Council Confirms John O'Connor as Community Development Director Over Dissent on Moving Expense

The Atwater City Council voted 3'1 to approve an employment agreement for John O'Connor as Community Development Director after a staff-led recruitment process and interviews.

City Manager Chris introduced O'Connor as the recommended candidate, saying he brings more than two decades of experience in public-sector project management and economic development. "He's led different initiatives and economic development partnerships and regulatory compliance across multiple jurisdictions," the city manager said while presenting the employment agreement.

Several public commenters objected to parts of the contract. Linda Dash said she was concerned by a $10,000 moving expense included in the agreement: "I'm hoping that you think about this $10,000 moving expense... I don't think we need to be paying taxpayers' money ... to move Atwater." Adam Reed, who identified himself as a local developer and lifelong resident, told council he wanted more evidence in the packet showing the candidate's applicable planning, CEQA and municipal code experience: "The community economic development director... doesn't just do economic development. A big part of their job is overseeing engineering, planning, and building."

Councilmember Kalisa Rochester voted against the agreement; other councilmembers said they expected the new director to focus on improving planning and engineering functions and to work closely with staff. The motion to approve staff's recommendation passed by majority vote.

Councilmembers and staff noted they would expect the new director to prioritize departmental capacity, transparency around public expenditures and timely responses to applicants and residents.

O'Connor was present in the audience during the meeting when the council voted to approve his contract.