11-19-2002 CC RPT 40 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

People Serving People CITY OF RIVERSIDE CITY COUNCIL MEMORANDUM Riverside Alt,America City HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL SUBJECT: INTERIM PLANNING DIRECTOR DATE: November 19, 2002 ITEM NO: 40 BACKGROUND: With the announcement of the retirement of Steve Whyld, the City Manager retained the executive search firm of Bob Murray and Associates to assist in the nationwide recruitment of Whyld's replacement. The position closed on November 8th, and we expect to have the new director on board by mid-January. As an interim step, we sought to retain the executive services of an external consultant to fill the Interim Planning Director role. There are several reasons that the City looked for an Interim Planning Director from outside of the organization rather than expecting existing staff to absorb the Planning Director's responsibilities. Foremost is the unprecedented level of development activity in Riverside. Fiscal Plan Full Building Construction Year Checks Plan Checks Permits Valuation~$ million) 1996-97 1,247 145 4,526 130.3 1997-98 1,294 148 4,674 144.8 1998-99 1,481 184 4,936 202.8 1999-00 1,564 153 5,377 325.9 2000-01 1,451 207 5,464 355.4 2001-02 1,840 240 5,998 356.0 Pr~.2002-03' 2,512 292 6,568 407.7 *Projection based on activity through September 30, 2002 Additionally, an experienced external director brings a valuable fresh perspective to the Planning Department at this critical time. The department is getting ready to launch a comprehensive update of the General Plan, Zoning Code, Subdivision and Sign Ordinances. The department is also continuing the comprehensive streamlining of the development review and building permit processes. These initiatives tax the already stretched resources of the Planning Department. As the Planning Department continues to refine its processes and improve service delivery through technology improvements, strategic planning and other means, it is beneficial to have a seasoned professional observe the department and make recommendations for improvements. On October 1, 2002, the City of Riverside entered into a thirty-day Temporary Employment Agreement with Gerald Jamriska to serve as Interim Planning Director. The thirty-day Agreement was completed in order to retain Mr. Jamriska quickly to maintain the continuity in the department. As you know, I brought a longer-term extension to Mr. Jamriska's Agreement to the Finance Committee after it was referred by the City Council. 40-1