Former Hesperia Mayor Jim Lindley is the new Dunsmuir City Manager. He previously worked as a purchasing director for the County of San Bernardino. He served on the Hesperia Council between 1998 and 2006, and campaigned for a Victor Valley Community College Trustee seat.
Ashley Villegas is no longer with the California Contract Cities Association staff. She has taken a position with Caremore in Cerritos.
Susanville City Manager Rob Hill and Public Works Director Craig Platt received City Council approval to appoint Nicolas Row as a full-time field-marketing representative in the natural gas division of the Public Works Department. Susanville, the Lassen County Seat, is committed to the success of its natural gas utility.
Highly respected veteran Montclair City Manager Lee McDougal retires with a day of golf at the Industry Hills Golf Club at Pacific Palms and a well-earned evening retirement party on June 11. Congratulations Lee!
Porterville City Manager John D. Lollis began his current tenure in January, 2009. John was the Deputy City Manager in Porterville starting in July, 2007, and took over for his boss John Longley upon his retirement.
After leaving the U.S. Marine Corps in 1983, Sioux City, Iowa City Manager Paul A. Eckert held positions in Foster City, Santa Paula, Paradise and Morgan Hill before taking the ACM job in Sioux City in 1997.
Veteran Costa Mesa City Manager Allan Roeder is seeking proposals to address a projected $16.4-million budget deficit. One proposal would cut 51 full-time positions from the budget, possibly reducing some to part-time. Even with the staff cuts, Costa Mesa is facing an $8 million budget short-fall.
On Saturday, October 16, 2010 the California Autism Foundation will hold a fundraising event, “Putting the Pieces Together,” 6:00 – 9:00 p.m., at the Rock Wall Winery in Alameda. The evening will include live music, wine tasting, hors d’oeuvres, raffle prizes, silent auction, and a Best of the Board Bin. For more information contact the California Autism Foundation, 4075 Lakeside Drive, Richmond 94806, telephone number 510-758-0433.
Redding Personnel Director Sandra Speer has taken a position as Head of Human Resources at the Northern California Rehabilitation Hospital. The City has appointed Avery Associates to negotiate with its labor unions. Redding City Manager Kurt Starman notes that Sandra’s leaving is not the reason a labor negotiations consultant was appointed. The idea was considered in 2009 when Linda Johnson was Personnel Director. James Wood is the new Interim Manager for the Tehachapi Valley Recreation and Parks District. Former manager Gary Opfermann resigned effective May 4, 2010. James Wood was a member of the District Board. His Board seat is expected to remain open during the manager recruitment so that James can retake his Board post upon the selection of a new manager.
Oakland “A’s” left-hander Dallas Braden, a Stockton native, became the 19th pitcher in Major League history and the second Oakland “A’s” pitcher to throw a perfect game. He used 109 pitches to retire 27-straight Tampa Bay Rays batters on Mother’s Day (May 9, 2010).
With the astonishing success and growth of the Coachella Music and Arts Festival, La Quinta City Manager Tom Genovese and Indio Interim City Manager Tara Adams have met to address how the cities might work together to improve the traffic control, noise, trash and other associated challenges brought to the communities by the event.
Rancho Cordova Management Analyst Alexandra Miller, is the new Assistant to the City Manager in Woodinville, Washington starting in April. Alex was a member of the MMANC Executive Board.
Former Turlock, Ceres and Livingston City Manager Tim Kerr notes that it may take up to a year for him to complete rehab on his foot following major surgery, but he is making progress.
Former Murrieta City Manager Steve Harding, an executive with the Kosmont Companies, is the new Interim City Manager in Menifee. Steve succeeds George Wentz, who was the City’s first City Manager, and left the position in May. Steve also is an adjunct professor in the Master of Public Administration program at the University of La Verne.
Englander Knabe & Allen have been retained by the City of Ontario to help explore the option of resuming control of L.A./Ontario International Airport. Ontario City Manager Chris Hughes notes that the firm has the “depth of knowledge” needed on the subject to work with the other interested public agencies.
Justin Green Kevin Radecki
The following listing of items/events/facts/issues was originally distributed in a June, 2010 Issue of the City Manager Newsletter by Trackdown. The newsletter is authored by former City Manager Jack A. Simpson. You may see the entire newsletter and all back issues without cost at the Trackdown Management Services web site: www.trackdownmanagement.net