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Alpena still working to find new planning director

News Photo by Steve Schulwitz Former Alpena Building Official Don Gilmet looks at some design plans while at city hall on Thursday. Gilmet is lending a hand while the city looks for a new Planning, Development, and Zoning Director.

ALPENA — The City of Alpena’s search to fill the vacant Planning, Development, and Zoning Director continues, although officials are unsure when the position could be filled.

A recent round of applications didn’t pan out as expected, and, although there is another candidate that could be considered. A local candidate was offered the job after applying, but turned it down.

The position is open because former department head Andrea Kares resigned in March, less than six months after being hired. She is currently under contract with the city to work as needed remotely.

City Manager Rachel Smolinski said the department is still operating as it should and the required work is being completed. She said former Building Official Don Gilmet has filled in to help with the workload and help train new employees, and she is the director of the department until a new employee is hired.

Smolinski said the city is also utilizing Denise Cline from the Northeast Michigan Council of Governments for planning services, but she hopes a long-term director can be hired soon.

“We did interviews in July and made an offer that was declined,” she said. “There is another individual I intend to talk with, but if we don’t end up making an offer, we’ll continue to look for the right person.”

Smolinski said she won’t rush the process just to fill the vacancy. She said she is looking for a specific type of person for the job and will make sure whoever is hired fits that bill.

“I am looking for the right person and not putting a person into the position just to fill it,” she said. “I want someone who is the best fit for the city and community.”

People who believe they are qualified candidates can contact Human Resources Director Kathy Himes at 354-1714.

Steve Schulwitz can be reached at 989-358-5689 at sschulwitz@thealpenanews.com. Follow him on Twitter @ss_alpenanews.com.

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