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Community development director Lisa Hewitt Cruz resigns, warns of outdated policies and gaps in rental inspections
Summary
Lisa Hewitt Cruz, Adrian’s community development director, announced her resignation and told the commission the city’s employee handbook dates to 1986 and about half of rental units lack current certification; she handed commissioners an 18‑page package of recommendations and said an updated rental‑inspection ordinance will be forthcoming.
Lisa Hewitt Cruz, Adrian’s community development director, told the City Commission on May 18 that she has resigned and will take a new role with Lenawee County.
“Throughout my career, I’ve learned that strong organizations are built on clear policies, defined expectations, and consistent guidance,” Cruz said, and she told the commission the city’s employee handbook is “dated 1986.” She urged the commission to modernize onboarding, performance plans and safety procedures.
Cruz also provided data on the city’s rental‑unit inspection program, saying roughly 50% — “approximately 1,500” — of the city’s about 3,700 rental units have current certification and pass inspection. “Some as long as 16 years, 20 years have never been inspected,” she said, adding that staff have developed standard operating procedures and that an update to the rental inspection ordinance will be presented in coming weeks.
Commissioners thanked Cruz for her service. One commissioner asked whether staff could provide a list of addresses that have never been inspected; another asked whether a recent administrative directive about concealed‑pistol licenses (CPLs) had been cleared with the commission. Acting‑administration staff said the administrator can direct employees but that policy questions could be brought back to the commission.
Cruz handed each commissioner an 18‑page packet of notes and recommendations she said reflected what she would do if appointed city administrator. She said she will remain available to assist Adrian after transitioning to the county role.
The commission did not take any formal personnel action at the meeting. Cruz’s departure was the focus of significant public comment that evening, with residents and other speakers urging the commission to address workplace culture and retention.
What’s next: Cruz said staff will bring an updated rental‑inspection package and related ordinance changes to the commission in the “next several weeks.”
