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Council approves planning‑office reclassification and brings on outside principal planner
Summary
Ceres council approved leaving one administrative secretary position unfunded and creating an entry-level planning technician role to address a backlog of emails and counter service, and unanimously approved a contract extension with Gouveia Engineering for principal planner services while searching for a full‑time hire.
Council members and staff debated Item 9, a staffing reclassification in the Community Development Department, and Item 10, a contract to secure principal-planner services.
Council members raised concerns that removing a funded administrative secretary could reduce counter coverage and that the planning technician recruitment (entry level) might not capture the administrative experience previously required. Planning staff said the administrative position being vacated is currently unfunded, that an existing administrative secretary in the annex will provide some coverage, and that a planning technician would be cross-trained to answer counter questions and review basic zoning inquiries.
Council approved a motion to leave the administrative secretary position vacant/unfunded and add one planning technician (4–1). Members asked staff to ensure recruitment materials require administrative skills and to monitor service levels. Separately, staff explained the prior $20,000 principal-planner contract was exceeded and recommended Gouveia Engineering (selected to avoid conflicts with NorthStar's existing project roles). The council unanimously approved the new contract, with staff noting the contract would be used until a full‑time principal planner can be hired.
