MAY 21, 2009 ISSUE
Boone’s Hiring a New Director of Development Services—Why Should We Care?
Since March, Jim Byrne, special assistant to the Boone town manager, has acted as the interim director of Boone Development Services, filling the vacancy left by former director John Spear. Currently, the Town of Boone, with the help of consultants, has finished assessing the 143 applications it has received for the position and has sent out 56 supplemental applications to desirable candidates.
The hiring of consultants, mixed with the numerous crucial town functions and tasks required of the job, speaks to the significance of the position and underscores the importance of choosing an able candidate.
“It’s a very important job,” said Boone Town Manager Greg Young. “It’s a key department head role.”
Application Process…
The Town of Boone worked with the North Carolina League of Municipalities to team with The MAPS (Management and Personnel Services) Group, a team of consultants from across North Carolina but based in Cary, to help assess the more than 100 applications and whittle the list down to just above 50. According to Boone Director of Human Resources Perry Moretz, the Town of Boone is paying The MAPS Group $5,800 for their services, which will continue to be utilized throughout the interview process.
Young said interviews to fill the position will begin in June and, hopefully, the position will be filled next month as well.
Job Description…
According to the director of development services job description, the director engages in professional and administrative work planning, organizing and directing the activities and programs of the Boone Development Services Department. According to Young, the director exercises supervision over eight to 10 employees.
“The executive director provides leadership and direct management for environmental affairs, economic vitality and community sustainability, including development review, area planning, environmental planning, growth management, urban design, historic preservation, intergovernmental coordination and adherence to smart growth principles,” according to the job description.
More specifically, the director plans and directs short- and long-range planning activities, services and programs, including subdivision regulations and environmental code enforcement; coordinates and supervises the enforcement of building codes and zoning ordinances; serves as staff support to Boone Town Council, Boone Planning Board and various related boards and committees; coordinates work with Young and other departments; prepares a department budget; and maintains complete records and files of all development activities within the town.
The job requires the director to handle sometimes difficult public reaction to matters such as code enforcement, building permit decisions, proposed improvement projects, proposed private development projects and zoning and land use decisions, all while handling the day-to-day management activities of the department, such as answering questions from the public and employees, deciding on department purchases and acting as a liaison with other department heads. The director must also provide professional review input for the more controversial or complicated applications that the department receives.
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