The Nugget Newspaper - News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon

City planner Neil Thompson has left his post, effective Monday, April 4.

According to City Manager Eileen Stein, Thompson has taken a job as a planner in Southampton Township, New York.

"He comes from New York originally, so this is kind of a return home for him," Stein said.

Thompson was hired as city planner for the City of Sisters on October 31, 1994. During his tenure, the city has grown considerably. The city established a municipal sewer system and expanded its Urban Growth boundary, adding new residential and industrial lands.

Brian Rankin, who has been serving as Thompson's deputy, will take over as interim planning director. Stein said the city will immediately begin a search for a new planner.

Thompson came to the city with virtually no direct experience with municipal planning. Given the city's growth and the increased complexity of planning issues, Stein said the city will seek a new planner with a degree and "years of municipal planning experience."

She said she expects it to take three to five months to fill the position.

During the interim period, Rankin's workload will be daunting. Stein said she hopes to take advantage of a standing offer from the City of Redmond to provide technical support for the planning department.

Due to the reduced resources in the planning department, Stein said the city will be strict about observing office hours. Appointments must be made to confer with Rankin between the hours of 8 a.m. and noon. Afternoon drop-ins are allowed, but visitors will be asked to keep their visits to 15 minutes.

"People will have less access to the planning department for the time being," Stein said.