The Community Development Director is anticipated to begin an extended maternity leave on October 23, 2026. In preparation for this absence, the department had developed a staffing coverage plan utilizing existing personnel and contracted planning and code enforcement services to maintain essential operations.

On October 12, 2026, the City was notified of the anticipated resignation of the Community Development Administrative Assistant, whose position provides significant administrative support to the Planning Division and department as a whole. This unanticipated staffing change prompted a reassessment of the department's operational and supervisory needs during the Director's absence.

The reassessment identified the need to formally establish continuity of the Community Development Director's designated responsibilities as Zoning Administrator and Code Compliance Official, as well as departmental coordination and supervisory authority. Additionally, with approximately 70% of the Community Development Director's time and 60% of the Administrative Assistant's time allocated to Planning, these concurrent absences will result in a substantial temporary reduction in available staffing capacity within the Planning Division, where many responsibilities are subject to statutory review deadlines. In addition to maintaining his existing planning responsibilities, the City Planner will be required to assume additional administrative, operational, and supervisory duties, including management of contracted planning services, coordination of departmental operations, and supervision and training of a replacement Administrative Assistant.

Given these circumstances, staff recommends the temporary appointment of Dwight Klingbeil as Acting Community Development Director during the Director's absence, with clearly defined responsibilities and an associated temporary compensation adjustment. This appointment would establish an appropriate interim management structure, recognize the additional responsibilities assumed by the City Planner, and maintain oversight of essential departmental functions.

Attachment A to the proposed resolution identifies the anticipated temporary redistribution of Community Development Department responsibilities during the Community Development Director's leave and the vacancy in the Community Development Administrative Assistant position. Assignments will remain in effect during the applicable absence or vacancy and may be adjusted as staffing resources become available. Contracted planning and code enforcement services will continue to be utilized as necessary to supplement available staffing capacity and support the timely processing of development applications and other essential functions.

The proposed temporary 8% wage adjustment is estimated to result in additional wage expenses of $1,548 in 2026 and $1,592 in 2027, for a total of $3,140, excluding associated employer payroll costs.

The additional wage and associated payroll expenses are anticipated to be accommodated within existing departmental budget appropriations through a combination of the following:

1. Salary savings resulting from the vacancy in the Community Development Administrative Assistant position until filled.

2. Available funds within the Planning Professional Services budget, if necessary.

Staff recommends approval of Resolution 2026-83 Appointing Dwight Klingbeil as Acting Community Development Director.