SEQUIM — In an apparent mutual disassociation, Dennis Lefevre is leaving the city of Sequim as planning director, a position he has held for more than eight years, City Manager Steve Burkett said Monday,
“Based on the needs of the city going forward, the two of us have concluded that now is the appropriate time for Dennis to leave the city and to pursue other professional opportunities,” Burkett said.
Lefevre’s final day is Oct. 31, according to Burkett.
Joe Irvin, who Lefevre hired more than five years ago as associate planner, has been named interim planning director, Burkett said Monday night, introducing Irvin, who led a City Council discussion on zoning reform.
Lefevre’s opening would be filled by March 2011, Burkett said.
In a joint news release Monday, Burkett and Lefevre announced that Lefevre was leaving effective after this week.
“Dennis has served as planning director for eight and a half years and has accomplished a great deal in Sequim during a period of tremendous growth and change,” Burkett said.
“He implemented the policies of the City Council during a period of rapid growth with limited staff. In the boom period of 2004-2007, Dennis and staff managed extensive commercial and residential growth including the planning for Walmart, Home Depot and Costco. He supervised the development of the city of Sequim comprehensive plan update in 2006 and developed architectural design standards.”
Lefevre said he enjoyed being a part of the growth and development of the city of Sequim.
“It has been a great eight and a half years, and my wife and I have met and befriended a lot of wonderful people in this community,” Lefevre said.
“I’ve had the opportunity to work on a number of positive projects and programs for the city and to be associated with a high-level of professional and dedicated staff. I am proud to have mentored Joe Irvin to the point that the city manager is comfortable with appointing him interim planning director.”
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Sequim-Dungeness Valley Editor Jeff Chew can be reached at 360-681-2391 or at jeff.chew@peninsuladailynews.com.
