TITLE
Recommendation to confirm the appointment of Tom Modica to the position of Assistant City Manager effective November 15, 2014. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
Section 301 of the City Charter provides the authority for the City Manager to appoint an Assistant City Manager with the confirmation of the City Council. I am pleased to announce that, upon consultation with the City Council, I have appointed Tom Modica as Assistant City Manager effective November 15, 2014.
As you are aware, the Assistant City Manager provides a uniquely important role in supporting both the City Manager and various functions of the City Manager's Office. The Assistant City Manager must also be able to fully perform the duties of the City Manager in the absence or incapacity of the City Manager. In my view, Mr. Modica is highly qualified to fulfill the duties of the Assistant City Manager. He began his career with the City of Long Beach as a Management Assistant in 2002 and has held several progressively responsible positions over the past 12 years, including Director of Intergovernmental Communications and Strategic Affairs and, most recently, Deputy City Manager.
As Deputy City Manager, Mr. Modica oversees external affairs and special initiatives, maintaining oversight over Government Affairs, Communications and Regional initiatives such as water quality, transportation, regional planning, and state and regional funding issues. He also oversees the Tidelands Capital Improvement Division, which is responsible for a planned $275 million capital improvement program in the City's coastal area over the next five years, including the rebuild of the Belmont Beach and Aquatics Center.
Mr. Modica has worked with City departments and elected officials on several initiatives over the years, including the long-term improvement in the City's ocean water quality, management and oversight of $120 million in Stimulus funds, protection of the City's interests through the dissolution of Redevelopment, the study of the Long Beach Breakwater, the 2010 City Council Redistricting process, and coordinating citywide media and communications issues, including the City's award-winning use of social media.
Throughout his service, Mr. Modica has demonstrated his excellent leadership, problem-solving, budgetary, and communications skills. Most recently he distinguished himself by developing and coordinating an intensive process by which a stakeholder committee and the general public would review and make recommendations pertaining to the proposed programmatic elements of the new $103.4 million Belmont Beach and Aquatics Center. These recommendations were unanimously adopted by the City Council on October 21, 2014.
Throughout his career, Mr. Modica has developed a reputation for being one who is not afraid to take on and resolve complicated issues, as well as to provide candid and thoughtful input on a wide variety of important issues. He is highly regarded by management and staff throughout the organization.
Mr. Modica earned his Bachelor of Arts and Master of Public Administration degrees from the University of Arizona. He lives in Long Beach with his family and is actively involved in the community. I am confident that he will serve the City of Long Beach with distinction and professionalism for many years to come.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on November 11, 2014, to ensure a smooth transition.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
APPROVED:
PATRICK H. WEST
CITY MANAGER