Joe Fivas Hits The Ground Running As New Cleveland City Manager; George Poe Leaves Council After 16 Years

  • Tuesday, August 23, 2016
  • Gail Perry
Joe Fivas
Joe Fivas
photo by Gail Perry

Joe Fivas was welcomed to the first meeting of the Cleveland City Council in which he participated as city manager. He laid out a plan for what he hopes to accomplish during the next 100 days. He told the council that he is plan oriented and then proposed creating a work plan that is clear and concise, which he said would promote efficiency. This would be done after staff listens to and really hears what the concerns are from all segments of the population in the city.

He said that this would be an open and non-bureaucratic government and would share information and ideas, keep the public informed and would to be sure to work as a team. His style is to respect every employee and citizen, and he said that no position in the staff is more important than another. He said that things happen to the best plans and he and the staff would take responsibility and “own them.” He believes in communication to share ideas and information. He told the council that he recognizes the importance and difficulty of their jobs.

 

His goals during the first three months will be to meet all staff members and to attend every city committee and key stake holder meeting at least once. He will have each department manager create a general work plan and have every employee complete a survey, anonymously, based on strengths and weaknesses of the organization. Staff focus groups will be held and the city manager will review the budget process with the help of the assistant city managers. He will also review the organizational structure with the department managers. All options for communication will be investigated.

 

The strategic plan will be considered a road map of where the city has been and wants to go. There will be a separate downtown plan. The last one created was in 2004, he said, and things have changed since then. He also hopes to create a joint strategic plan with Bradley County about city/county growth projections, as well as a parks and recreation master plan. Councilman Richard Banks said an improved relationship with the Bradley County Commission is needed.

 

"I believe in implementing plans, not just sitting them on a shelf," said Mr.Fivas.

 

The city currently has a budget process and a list of opportunities to consider in the future. His recommendation is to create a three-year plan, which he said allows districts to know what is being considered and to help prioritize those items. A key component of working this way is that the plan can be re-evaluated each year, he said.  

 

To continue the momentum of development that has been seen recently in Cleveland, partnerships with private companies will be needed, including incentives to reinvest in the community, said Councilman David May. Mayor Tom Rowland said he would like to have tax increment financing (TIF) available for downtown development. Mr. Fivas said that the plan he has proposed would encompass the entire community, not just focus on downtown.

 

As the new city manager was being welcomed, the council was saying goodbye to Councilman George Poe who has served in the position for 16 years. He has also served on more committees than anyone else on the council, said Councilman Dale Hughes. Councilman Avery Johnson said that everyone who has the opportunity to serve on the City Council should be proud because of all that has been accomplished. Working together has been both bitter and sweet, he said, “All in all, I want to wish him good luck. We’re all just passing through.” Councilman Banks said because George Poe was interested in promoting safety, he suggested something such as a fire truck have his name on it in the future.

 

Allan Johnson made a proposal to the council for Cleveland to buy property he owns at 1411 Stuart Ave. NW to use for either parking for the greenway or a pocket park along the path. The tax appraisal is currently $144,700. Mr. Johnson said that he is exploring all of his options with individuals, developers and the city with the hope of making a profit. He said he is open to whatever is fair and reasonable. The council was interested because it is one of the prettiest areas along the greenway, according to Councilman Bill Estes. It was suggested that Mr. Johnson have an appraisal done and let the council know the figure.

 

Cleveland won a $500,000 grant to make improvements to the tennis courts at Tinsley Park, which the city must match. A workshop will be held on Sept. 13 to begin planning what will be done. Work is also needed at Blythe Bower multi-purpose field. With the $1 million grant restricted for use at Tinsley Park, Councilman Estes suggested moving city money that had previously been designated for Tinsley Park to use at Blythe Bower.

 

After he got estimates of the cost to bring a dilapidated house at 933 Harle Ave. in the historical district, up to code, the owner made the decision to demolish it instead. After getting approval from the historical commission, the work to take down the house will begin and the lot will be put up for sale.

 

The Cleveland Fire Department was contacted directly by firefighters in Baton Rouge, La., asking for help with the large number of people displaced because of recent flooding. The Cleveland department took action and, with support from several businesses, will be taking basic construction tools and supplies along with 10 men to help. Lowes donated $500,000 in supplies, set up an aisle with items that are needed and offered a 20 percent discount on those items. Without being advertised or planned, Fire Chief Ron Harrison said he anticipates sending $60,000 to $100,000 worth of supplies.

 

Mayor Rowland presented a proclamation honoring Jerry Franitza for his dedication and his 14 years of work building homes for Habitat for Humanity. A street now known as Victory Cove in a Habitat development will be renamed Franitza Way in his honor.

 

On second and final reading an ordinance was amended to add a new class of beer permit called non-consumption wholesaler permit. This will allow a wine and spirits distributor from Nashville, Best Brands, Inc., to open a second warehouse location in Cleveland.

  

Mayor Tom Rowland and Jerry Franitza
Mayor Tom Rowland and Jerry Franitza
photo by Gail Perry
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