JANUARY 28, 2010 ISSUE
Bailey Hired As New Boone Planning Director
Begins Work February 1
Bill Bailey will begin his new job as director of Development Services—the Town of Boone’s planning department—on Monday, February 1, Town Manager Greg Young said.
“I look forward for him to get started,” Young said. “I think he’ll be an asset to the town. We’re excited.”
Young said Bailey has worked in the planning field at various locations and that he has experience with smart growth principles.
The town hired The MAPS (Management and Personnel Services) Group, a team of consultants based in Cary, to help assess the 153 applications it received for the position. The MAPS Group was paid $5,800 for its services.
According to the job description, the director engages in professional and administrative work planning, organizing and directing the activities and programs of the 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.
Town staff did not provide a requested copy of Bailey’s resume as of press time.
Jim Byrne, special assistant to the town manager, has served as interim Development Services director since March 2009, when former director John Spear vacated the position. Town staff have not commented on the reason Spear vacated the position.
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