By Philip Haldiman, Independent Newsmedia

Two finalists are competing to oversee the day-to-day operations of Peoria.

Deputy City Managers Julie Arendall and Jeff Tyne will be interviewed today, 4 p.m., in a closed door Council session. One is expected to be approved by the City Council at a public meeting, June 13.

The new appointment will replace City Manager Carl Swenson, who announced his retirement May 15 after 11 years with Peoria and 35 years of public service.

He will step down July 4 and the new city manager will immediately step in.

“We anticipate a seamless transition with the new city manager, assuming their role prior to Mr. Swenson’s retirement,” said Mayor Cathy Carlat.



Ms. Arendall started with Peoria as the director of Human Resources from July 2012 to November 2015. Previously she worked for Yavapai County, in Prescott, Arizona for 12 years, as the County Administrator for five years and director of Human Resources and Risk Management for seven years.

While with Peoria, Ms. Arendall served as project lead for redistricting the City Council districts following the 2015 Special Mid-Decade Census and evaluated and executed changes to the Office of Communications to modernize operations.

While with Yavapai County, she produced balanced budgets during the Great Recession despite reduced revenues and cost shifts from Arizona while balancing constituent services and employee morale. She also secured funding for an aggressive capital improvements program to leverage low-construction costs resulting in the completion of numerous new county facilities.

Ms. Arendall has a masters of Public Administration from Grand Canyon University, a B.S. in Business Management at Arizona State University, as well as professional certificates from Harvard University and Arizona State University.

Mr. Tyne has worked for Peoria since 1997, previously as Management and Budget director for about 15 years and a brief stint as Community Services director. He also held positions in Chandler, Glendale and Anaheim, California.

While with Peoria, he led multi-departmental teams to obtain a certificate, enabling Peoria to start its own ambulance service, as well as develop a number of automated systems including its first automated budget system, and served as lead negotiator for a 20-year lease of the Peoria Sports Complex with Seattle Mariners and San Diego Padres for spring training. Like Ms. Arendall, he also produced balanced budgets during the Great Recession

Mr. Tyne has a masters of Public Administration and a B.A. in political science at Arizona State University, as well as a professional certificate from Harvard University.

It is not uncommon for municipalities to conduct national searches to fill a city manager position, however the city did not follow this path and posted an opening for the position internally and publicly.

The mayor and Council have the discretion to determine whether to conduct an internal or external recruitment for this council-appointed position, Mayor Carlat said.

“Peoria has been fortunate to have had a long line of stable and capable city managers, who have surrounded themselves with other highly qualified managers,” she said. “In this case, an internal recruitment process was selected based upon the quality of internal candidates.”

Here’s what some city council members are looking for in a city manager.

Bridget Binsbacher: Peoria is fortunate to have two outstanding candidates to choose from. Our ideal city manager will be an unselfish leader, with high standards and a clear understanding of Peoria’s council-manager form of government. He or she will possess a pertinent leadership background and a proven history of dedication and preparation for this tremendous responsibility. Peoria has many opportunities and challenges ahead of us and our city manager must be equipped with the drive and knowledge necessary to work cooperatively with the council to move our city forward in the best interest of our citizens. I have no doubt that we will manage through this transition effectively, while maintaining the trust and confidence of our 1,200 employees.

Michael Finn: I would say I am looking for a city manager that would maintain continuity with our amazing staff and continue serving the citizens of Peoria with the same high level of service as we have had in the past. I will be looking for someone with fresh ideas that can build on the rich traditions we have already established.

Bill Patena: Peoria is very fortunate in that it has two very qualified candidates for the position. Without question, this will be a very difficult choice. We have also been fortunate to have two previous city managers who have stayed with the city for over ten years.

Leadership skills and attributes are two of the most important things I will look at in a new city manager. It is extremely important he or she have the skills to demand respect for the office, but also be open enough that staff is not afraid share new thoughts and ideas without fear of retribution.

Peoria is a fiscally conservative city and we have operated within the confines of our budget for as long as I can remember.  I want our new city manager to continue with that policy and to always run our city with strong fiscal responsibility. I would like to have a someone who can work with several types of councils and understands there can be several dynamics in play when dealing with council members. Peoria is a major player in the West Valley, and it will be important to continue to advance Peoria’s standing in regional affairs. Our city manager must continue to promote the highest of ethical standards in the city organization and must set an example for all employees.

Our new city manager must know how to negotiate with our unions and respect the working relationship with our city. For several years, Peoria has promoted strong economic development strategies and we must continue to secure companies for good paying jobs. The city manager will also need to keep abreast of programs and initiatives that will help preserve and enhance all our neighborhoods.

 

Outgoing city manager
City Manager Carl Swenson began with Peoria in April 2006, and was appointed city manager in July 2008. During his tenure, he managed Peoria through the financial downturn, and completed a number of projects and initiatives, including Pioneer Community Park, Peoria Performing Center for the Arts, Sunrise Mountain Library, the rebranding of the P83 Entertainment District, the remodel of the Peoria Court House and Peoria Community Center, as well as upgrades to Peoria Sports Complex. This included the renewal of a 20-year agreement with the Seattle Mariners and San Diego Padres, keeping them at the Peoria Sports Complex through 2034.