A grateful city bids farewell as city manager retires
As a token of appreciation, the Clayton City Council issued a surprise proclamation to Gary Napper – declaring July 26 as Gary Napper Day in honor of his retirement as city manager.
For the last 18 years, the city of Clayton has benefited from Gary Napper’s professional, diligent, humble and caring leadership.
Being a city manager in a small city is a tough task, requiring a hands-on approach and the ability to manage a variety of challenges concurrently. Napper’s accomplishments and contributions to Clayton are too many to mention here. But without a doubt, Napper deserves a lot of credit and thanks for all of the positives in Clayton today.
During his leadership, Clayton has maintained balanced budgets, increased our reserves, managed through the recession years, developed new neighborhoods in Rachel Ranch, Bridlewood and Diablo Estates, constructed the Grove Park, created a community recreation program at Diablo View Gym and so much more.
Happy retirement, Mr. Napper.
City management going forward. While the city is looking for the next city manager, Joe Sbranti will be the interim city manager. The City Council has engaged a recruitment firm and formed a subcommittee made up of Vice Mayor Julie Pierce and myself to handle some of the practicalities.
The full council will ultimately decide on the selection of the next city manager, with all five council members having a say. The recruiting firm will also be setting up a web-based survey that will allow residents to provide input on city manager qualities and skills that they feel are important in Clayton.
Regency and Rialto pilot permit parking program. After several hearings and ongoing observations and discussions with Regency and Rialto drive residents, the council approved an 18-month residential parking pilot program in an attempt to alleviate the unique and extraordinary on-street parking concerns near the popular Mt. Diablo State Park Regency Gate trailhead.
Planning Commission appointments. Each of the five members of the Clayton Planning Commission serves a two-year term. In alternating years, two or three of the positions are up for appointment by the council. In June, the council unanimously reappointed two incumbents, AJ Chippero and Peter Cloven, for additional two-year terms. Congrats and thank you.
Making A Difference. This year, the council is doing a pilot program to expand the Do the Right Thing Program into adults. If you know of an exemplary community contributor, volunteer and/or fundraiser, please submit a nomination with a brief description by email to ClaytonMakingADifference@gmail.com.
Mayor’s office hours. Stop by to chat 9-10 a.m. Saturday, July 27, at the Clayton Farmers Market downtown.
Contact me at tcatalano@ci.clayton.ca.us and follow at www.facebook.com/CouncilmemberTuijaCatalano for more updates.