The city of Shenandoah named its first assistant city administrator as well as a new public works director at its June 24 meeting.
Joseph Peart, the director of public works for the city, was named to the new assistant city administrator position, leaving a vacancy in his former post. The assistant public works director, Rual Porras, was then named to the post of director of public works. The recommendations were made by City Administrator Sam Masiel.
The backstory
The moves come after a June 10 decision to create the assistant city administrator position, which, according to meeting materials, carries a pay range of $147,000 to $222,350.
The city will not fill the position of assistant public works director, thus creating room in the budget for the new post, according to discussion at the meeting.
The decisions were unanimous. Mayor John Escoto was not present at the meeting, and Charles Bradt acted as mayor pro tem.
What they're saying
Council member Frank Robinson said he believes the changes will be beneficial for city leadership.
"I'm really excited about this recommendation and wholeheartedly support it," he said regarding Peart's appointment.
Regarding Porras' new role, council member Jim Pollard said Porras' previous experience will be valuable.
"Public works is vital to our city, and having someone of Rual’s caliber to take over this leadership is in good hands," Pollard said. "Rual has been working here and has learned all the things about public works."
The new positions take effect immediately, Masiel said.
