PORT TOWNSEND — Customer service is a priority for Jefferson County’s community development director-designate in an appearance before county commissioners Monday.
“My strengths include the ability to manage multiple high-priority projects while attending to daily details and good oral and written communication skills,” said Carl Smith.
“Perhaps more importantly, I have the ability to form and maintain productive relationships in the community.
“Good planning takes collaboration and requires productive relationship in the community, without that good things have a harder time happening.”
Smith, 62, was selected from a pool of 28 applicants and went through an interview process with county officials, business leaders and other stakeholders.
Smith, who now manages lands for Paug-Vik, a Native village corporation in Naknek, Alaska, was planning director for Bristol Bay Borough, Alaska.
He also held a management position with the Port of Tacoma and directed planning and permitting departments for the cities of Fife, Woodinville and Mountlake Terrace.
He has a master’s degree in environmental planning and a bachelor’s degree in biological science.
The Quilcene resident, if hired, would replace Al Scalf, who retired in November after 26 years with the county, the past 16 as its top planning officer.
Commissioners John Austin, Phil Johnson and David Sullivan questioned Smith during the 30-minute session.
“Your Community Development Department is crucial and vital because they are the No. 1 gatekeeper on land use for ensuring that development meets your adopted codes and plans, and that it’s done in a safe and quality manner,” Smith said.
“As we help the economy grow, we need to protect the vital resources that are so important to Jefferson County.”
Austin asked Smith how the public perception that the Community Development is a victim of “institutional inertia” would be addressed.
“If that’s the way business has been done, it is going to change,” Smith said.
“We need to be a department that is known for superior customer service and must always strive to improve that.”
Smith said he had specific ideas about soliciting customer feedback, including Internet input forums and regular public meetings.
“I very much favor an efficient process; our work must be done as efficiently as possible,” Smith said.
“Time is money, and people want to get on with their lives, so our process will be continually under review to make sure it is the most efficient it can be.
Sullivan asked Smith how he would come up with a plan for residents to come up with “legal, practical and affordable” development solutions.
“Customers need to have the ability to give us input instead of just a feeling that something’s wrong and needs to be changed,” Sullivan said.
“Developers have a tough row to hoe because our codes are difficult to understand; they are bewildering to people who don’t do this on a daily basis,” Smith said.
“These codes weren’t made by planners who went in a room and decided to make it tough for people,” he added.
“Rather, the rules represent the rule of the people and makes sure we build in a way that doesn’t threaten other values.”
No motion was made by the commissioners to hire Smith.
That decision is expected at next Monday’s meeting, where an employment package is due for approval.
County Administrator Philip Morley said salary details had not been determined.
Salary would be in the range of $67,564 to $90,801, according to the job description.
If the contract is approved, Smith would begin work May 1.
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Jefferson County Reporter Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or charlie.bermant@peninsuladailynews.com.
