WESTMINSTER : City to Weigh Shifts in Management Setup

The City Council today will consider proposed changes in the city’s management team, including the appointment of a deputy city manager.

Acting City Manager Robert J. Huntley also is proposing the creation of the Community Development Agency, which would include redevelopment.

If approved, the city would have two deputy managers--one responsible for administrative services and the other for community development.

Huntley said the reorganization is intended to “maximize staff resources by combining related activities under one director.”

Penny Loomer, currently director of Community Services and Recreation, is expected to be named deputy city manager of administrative services. She will be responsible for personnel, print shop, information services and community services.

Public Works Director Don Vestal will be named deputy city manager for community development. He will be responsible for redevelopment, housing, grants, building and planning.

Don Anderson will no longer be assistant city manager, but will keep his position as Redevelopment Agency director. He will work under Vestal.

“This will allow me to concentrate on redevelopment issues,” said Anderson, who has been assistant city manager for the past four years. He was responsible for personnel, print shop and information services, in addition to his duties as redevelopment agency director.

The council recently appointed Bill Smith, the city manager of Manhattan Beach, as Westminster’s manager, replacing Jerry Kenny, who retired in March. Huntley has been acting city manager since Kenny’s retirement.

Smith will start his new job Sept. 5.