Borough faces staffing changes

The Mat Su Borough is dealing with a number of resignations and changes.  Not only has Manager John Duffy given his 60-day notice, but Community Development Director Linda Brenner has resigned.

The Borough continues to look for a replacement for Talkeetna Sewer and Water maintenance man, Chuck Jacobs, who gave his notice last month and has moved to Homer.  Patty Sullivan, Borough spokesperson, added to the list of names and said that the Borough is saying goodbye to 30-year employee Lindsay Finney, who she says has been a very visible face in the G.I.S. department during emergencies such as floods and earthquakes.  Sullivan says that within the last few weeks Jacobs, Finney, Brenner and Bill Klebesdel have all retired or resigned.  Klebesadel was responsible for the Borough’s building and facilities planning and design and worked through Su Valley High’s construction.

Elizabeth Gray, also the Assistant Borough manager, has taken over the Community Development Director role from Brenner.  She says it will stay that way for now, although there is a possibility things will change when the 2011 fiscal year budget is approved.

The Planning department is also undergoing changes, although that will not necessarily mean staffing changes.  Christine Nelson, Director of Planning, says that as part of the proposed 2011 budget there will be a reallocation of service and streamlining how the platting and land use permitting process takes place.  She says they hope to cut the time it takes to apply for things like driveway permits and have one central location for all permits in platting, utility and driveway permits and more.

Residents have until May 6^th to attend a public meeting to testify on the proposed 2011 budget.