Item 5ECity of Southlake, Texas
MEMORANDUM
October 12, 2005
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Shana K. Yelverton, City Manager
SUBJECT: Appointment of Steve Polasek as Director of Community Services
Action Requested: City Council approval of the appointment of Steve Polasek as the Director of
Community Services for the City of Southlake.
Background
Information: The Southlake Charter requires that "The head of each department shall be a
chief, director or superintendent who shall be appointed by the City Manager
subject to the approval of the Council and such chief, director or
superintendent shall have supervision and control over his department."
It is a tribute to our community that over 90 individuals applied for this
position. After a review of these applicants, 15 were selected as semi - finalists.
These semi - finalists were asked to provide more detailed information about
their employment history and experience, philosophy about the provision of
community services, and general work attitudes and approaches. Five strong
finalists were selected from among the semi - finalists for in person interviews
so that I could assess their strengths and weaknesses and how they would
potentially fit into our organization.
Mr. Polasek stood out among the finalists for a number of reasons. He has a
strong understanding of our community, its values and its challenges. He has
exhibited an unmatched work ethic and positive attitude and has demonstrated
the ability to work with elected and appointed officials as well as our current
management team during his six years with the city.
Because of his park and recreation experience, Mr. Polasek comes to the job
with a strong vision for the future of the department and its role of helping to
continue to make Southlake an outstanding community.
His appointment will be effective October 19, 2005, following Council's
action. At that time, he will turn his attention to finding a Deputy Director to
complement his skills and further strengthen the management of the
department.
Financial
Considerations: This position has been extended to Mr. Polasek with a monthly salary of
$7,500, plus the standard executive benefit package.
Citizen Input/
Board Review: N/A
Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
Appointment of Rick Smith
Page 2 of 2
Legal Review: N/A
Alternatives: N/A
Supporting
Documents: None
Staff
Recommendation: Staff recommends Council approval of the appointment of Steve Polasek to the
position of Director of Community Services for the City of Southlake.