KXRO Newsradio
County Planning and Building Director Brian Shea has resigned his office, effective today.

The resignation followed over two hours of meeting in executive session to discuss Shea's performance. Commissioner Mike Wilson said the resignation was accepted with regret, but the commissioners refused to comment further. A meeting will be held with county staff on Thursday morning.

On Tuesday, County Commissioner Al Carter wrote to Shea, "I am considering requesting termination of your employment."

"Over the last several months I have become increasingly concerned that your management style is not compatible with that of the Board," Carter wrote. "I am concerned that neither the citizens of the county nor its administration is able to work with you effectively."

As chairman of the board, Carter told Shea he had called for a special meeting "to consider your continued employment."

I am sorely disappointed in Carter. We will hear some mewling response as to why this tough type of a management style was needed but I can tell you that this was overkill. I have never known Brian to be anything but reasonable.

In traditional county fashion, if you don't get down on your knees for the right people, then you will not reap the benefits like those willing to whore themselves (be it their dignity or otherwise) to the "powers that be".

You knew a different Brian. Finally, it appears, Carter came to know the one many in the public knew.

If you were one of the many people I've heard who have complained about the County Building and Planning Dept., you would be wondering what took so long.

I am going to have to disagree with you on this one.

That is not to say there weren't changes needed but there are better ways to manage people than being punch drunk with firing power as has been suggested.

Brian and Carter both being around for a long time, contradicts your assessment.

KXRO Newsradio
The Grays Harbor County Commissioners have moved ahead with the restructuring of the Planning and Building Department promised in the wake of the resignation of department director Brian Shea.

Commissioner Al Carter says the board agreed to split the two sections of the department into separate offices, with Planning under the interim direction of Lea Napier and Building under the temporary leadership of Mike Ferry.

Lea Napier is the bee's knees. I think the public will be pleased with the expeditiousness and quality of the County's product.

It was mentioned in the meeting that the finance department will review each new (interim) position and determine an acceptable pay increase.

If Mike is smart he will stay with the union.

Well, if there is any politics here, and I don't think there is, it is simply the politics of finally getting the votes to respond to critics.

Making people follow the rules will create a lot of critics. Do you want those positions to do their jobs or be popular? Do you want them to have to ask the County Commissioner if it is okay to do what the rules say? These two positions are made to attract critics and some will whine to their commissioners.

Then what?

Making people follow the rules will create a lot of critics. Do you want those positions to do their jobs or be popular?

Building permits should be required for dwelling units and commercial structures and remodels with meaningful structural implications only.

Let's just agree to disagree.

I don't know that I agree with the sentiment being expressed here. I am a big fan of open government, but there is a limit to that, in a few rare cases. One of those rare cases is when an employees performances isn't meeting the expectations of the commissioners. All indication is that this is performance related, which is all the information I need, considering the track record of P&B. If this had been about misconduct, I am sure that would have come out, and I would want to know more. I haven't seen or heard anything that would remotely suggest that misconduct was the issue, though.

It is time for Planning and Building to move on and become better servants for the county, and any leadership that is not on board with the changes necessary should probably move on. At the same time, that isn't enough reason to air unnecessary dirty laundry and keep Brian from moving on to a new position somewhere where his skill set is better valued.

There apparently WAS a surprise, and that leads me to suspect that the manager was not made aware of perceived shortcomings by his supervisor.

When a commissioner has to spend hours and hours, month after month, helping people get the information they need from the building department in order to complete their projects because of a lack of consistency and customer service from that department, it should be no surprise when enough is enough.

In my well-considered opinion, Brian Shea's second biggest problem was Mike Ferry. Now, the commissioners want Mr. Ferry to be the director! You think things were bad before, just you wait! What we really need is a new commissioner who will shut his mouth and listen to the public, instead of just blindly accepting the foolishness of the self-important leadership they have on staff.

I am still wondering if it was not a manpower problem.

SUMMARY: This is a highly responsible administrative, supervisory, and technical position within the Building Division of the Public Services Department. This position is responsible for the Bui9lding Section and, as such, provides direct supervision to the Permit Specialist(s), Fire Marshal, and Building Inspector(s). This position is responsible to enforcement of the State Building Code Act, the related Uniform Codes, and the County Addressing System. The position is responsible for organizing, planning, directing, and coordinating the activities of the Building Division within parameters and guidelines established. Moreover, this position is responsible for coordinating the work of the Building Division with the other divisions in the department and the County. The Building Director will make administrative, professional, and technical decisions within their area of responsibility and expertise: and shall advise the Board of County Commissioners on building and code enforcement related matters. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONIBILITIES: Establishes, evaluates and revises building inspection and permit issuance procedures, practices, and rules in conformance with departmental policies. Reviews and interprets codes and ordinances, recommending changes and additions as needed. Develops for adoption by the Board of County Commissioners necessary County ordinances and resolutions dealing with the Building Division. Represents the Building Division of the Public Service Department at various local, regional, Sate and national model code meetings and Washington Association of Building Officials. SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITES: Directly supervises the Building Department staff. Fulfills supervisory responsibilities in accordance with County policies and applicable laws including interviewing, hiring, guidance and training, disciplinary and promotional actions, and addressing complaints and resolving problems. Administrative abilities should encompass the areas of personnel management and employee relations, budgeting, establishment of priorities and formulation of policies. Assists in the preparation of the department budget. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: A strong ethic of public service, ethical leadership, and a commitment to participatory management and a team approach to problem solving. Knowledge of computer systems and software programs utilized including word processing, spreadsheet and database programs. Ability to communicate, interact, and function effectively under stressful and /or confrontational-type situations that require instruction, persuasion or negotiation. Efficiently coordinate a variety of activities or programs and work effectively with other governmental entities, private interests, contractors, and professional clientele such as engineers and architects. Knowledge of laws, ordinances, regulation, and resolutions pertaining to the position of the Building Director. QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelors Degree in Architecture, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Business Administration, or Public Administration and five years experience in the building inspection or related field. An additional five years of progressively responsible experience, including three years at a supervisory level, may be substituted for the Bachelors Degree. I.C.B.O. Building Inspector Certification, I.C.B.O. Plans Examiner certification and at least two other I.C.B.O. certifications or equivalent. Valid Washington State driver’s license. Requires ability to crawl under buildings, climb ladders, and walk undeveloped terrain. Proficiency with Windows based applications.