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Interim Manager Wants Overhaul Of Tarpon Departments

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By Mark  Schantz | The Suncoast News

Published: August 23, 2008

TARPON SPRINGS - On Tuesday, city commissioners plan to consider whether to approve interim City Manager Mark LeCouris recommendation to reorganize various city departments.

The regular City Commission session, delayed a week by Tropical Storm Fay, will start at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 26, at City Hall.

In addition, under LeCouris' proposal each pay grade of nonunion city workers, excluding those at the city-owned Tarpon Springs Golf Course, would be increased by 1.5 percent. The cost is in line with past year's cost-of-living increases, so the city remains competitive, LeCouris said.

In the city's fiscal 2009 budget, salaries for municipal workers who receive a satisfactory performance evaluation could be increased by 3 percent.

Regarding the staff overhaul, LeCouris is proposing a major reorganization of the Planning and Zoning Department.

If the plan were approved, Planning Director Renae Vincent would administer the Community Redevelopment Agency, create a Multi-Modal Transportation District and spearhead economic development both downtown and at the Sponge Docks.

Planning staff envisions the city establishing a marketing campaign and working with interested developers and property owners to revitalize the city's economic base, Development Services Director Joseph Di Pasqua said in a report to LeCouris.

Potential incentives to spark revitalization include establishing a 10-year tax abatement plan for improving historical properties and offering a revolving loan fund to help property renovations in the redevelopment district.

Many business people, residents and commissioners have asked city staff to find ways to focus more on economic development of downtown and the Sponge Docks, the city's two main visitor magnets. In making the request they often cite the successful redevelopment program within Dunedin's downtown retail and hospitality district.

Vincent would also administer special projects and focus on changes to the capital improvement element of the city's state-mandated comprehensive growth management plan.

Under LeCouris' plan, the urban planner position within the Development Services Department's would be upgraded to principal planner. The position would play a larger role in managing highly complex programs, such as the department's absorption of economic development, CRA and technical projects.

The city's permit and licensing technician position would be upgraded to development services coordinator, with expanded duties of supervising customer service and offering administrative and technical support for the department.

The city can afford to upgrade these positions because it has consolidated the Planning Department in recent years, eliminating five positions, DiPasqua said.

Within the Public Services Department, LeCouris wants to upgrade two building maintenance worker positions, one to carpenter and another to plumber specialist.

The city saves upward of $50,000 a year by having employees do 95 percent of its plumbing and electrical work and 85 percent of its carpentry rather than paying contractors. This savings will pay for the upgrades, according to Public Services Director Juan Cruz.

In the cultural and civic services division, an executive secretary position would be upgraded to marketing and communications coordinator to recognize the work this employee has gradually absorbed. These duties include promotion, publicity, fundraising and training.

Savings from not having to pay for contractual services will fund the upgrade, Cultural Affairs Director Kathleen Monahan said in a memo to LeCouris.

Mark Schantz can be reached at 727-815-1075 or mschantz@suncoastnews.com.

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