Private sector attracts city building department head

by Melissa Wilson

SBJ Staff

Pam Buck, the third director of the city's Building Development Services Department in the last two years, has offered her resignation, effective Nov. 19, to return to the private sector. Buck has been with the city for seven years, previously serving as a permitting coordinator in the department before being chosen to head it in July 1998.

Before she began her employment with the city in 1992, Buck was a plans examiner for the city of Overland Park, Kan., a project manager for McDonald's Corp. and a construction services manager for Discovery Zone Inc. in Kansas City.

"We appreciate the programs that Pam has implemented in Building Development Services, particularly the successful cooperative permitting process," said City Manager Tom Finnie.

"She has been an outstanding director and has maintained excellent community relations. Pam has been instrumental in moving our city efforts forward to assist in the development of safe and quality construction vs. a regulatory attitude. We wish her the best as she pursues her new job," he added.

Buck said when she was named director, one of her first aims was to promote harmonious work among city departments.

"I've tried very hard at achieving that ... it's rewarding to see the departments mesh and serve customers together," Buck said. "I've tried to reinforce to all city departments to remember the reason we are here, to serve citizens. It's much easier to serve our customers when we do it together and support each other, both within and between departments."

Finnie said the city has already begun the search for a new director by advertising the position in several national professional organization journals, including the National Society of Professional Engineers, the American Institute of Architects and the American Public Works Association.

"We also do a number of other things to advertise these types of positions, including local advertising and working with local, regional and state professional organizations. The national journals have the longest lead time, so that's the avenue we put our first emphasis on to advertise this position," Finnie said.

The salary range for the position is between $56,950 and $73,340 per year, with up to $82,555 in performance pay.

The new director will be chosen by a selection committee made up of city officials, Finnie said.

Finnie and Assistant City Manager Bob Cumley will both serve on the committee, which will comprise four to six members, she added.

"The director position requires an engineering or architecture degree and experience in the construction industry. We generally like to see a background with some kind of public service, and previous work in the private sector is also a plus," Finnie said. "The person for this position must be committed to working with the community."

Two Building Development Services employees, Professional Engineer Rick Garner and Project Facilitator Harlan Hill, will lead the department on an interim basis.

"Having a team serve as co-directors during an interim is something that has worked for us successfully before," Finnie said. "This allows us time to fill this important position."