City manager Jim App retires
Jim App and the Paso Robles City Council members.
–Jim App, who has served as Paso Robles City Manager for the last 19 years, announced in February his plan to retire at the end of this year. Prior to Tuesday night’s Paso Robles City Council meeting –the last one that App would be attending as city manager– a celebration was held to honor him and his service to the city.
App started his career with the city in 1990. Since then, significant changes and improvements have been made in the city, including the additions of a new city hall and library building, a new train station, a new airport terminal, Kermit King Elementary, the Paso Robles Children’s Museum, as well as improvements in city infrastructure such as the 13th street bridge expansion, a road repair program, and the addition of a network of river trails.
App said that he feels the city’s greatest accomplishments that he helped to facilitate during his tenure were the Nacimiento water project and Cuesta. His favorite project to work on, however, he said was “the new library building.”
“Jim App’s greatest hits would be a two-disk collection,” said Mayor Steve Martin. “It’s going to be very strange to come into the office and not see him anymore.” Martin said that he has known and worked with App since 1987. “He’s a fixture of the city, and he will be sorely missed.”
Director of Library and Recreation Services Julie Dahlen said that she has worked with App for 20 years, and during that time, she, “learned so much from him.” Dahlen said that she was overwhelmed with feelings of gratitude for App, “He took us through some rough times. His leadership was exactly what we needed…I wish him all the best…he deserves all the best.”
Paso Robles Administrative Services Director Jim Throop said that he was always impressed at how quickly App was able to grasp things and make sound judgements based on his understanding. “App was great to work with,” said Throop, who has worked with the city for the last eight years.
Paso Robles City Councilman Steve Gregory said that he really wanted to thank App. “Thank you for keeping us in the black,” he said. “Very few people can last in this job. I will miss his wisdom and expertise.” Councilman Fred Strong echoed the sentiments expressed. “Theres not enough words to say thank you,” he said.
“There were times he didn’t agree but he always came around,” said District One County Supervisor and former mayor Frank Mecham jokingly. Mecham shared memories of App during some of the most difficult times within the last 20 years, including 9/11 and the 2003 earthquake, and said that App always remained calm and focused. “Job well done sir, job well done…”
The Paso Robles City Council has selected Tom Frutchey, the current city manager of Pacific Grove, to be the new city manager. Frutchey will begin his work as city manager on Jan. 17. Assistant City Manager Meg Williamson will act as interim city manager after App leaves office on Dec. 30.
App’s salary is currently $194,000 per year plus benefits. He will leave with a retirement plan through CalPERS. Since App served for the city for 25.5 years, his calculated annual maximum retirement benefit would be 63.75-percent of his pay
App is also eligible for the city’s Retiree Medical Insurance benefit, which will provide reimbursement up to $500 per month for health insurance.
Frutchey’s yearly salary will be $201,000 plus benefits such as a $175 monthly car allowance and a one-time moving expense of $10,000.
