Starbird bids farewell at final Glendale City Council meeting

Although looking forward to retirement, City Manager Jim Starbird said he was envious of his replacement as he bid adieu to the City Council at his final meeting Tuesday night.

“I find myself being very envious of the young man who now gets to begin the experience that I’ve had the pleasure of having over the last 14 years,” Starbird said in addressing the council from the podium, rather than from his regular seat on the dais.

Mayor Laura Friedman described Starbird, who’s been with the city for nearly 14 years, as a mentor, while others pointed to his dedication to the city.

“We’ve argued and we’ve been on the same side, but the important thing is you always put the interests of the residents of Glendale first and foremost, and I don’t think we could ask for anything more from a city manager,” said Councilman Ara Najarian.

Monrovia City Manager Scott Ochoa will replace Starbird in January. Asst. City Manager Yasmin Beers will step in for the interim.

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-- Brittany Levine, Times Community News

Twitter: @brittanylevine

Photo: Retiring Glendale City Manager Jim Starbird speaks during a meeting at City Hall in February. Credit: Times Community News