Fairhope's planning director resigns

Second department head departure for city in two weeks

By Cliff McCollum
Posted 1/30/17

Fairhope Planning Director Jonathan Smith confirmed to The Courier he would be resigning from his position two weeks from last Friday.

Smith’s departure follows the hire of former Baldwin County …

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Subscribe to continue reading. Already a subscriber? Sign in

Get the gift of local news. All subscriptions 50% off for a limited time!

You can cancel anytime.
 

Please log in to continue

Log in

Fairhope's planning director resigns

Second department head departure for city in two weeks

Posted

Fairhope Planning Director Jonathan Smith confirmed to The Courier he would be resigning from his position two weeks from last Friday.

Smith’s departure follows the hire of former Baldwin County Planning Director Wayne Dyess coming into the department.

“I’m working the next two weeks and doing my best to help Wayne Dyess come in,” Smith said. “I want to help him learn our files, ordinances and how we do business in our department.”

In an interview with WABF 1220 AM radio last week, Mayor Karin Wilson indicated Dyess would be hired as the city's new planning director and that Smith would be shifted into another position within that department.

Smith was hired as a planner for the city back in 2006, eventually rising to the position of director of planning and zoning.

Smith said he was sad to leave the city, but felt it was the right call to make.

“It’s been a difficult job, but a great one,” Smith said. “I hated to make the decision, but I’m excited for the opportunities ahead and now is the time to do it.”

Smith praised his department for the work they’ve been able to do over the last ten and a half years together.

“We’ve done the best we could with what we have,” Smith said. “We’ve certainly been through a lot together over the last 10.5 years, and I have nothing but good things to say about everyone. I love the city, the people and the environment here. I grew up here, so I’ve always had a sincere vested interest in Fairhope and making it a great place to be.”

Smith’s exit marks the second departure of a Fairhope department head, following the sudden resignation of Operations Director Scott Sligh on Jan. 20 after three days on the job.

Wilson said she had seen Smith’s resignation letter Monday morning.

“I appreciate Jonathan’s many years of service for the city and wish him well in his future endeavors,” Wilson said.

Council President Jack Burrell said he was surprised by Smith’s announcement and said he hated to see him leave the city.

“I’m very sad to see him go,” Burrell said. “He’ll be hard to replace. We’ll miss his experience and knowledge of the city. Losing quality, informed employees like Jonathan is certainly worrisome, but we wish him well in whatever his future plans may be.”