Oakland to hire deputy town manager

The town of Oakland is experiencing so much growth that Town Manager Dennis Foltz needs an assistant to help him with administrative duties.

Foltz and Steve Rykowski, human resources manager, presented the recruitment and hiring plan to the town Commission at its June 13 meeting. If all goes as planned, an assistant could be hired by Oct. 1.

A designated blue-ribbon committee will review the resumes and conduct candidate interviews before making a recommendation to the commission in September.

Rykowski, Foltz and Mayor Kathy Stark have been working on a detailed job description that would outline the new deputy town manager’s duties.

This staff position has already been budgeted.

IN OTHER NEWS:

• Mona Phipps, of Oakland Nature Preserve, asked the Oakland Town Commission for continuation of town support.

“I think we’re an asset, and I think the commission has done a lot to make sure we’re an asset,” Phipps said.

A foundation has agreed to donate $20,000 to be used for education if the preserve can raise $20,000, she said.  ONP is about $5,000 short of reaching this goal. To help, go to oaklandnaturepreserve.org or call (407) 905-0054.

• The commission accepted the infrastructure improvements for Phase 1 of Oakland Trails, a Meritage Homes neighborhood under construction in west Oakland. These improvements include work that will support the second phase of the project.

• Elected officials approved the list of street names for the first phase of Oakland Trails. The 54 recommendations are categorized by Indian, railroad, nature and founder names. These include Tribal Creek, Chief Tustennuggee, Painted Bunting, Bobcat Chase, Southern Sun and Western Trailway.

• Commissioners passed ordinances that update chapters in the Town Code for businesses, garage sales and taxation. The ordinance dealing with animals was deferred until the June 27 meeting so elected officials can further look at the Orange County ordinance that is to be adopted.

Contact Amy Quesinberry at [email protected].