Holbrook Interim city Manager Randy Sullivan has taken on the daunting task of formulating a plan for development for the City of Holbrook after years of stagnation under former management. Although Sullivan has served the city for the past 15 years as finance director, public works director, even as interim manager following the exit of another city manager in the past, he has never held the title of city manager, which he noted, can make decision making a challenge.
“I’m just interim and I’m not sure I have council support to be hired as a permanent manager, so it’s challenging. I’m being asked to make some tough decisions and I’m making them and doing them right, because I feel it’s the right thing to do, but in two months I may not be the guy managing those decisions and things may change.”
Not only is the city entering into the process of determining the next city manager, this is also an election year with three council seats up for grabs, meaning that viewpoints and priorities of potentially new council members could change the trajectory of what the council wants from city administration. Prompting the question of whether or not this current council should be the governing body making the decision for hiring a new city manager. Sullivan has been with the city long enough and says he knows the best way forward is to work hard, do what he believes is best for the community and if he lacks certain skills, he’ll hire the person who has the needed expertise.
Case and point are the items high on Sullivan’s priority list for improvement, which is code enforcement and improvements to parks. Sullivan has contracted with Joe Jarvis on an hourly wage to take on commercial code enforcement. Jarvis worked for cities and municipalities in the region before starting his own company for municipal and business consulting, and technical assistance. He has extensive experience in this field and brings a wealth of knowledge to address those concerns, which in Holbrook remain plentiful.
In addition to commercial code enforcement, Jarvis is being tasked to be the main liaison for the Holbrook Planning & Zoning Commission and will be the main contact for those wanting to develop a commercial property. He has already established that the commission will be meeting monthly to address developments and learn about issues within the city’s commercial areas.
Sullivan said that in line with that, the city will be addressing sub-standard rentals. “We are looking to develop a ‘slum lord’ policy. There’s only so much the city can do in those circumstances but there’s still some things we can address. We’re really just trying to get some teeth in dealing with code enforcement and clean up some of these spaces.
Last year the city hired Barbara Blythe part time to address residential code enforcement and that effort alone is quite extensive. Blythe has located several funding opportunities for residents to take advantage of that will allow them to improve the safety and weatherizing of their homes at no cost to the home owner. This effort not only improves the homes and the lives of the individuals living in them, it also improves neighborhoods.
Regarding the concern for nepotism amongst staff that was brought up by the city council, Sullivan resolved the problem and has moved Pat Serna from streets supervisor to the position of supervisor over parks and recreation. That position was previously held by Napo Baldonado, who retired this month. “The perception for the concern of nepotism was because he (Baldonado) was over his son and brother, but in reality, we really didn’t have somebody else.” Baldonado made the decision to retire from his position after 34 years with the city. Sullivan is pleased with having Serna over the parks and recreation program, noting that Serna began his career with the parks department and has actually served there the longest. “He’s got some really great ideas. I think he’s the best person for the job.”
Regarding recreation, Sullivan brought up the concept developed years ago for a fishing pond at the west end of the city, north of Hopi Drive and west of the residential area. The previous manager had no interest in pursuing the project but Sullivan still views it as a viable project, not only to serve the residents but those visiting Holbrook.
“I met with Stantec (the original engineers on the project) and went through why they were done with the project and they basically felt they didn’t have backing from the city before because (the manager) squashed it. But they still like the idea. They said there might be some things they have to work through as they have some concerns with water quality, which I think we can work out.” However, Sullivan added, the engineers also said they wanted more support from the community and the council before they step up, as this was a project taken on by Stantec at no cost to the city.
“I’m trying to build that up again but I might not even be the city manager in two months and someone else might come in and squash it,” he said. After meeting with Serna and Mayor Kathleen Smith, Sullivan is hoping to get the plan for the pond written into the general plan. “If we have it in the plan then it doesn’t matter if I’m here or if it’s someone else as city manager, it’s in the general plan.”
Sullivan also said the city is working on having all of the parks ADA compliant, meaning playground equipment that allows children with disabilities to enjoy. This includes bucket swings and even a swing for wheelchair-bound children, all of which have already been purchased. “We just need to build it. We’re going to come up with a vision for each park. Lisitzky Park doesn’t have any swing sets, so we have sets coming in for that park too.”
Sullivan is also working with Serna to create programs for the community at the parks that will include input from the kids in the community. “We want the community to be involved and create something that everyone can enjoy.” Sullivan is also vetting out an idea for a recreation center that is a safe and enjoyable environment for the city’s youth.
Regarding Serna’s former position as street supervisor, it remains open for the time being since with the colder weather no big projects are being completed. “I don’t know if I’m going to fill it right away. If I’m not going to be in this (city manager) position, then it might be best for the next person to hire for that.” The city begins developing the process for hiring a permanent manager this week during its work session scheduled for today (Wednesday).
