Fountain Valley appoints former Orange official as interim city manager
The Fountain Valley City Council approved hiring an interim city manager Tuesday to fill the vacancy created by Bob Hall’s pending departure for a position in San Diego County.
On a 4-0 vote, with little discussion and Councilman Mark McCurdy absent, former Orange city manager John Sibley was selected to replace Hall, effective March 6.
Sibley, an Air Force veteran, retired from the city of Orange in 2015. He worked there for 14 years and was in the public sector for 45 years, according to the Orange County Register.
Sibley, whom the Fountain Valley council interviewed Tuesday before the meeting, will receive $107 per hour and work 20 to 30 hours a week. He will not receive benefits.
City officials did not disclose how many candidates they interviewed. City Attorney Colin Burns said there were “several well-qualified applicants.”
Mayor John Collins said hiring Sibley gives the city a “good, solid, temporary person.”
“I really feel very comfortable with having him come onboard,” Collins added.
Councilman Steve Nagel complimented Hall’s service, saying Fountain Valley is “much better off having had him.”
Hall’s last day on the job is March 3. His new job will be managing the Rancho Santa Fe Assn., a homeowners association for the wealthy northern San Diego County community of about 1,900 properties. The association has a staff of 150 — 70 fewer than the city of Fountain Valley — but runs like a small city, with various departments and 24-hour security services. Because it is a private entity, his salary has not been announced.
Hall leaves Fountain Valley having received a total compensation package worth $267,000 this fiscal year.
Hall came to Fountain Valley in August 2013 after serving as assistant city manager for Huntington Beach.
To find Hall’s permanent replacement, the council approved a $27,750 contract with Ralph Andersen & Associates, a Rocklin-based executive search and consulting firm.
David Morgan, former city manager for Anaheim, will head the search, which begins immediately.
Twitter: @BradleyZint
