Nicoll leaving City Hall
Tim Willert
After two decades with the city, Management Services Director John
Nicoll is moving on.
Nicoll is leaving next month to become chief deputy executive
officer for Ventura County, where he will be responsible for labor
relations and risk management.
“It is an opportunity to expand my career,” Nicoll, 54, said
Thursday. “I get to focus specifically on something I enjoy, the
labor relations aspect of government relations.”
Nicoll, who has been Burbank’s director of management services
since 1988, oversees the department’s administration, employee
relations and risk management divisions.
Hired as a budget analyst by the city in 1976, Nicoll has worked
in six different departments and had seven titles. In 1982, Nicole
went into private business but returned in 1985 to be the city’s
budget manager.
“John Nicoll has done a terrific job for the city,” City Manager
Mary Alvord said in a prepared statement. “He has guided the
administrative arm of city government through good times and lean
times. His knowledge and experience will be truly missed.”
Nicoll, whose last day with the city is Aug. 15, will be replaced
by Judie Sarquiz, Burbank’s deputy financial services director.
Sarquiz, a former city clerk, resigned that post in November 2001
to become the city’s deputy financial services director. Since then
she has managed the department’s budget and purchasing sections and
overseen preparation of the budget.
“I think that my experience will be beneficial because I’ve had
the opportunity to see the big picture,” Sarquiz, 34, said. “I can
bring that knowledge into labor negotiations.”
Sarquiz, who began her career with the city in 1988 as a
management intern, worked for Nicoll at one point, and says she will
greatly missed.
“He’s a bright man, and he’s been a great asset,” she said.
“Burbank’s loss is Ventura County’s gain.”
Both Alvord and Nicoll said Sarquiz’s experience in city
government will serve her well in her new position.
“Judie [possesses] good management skills and good analytical
skills,” Nicoll said. “She has credibility with employees, the City
Council, the community and the employees. She’s an excellent choice.”
Said Alvord: “I’m confident that this area of city management is
in very capable hands.”
Nicoll, who accepted the position Monday, will start his new job
Aug. 21. He said he will be paid about $130,000 annually, a raise of
about $9,000.