Interim planning director in Sequim resigns

SEQUIM — Joe Irvin, interim city planning director, has resigned from his position, effective April 15.

He will be moving to south Florida with his family where his wife, Katie, will pursue a graduate degree in occupational therapy, a city news release said today.

The resignation comes as City Manager Steve Burkett seeks to permanently fill the position formerly held for eight years by Dennis Lefevre, who resigned late last year after he and Burkett agreed to a mutual disassociation.

Burkett anticipates appointing a permanent city planning director sometime in May.

Pay range for the position is $83,000 to $106,000, depending on experience, the city manager said.

With Irvin’s resignation, the city of Sequim is without a professional planning staff.

Burkett said he plans to hire someone on a interim contract basis to meet the department needs until the staff positions are filled.

Lefevre hired Irvin straight out of college six years ago as an assistant planner.

“I came to Sequim not really knowing what to expect, and over the last six years I have found that people here care about what happens here,” Irvin said.

“Sequim is a great place to live, work and call home. I am excited for my family’s next adventure, but I will miss working with all of my co-workers and the Sequim community.”

Irvin was being paid $72,000 a year for his interim planning director role.

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Sequim-Dungeness Valley Editor Jeff Chew can be reached at 360-681-2391 or at jeff.chew@peninsuladailynews.com.

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