Cape in negotiations with possible new economic development manager
As the new year gets under way, city officials will be working on how to improve economic development throughout Cape Coral to build a better future for one of the fastest growing cities in the country.
The Economic Development Office has been looking for someone to spearhead its efforts with Terri Hall serving as interim manager since the departure of Dana Brunett.
It is up to City Manager John Szerlag to find a replacement, which may be coming in the near future.
An agenda item on the upcoming city council meeting on Monday will be for the allowance of compensation up to the maximum range of the city’s pay scale for the new director.
Council approval is required for new hires beyond the mid-point.
“We are in discussions in recruiting a new Economic Development director, and we may have zeroed in on somebody,” said Cape Coral Mayor Joe Coviello.
Hall did not apply for the position.
The agenda for the request reads: “The City Manager is in the process of hiring the Economic Development Manager and has selected a candidate for the position. The City Manger would like the ability to negotiate a salary up to the maximum of the pay grade.”
The city’s job posting states that the salary ranges from $74,672-$119,516 annually.
Brunett’s annual salary was $114,004.80 in 2017, his final year as EDO manager.
Some of the responsibilities of the Economic Development Manager according to the job listing include:
n Prepares and implements the City’s Economic Development Master Plan, and all other monthly and annual work plans needed for the successful implementation of the EDO Mission Statement and directives of the City Manager.
n Produces and manages the annual budget of the EDO.
n Monitors the progress of EDO programs and various local economic indicators. Produces regular management reports regarding it for the City Council, City Manager, community leaders and other interested parties.
n Facilitates positive interactions on behalf of the City. Establishes relationships and works cooperatively with City elected officials, management staff, boards and commissions, employees, community leaders and the general public.
The new director will play a big factor in the philosophy of the EDO moving forward, said Hall.
What will not change, is the continual promotion of the city to prospective industries and corporations.
“Because of how good the economy is, and how well we’re positioned, we’ll look for companies that are a good fit, and pursue them,” Hall said. “We will be working on more purposeful recruitment than broad. We’ll hone in on whats good for us as a city.”
Cape Coral has a lot to offer prospective companies, said Hall, noting that the quality of life here is a big bonus.
“Our schools, our water, our ecotourism, are all attractive. Employees want that. Employers want that. We’re also one of the safest cities in the state.”
Coviello said that continuing to develop the city is a “driving factor for 2019.”
Commercial development and jobs are at the top of his priority list on the subject.
“My goal is to make sure the results are there,” he said.
One focus Hall mentioned for the 2019 year would be to bring in a medical or pharmaceutical company in the Cape.
She said they will continue to build off of the Cape Coral Strategic Plan that was composed in 2017.
New affordable housing developments are also on the agenda for the year.
“We will continue to work off of these plans, and create more in 2019,” Hall said.
Council meets in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 1015 Cultural Park Blvd. The meeting begins at 4:30 p.m.
-Connect with this reporter on Twitter: @haddad_cj