Pacific officials did not have to look far to find the City’s next public works director.
Nor was there any disagreement about Jim Morgan’s qualifications Monday — the City Council’s selection was unanimous.
“I think he is the best person for the position at this point,” said Councilmember Katie Garberding. “I’m thrilled that he wants the job.”
Morgan has been the City’s engineer since July 2013.
In fact, he held that position from September 2005 to January 2012, when he left to work as an independent contractor after encountering “some friction” with then-mayor Cy Sun. Morgan succeeds Lance Newkirk, who left Jan. 20 to accept a similar position in Shoreline.
“I was looking for a change,” said Morgan. “I’ve been doing the City engineer role for quite some time, and this marries up with my technical background and business administration education.”
Moran has a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Saint Martin’s University.
The Sumner resident began his career in June 1978 as an engineer at Parametrix, where he stayed until December 1992. From January 1993 to December 2000, he was the chief financial officer for the Cosmopolitan Engineering Group. From 2000 to 2005, he was an independent consultant.
His goal, he said, is to continue with the “progress made during the last year-and-a-half or two years,” noting significant infrastructure investments that include many completed and ongoing road projects within the city.
Morgan said he will continue to handle the public works and City engineer roles until the City fills the latter position. He expects that to happen by mid to late May. Morgan said he hopes the next City engineer knows about stormwater drainage, a subject about which he lacks knowledge.
In other matters:
• City Administrator Richard Gould said he expects council meetings to be streamed live on Pacific’s website at www.pacificwa.gov by early May. Last month, the City bought a $60,000 audio-visual system to record council meetings. The purchase included a new 80-inch television screen, which allows the City’s legal arm, when it uses the council chamber as a courtroom, to conference with prisoners at the SCORE jail in Des Moines. Formerly, prisoners had to be transferred back to the council chamber.
• Bates Roofing’s bid of $86,782.04 was selected to build new roofing systems for Pacific’s Senior Center, the Community Center Gym, and the breezeway that connects the two buildings.
• Pacific’s annual city cleanup day is April 23. Mayor Leanne Guier said volunteers will meet at 10 a.m. that day at the Community Center.
• There’s an open house at 6:30 p.m. May 3 at the Community Center Gym, 305 Milwaukee Blvd. S. Attendees may learn more about the Lower White River Countyline Levee Setback Project, its flood protection goals and environmental benefits, the schedule, final design, construction information, and what to expect related to changes in river conditions.
