Bessemer seeks director of community development

By PAMELA JANSSON

pjansson@yourdailyglobe.com

The Bessemer City Council took steps on May 8 to create a new position for a director of community development.

Council members asked interim city manager Mandy Lake, with the assistance of other office staff, to create a rough draft of an application form for the pending new position, which may result as either part time or full time.

Council members first questioned what title and responsibilities to associate with a new role.

“I think it has to include economic development,” said councilman Adam Zak, who added that planning and zoning also should be part of the job.

Zak said that the existing office staff members do not have time to address those tasks while also managing their regular responsibilities.

“Plus, we’re getting another skill set in the office,” he said of the potential new hiree.

Councilman Mark Serwe said that the new person also should manage the city’s grant writing.

In addition, councilwoman Linda Nelson said that he or she should create or update any city plans, such as the master plan, capital improvement plan and parks and recreation plan.

Under those terms, Zak then asked Mandy Lake — who also works as the city’s clerk/treasurer — whether she thought it would be feasible for her to continue as treasurer while also taking on the role of city manager.

Lake said she probably could handle both roles on a permanent basis but added that the city charter states that the city manager oversees the treasurer. Zak told her to ask city attorney Ray O’Dea about whether that presents a problem.

Given Lake’s interest in becoming city manager, Zak said he saw no reason to post an opening for that position. Instead, he said that — once a community development director is hired — the council could reassign the roles of existing staff.

He spoke not only of Lake becoming city manager/treasurer, but also of the possibility of deputy clerk Samantha Dorr becoming city clerk and utility clerk Lisa Selin becoming deputy clerk.

Council members and office staff were undecided as to whether a potential community development director should be full time or part time. Dorr suggested simply asking candidates their preference on the application form.

City officials also questioned whether the pending new hiree should be titled as an economic development director or as a community development director.

Serwe liked the “punch” in emphasizing economic development, but Nelson, Dorr and Selin favored the broader sweep of community development.

Mayor Peter Tacconelli commended council members and staff for working through the details.

All members except Mark Movrich were present at the special meeting.

City Council members expect to discuss the issue again at their May 27 regular meeting.