Longview Director of Development Services Resigns
Posted/updated on: April 24, 2014 at 11:17 am
LONGVIEW — The City of Longviews Director of Development Services, Kevin Cummings, has resigned from his position effective June 27. The Director of Development Services provided oversight for Planning and Zoning, Building Inspection, Environmental Health, Engineering Services, the Metropolitan Planning Organization, and Longview Transit, according to a city news release. In his letter of resignation, Cummings stated that I have enjoyed working for the City of Longview for the past 12 years, as well as the professional and personal development opportunities that were afforded me. More importantly, I appreciate the support and dedication of the highly capable staff members that I have been blessed to work with. I wish both them and the City of Longview the best in the future.
Previously, City Manager David Willard had recommended that Cummings termination be considered during the April 24 City Council meeting. According to KETK, Willard recommended Cummings be fired for poor job performance. The recommendation came just weeks after it was discovered Mark Adas worked as the city engineer for five years without a valid state engineering license. It was Cummingss responsibility to verify Adass certifications.
With Cummings resignation, City Council action is not required. Willard and Assistant City Manager Keith Bondswill begin the search process to identify a new Director of Development Services. In the City of Longview, the hiring of director-level positions is recommended by the City Manager pending City Council approval. Willard accepted Cummings resignation stating, In order to ensure a seamless transition for the department and our customers, I believe it is important for Mr. Cummings to be available to fully brief an interim director regarding all of the different projects in the department, including the upcoming budget process. I want to thank Mr. Cummings for his years of service to the City of Longview, and I wish him well in his future professional endeavors.
Willard also stated that As we move forward, under the leadership of Assistant City Manager Keith Bonds, I am confident that he will build the Development Service Department on the foundation of exceptional customer service. We will endeavor to have clear, straightforward, streamlined processes, better communication with our building and development community, while also enforcing our ordinances with reasonableness and consistency.
