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Arcadia Weekly Jul 28, 2011
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Don Penman will retire in Oct. - Photo by Terry Miller
Arcadia City Manager Don Penman to Retire in Oct
By Terry Miller
Arcadia City Manager Don Penman announced Tuesday that he’ll retire in October after than 13 years with the city, including more than three years as the city’s chief executive.
Penman told the Arcadia Weekly that there is never a “perfect time” to retire but felt that now was an appropriate time after some major budget hurdles had been overcome.
After 36 years in city government including a time in Simi Valley and Baldwin Park, and the last 13 plus with Arcadia, Penman announced that he will retire tentatively in October of this year. He said he’s somewhat flexible with the time frame to help the city adjust and help council with anything it needs during the transitional phase.
When asked who’d be in line for the Interim City Manager’s position Penman said Jason Kruckeberg, Assistant City Manager/Development Services Director, would be in line for the job but has apparently expressed no interest in the position and is very happy with his Planning position. Therefore, city council will have to initiate a recruitment process. City employment is.At-will employment, which is a doctrine of American law that defines an employment relationship in which either party can break the relationship with no liability, provided there was no express contract for a definite term governing the employment relationship and that the employer does not belong to a collective bargaining group (i.e., has not recognized a union).
Penman told the Arcadia Weekly that he is very proud of Arcadia’s city staff and council for being such a cohesive unit and is particularly proud of the new police station project which he oversaw as project manager prior to becoming City Manager.
Some of the biggest challenges during his tenure were the “economy and the state…We’ve seen the worst recession since the great depression and it has been a challenge to balance the budget.” Penman said. Additionally Penman said the Caruso project which ultimately never happened even though the project had been approved was challenging and the final outcome “dissappointing”. Penman told Beacon Media.
Another project that has been hanging over Arcadia’s city manager and staff is the Rusnak Mercedes dealership expansion which has had numerous hurdles over the years.
Penman said there still are some “ sticky deal points” due in part to the fact that CEO Paul Rusnak has been on extended vacation and negotiations couldn’t proceed without him.
Yet another major challenge in Penman’s tenure as city manager is, of course, the State of California’s attempt to get rid of redevelopment agencies and get those funds away from local cities.
In a message to City employees, Penman expressed his appreciation for his time in Arcadia and the opportunity to work with a staff that makes every effort to keep Arcadia a truly outstanding community. “Arcadia is a terrific city with an excellent staff, involved residents and a supportive and dedicated City Council, said Mr. Penman. “I am fortunate to have been a part of Arcadia history.”
When asked what he plans on doing with his retirement, Penman quipped that he will have no more excuses ( i.e. late night meetings at City Council etc) for his wife regarding the Ballroom dancing lessons she wants the couple to take.
Penman has been married for 37 years and has two grown children.
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