Qualifications for the position include a Bachelor in Public Administration, Urban & Regional Planning or related field w/7 years progressively responsible governmental administrative experience at the manager or department head level, or an MPA or related degree w/5 years experience.  A minimum of 3 years urban planning experience is preferred. Starting salary range for the position is $65,000 – $85,000 DOQ. If interested in the position, please submit your letter of interest/resume/references to: City of Lake Helen, P. O. Box 39, Lake Helen, Florida 32744-0039, Attention: City Administrator Application.  The deadline for receipt of applications is 4:30pm July 16, 2012. 

General Information about Lake Helen

Lake Helen is a rural residential community approximately four square miles in size, with a population of about 2700.  The City is located in Volusia County, Florida, along the I-4 Corridor, midway between Orlando and Daytona Beach.  Lake Helen was founded by Henry DeLand in the 1880’s and is named after his daughter Helen. The City has a rich historical heritage and approximately 20% of its housing stock is historic.

Lake Helen is a community without traffic lights, where horse riders, bicyclists, pedestrians and motorized vehicle traffic can safely coexist on City streets.  Agricultural/equestrian pursuits are encouraged on small and large acreages.  The City has ample parks and community facilities for passive and active recreational and cultural activities, including: an equestrian center, a trailhead, a library, a historic museum, multi-use trails, tennis courts, primitive boat launches and waterfront recreational areas, nature parks, picnic pavilions, community centers, shuffleboard courts and a Boys and Girls Club. The City also owns and operates a “home cooking-style” restaurant and operates a Market in the Park on Saturdays.

The City has its own Police Department (also provides Code Enforcement and Animal Control Services), Public Works Department and Water Utility.  Wastewater treatment is provided by individual septic tanks.  Fire Services are provided by Volusia County.  Solid Waste and Recycling Services are provided by private contractor.  Building Inspection and Building Permit Application Review Services are provided by private contractor.  Engineering Services and Legal Services are also provided by private contractor.  Administrative Services are provided by the City Administrator, City Clerk, Finance Manager, Licensing and Permitting Specialist and Administrative Assistant.  Planning and Development Services are provided by the City Administrator.

It is of considerable importance to note that Lake Helen is quite different from most other Central Florida communities in its growth management and development philosophy.  While most Central Florida communities have been focused on maximum growth and “accumulation of commercial and residential rooftops”, Lake Helen’s focus has been on remaining “true to its roots”, and not allowing the City to become just one more community that has been assimilated into the seamless, faceless Central Florida metropolitan landscape where one city is largely indistinguishable from another.  Lake Helen is both recognized, and respected, by the State of Florida, as well as by other communities and their residents, for its City’s unique position.

Lake Helen’s vision acknowledges the City’s uniqueness and recognizes that Lake Helen’s four most important continuing needs are to: (1) preserve the existing quality of life that is afforded to its residents and visitors; (2) preserve its small town charm; (3) honor and build upon its historical heritage; and, (4) preserve its existing residential and rural character. The City strongly believes that it is the combination of its existing attributes that makes Lake Helen a unique and wonderful place to live.  In support of this vision, the City’s Comprehensive Plan Future Land Use Element was rewritten in 2005 to manage development and population growth (projected population at buildout would be approximately 6000-6500 people) to ensure that the City could grow modestly into the future, but in such a way that the current residents’ quality of life and connection to the City’s past would not be lost in the process. 

General Information about the City Administrator’s Position

The City Administrator is, by Charter, a full-time employee of the City Commission subject to the City’s personnel policies and procedures manual who:

• Directs and supervises the administration of all departments, offices and agencies of the City, except as otherwise provided by the City Charter or by law. Prepares department head probationary and annual performance evaluations and recommends promotions, demotions, position classifications, reclassifications and wage and salary adjustments to the City Commission for review and approval.

• Prepares the agenda and attends City Commission meetings, takes part in discussion and furnishes information as requested by the City Commission. 

• Sees that all laws, provisions of the City Charter and policies, resolutions and acts of the City Commission, subject to enforcement by the City Administrator, or by others under his/her direction and supervision, are faithfully executed.

• Prepares and submits the annual budget, budget message and capital program to the City Commission.

• Administers financial transactions of the City, including investments, withdrawals and expenditures in accordance with City investment policies and the adopted City budget.

• Keeps the City Commission fully apprised of the financial condition and future needs of the City and makes recommendations to the City Commission concerning the affairs of the City.

• Coordinates with both elected officials and City staff of neighboring cities/counties on items that are of mutual concern or items that require an exchange of information.

• Coordinates with the City Attorney and City Commission on City legal matters.

• Upon City Commission approval, co-signs contracts on behalf of the City pursuant to the provisions of ordinances, resolutions or motions. 

• Prepares or administers the preparation of City policies and procedure manuals, ordinances and similar materials for City Commission review and approval.

• Reviews employee disciplinary actions taken by subordinate staff and takes final administrative action prior to initiation of review by City Personnel Review Board and City Commission.

• Performs the duties of City Planner to include, but not limited to:

(a) Prepares the agenda and attends PLDRC meetings, takes part in discussions and furnishes information as requested by the PLDRC.

(b) Reviews and prepares staff reports related to site plans, variances, road vacations, subdivision plats, code amendments, comprehensive plan amendments, annexations, etc.

(c) Interprets City land development regulations, other City codes and ordinances relating to land development and the City Comprehensive Plan.

(d) Researches, analyzes and prepares special studies, ordinances, code amendments and comprehensive plan amendments for the City.

(e) Represents the City on planning related matters and coordinates such representation with the City Commission.

• Currently serves as:

(a) Floodplain Management Administrator/Inspector – reviews building permit applications for compliance with State and FEMA floodplain management regulations; prepares and processes information/forms supporting homeowners’ Letter of Map Amendment and PRP Eligibility Extension requests to FEMA; writes floodplain management regulations

(b) Stormwater Management/NPDES Permit Coordinator/Inspector – reviews building permit applications and conducts site inspections for compliance with City stormwater regulations and NPDES (National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System) Permit conditions; prepares NPDES reports; writes stormwater management, erosion and sediment control, illicit discharge control, and waste control regulations; writes educational literature for above activities

(c) Serves as Tree Permit Inspector – reviews tree removal permit applications and conducts site inspections for compliance with the City Tree Protection regulations

(d) CDBG Coordinator – manages City’s Community Development Block Grant Program; prepares CDBG Plans; coordinates CDBG project activities/implementation schedules; prepares CDBG progress and reimbursement reports

(e) Transportation Coordinator – serves as City technical liaison to the TPO (Transportation Planning Organization); coordinates street and sidewalk projects; prepares grant applications; prepares transportation reports for State and local agencies

(f) Interlocal Planning Coordinator – serves as City technical liaison to the Volusia County Schools Interlocal Planning Committee; coordinates local development activities with school district staff

(g) Emergency Management Coordinator – serves as technical liaison to Volusia Prepares (County/City Emergency Management Organization); prepares updates to Countywide Emergency Management Plan

(h) Chief Financial Officer – serves as Chief Financial Officer for all City grants/loans/budgets/audits

(i) Land Development Compliance Coordinator/Inspector – reviews building permit applications and conducts site inspections for compliance with City land development regulations