The unexpected retirement and resignation of two Clifton Park Planning Department officials last month has left the Clifton Park town and planning boards searching for new leadership.
The town’s Planning Director Kate Maynard will leave her post Friday, March 21, while the Assistant Director Janis Dean retired Wednesday, Feb. 13.
There are some changes going on, but all the circumstances are understandable, said Steve Bulger, planning board chairman.
The town will be accepting applications for the two positions until the jobs are filled, according to Bulger.
`We’re going to move quickly,` said Bulger regarding the hire of a new town planning director. `It’s one of the most important positions in the town.`
He explained that the planning board and town board are working together actively to fill the positions.
Maynard, the town’s planning director for more than a year gave notice Thursday, Feb. 28, that she had accepted a position to become Wilton’s first town planner.
`I’m sure she’ll leave things in good condition,` Bulger said.
Maynard cited her family and the desire to spend more time close to her home in Wilton as reasons for accepting the other planning position.
`On balance, it’s a good move for her, and I’m happy for her and her family,` Bulger said. `I look forward to working with the town board to help select a new director of planning for our town.`
Dean, a 20-year veteran of the department, retired early last month to help care for an aging parent.
She was honored Tuesday, Feb. 12, for her dedication to the department, where she served as both the assistant planning director and planning board secretary.
`She is the consummate professional, a truly dedicated public servant, and one of the most knowledgeable planning experts we could hope to work with,` Bulger said. `Her retirement is a true loss at town hall, but we’re all very happy for Jan and only wish her the very best as she embarks on a new phase of life.`
Dean wrote in her letter to the planning board, `The respect I have for all those who have served on this board ` both past and present ` is immeasurable. Your thoughtful deliberations and commitment to our growing community have set the standard for planning boards throughout the Capital Region. I am sincerely grateful to have had the opportunity to serve the residents of the town of Clifton Park and will treasure the many personal and professional relationships I have developed during my 20-year tenure.`
The town board appointed Eric Ophardt Monday, Feb. 25, to replace Adam Kramer on the Clifton Park Planning Board. Kramer resigned after being elected vice chairman of campaigns and communication for the Clifton Park Republican Committee Thursday, Feb. 7. Town law prohibits a person from serving as an appointed or elected town official while acting as an officer for a political committee.
Ophardt has served on the town’s Zoning Board of Appeals and works for the Department of Transportation.
`Eric is very qualified,` Bulger said. `The transition should be pretty seamless.`
Bulger said the board will appoint someone to serve as the vice chairman for the planning board after things settle down within the department.
Interested candidates for the assistant director and director positions may send their resumes to Michael Shahen, Town Administrator, One Town Hall Plaza, Clifton Park, 12065.“