at an analyst level described as follows:
It is further recommended that the Assistant City Manager position be replaced with a Management Analyst – City Manager Department position……This position would handle numerous projects and tasks within the department….such activities would include coordination of public outreach, development of legislative priorities and advocacy, crafting of new policies and ordinances and research and analysis of various studies.
In the Public Works Department, a job description is to be modified creating an Associate Civil Engineer and deleting a position Senior Engineer Technician which the department has been unable to fill for a year. It is hoped that with a larger salary and higher title, the city can attract an engineer to this position.
In the Water Division, the staff is asking to add another Water Engineer to bring the total to three who maintain the water production, testing and delivery. This will allow for redundancy.
The City Manager said that there would be another reorganization presented in the Spring.
Council Member Crosswhite asked about the Economic Development Subcommittee which has never met. She also mentioned that the ACM was involved in the Emergency Operations plan.
City Manager Singer noted that legislative work as described in the ACM job description created by former City Manager Rock was not happening under the former ACM.
This item passed unanimously.
To watch the entire presentation, click here.
For more information about author, click sherylhamlin dot com
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