Council confirms promotions and reorganizes public works and library leadership

On consent the Santa Barbara City Council approved employment agreements and position changes that include the permanent appointment of Brandon Beaudet as Library Director and the establishment of a reorganization splitting Public Works and Water Resources into separate departments. City Administrator Kelly McAdoo and council members praised the individuals approved at the meeting: Beaudet, who has worked more than 25 years with the city, was confirmed as permanent library director after serving about a year and a half as interim; the council also approved employment agreements tied to a reorganization that names Brian Damore as Public Works Director and creates a separate director role for Water Resources (Joshua Hagmark was announced as the other director but was on vacation). Council members noted their appreciation for the staff and said the departments are in good hands.

The consent calendar included the employment agreements and associated position changes (items listed as items 4 and 5 on the agenda); council members indicated the new positions are not new employees but reorganized positions for existing staff and moved the items on consent. The council approved the consent calendar with items 3 and 6 pulled earlier in the meeting; the employment and reorganization items passed as part of the consent vote (motion passed; Mayor Rouse absent).