Doug Monn retiring after 30 years with the city
Paso Robles Mayor Steve Martin, right, presented retiring Public Works Director Doug Monn, center, who is joined by his wife, Ellen, with a proclamation for his 30 years of service to the city. Photo by Heather Young
Christine Halley will service as interim public works director
Paso Robles Public Works Director Doug Monn will retire on Jan. 2, 2015, just after 30 years after he started working for the city as building inspector and plan examiner in the building department on Aug. 6, 1984.
“Doug’s dedicated and genuine concern for the community and the depth of his skill and knowledge enabled him to effectively lead the city through years of great change, growth and development while maintaining the essential character of Paso Robles,” Paso Robles Mayor Steve Martin said as he read the proclamation he then presented Monn.
After he graduated from Atascadero High School in 1972, he went on to college and then worked at a building supply yard before becoming an apprentice for an electrical contractor. He said he thinks he got the job at the city over other applicants because staff wanted someone with a background in electrical. In 1986, he became a building official and served in that capacity until 2004 when he applied for his current position.
“After a year of probation they decided to keep me,” Monn said with a laugh.
He said that he stayed with the city for so long because he always had a goal to pursue. “Every time I got itchy and looked around, they had another project,” he said, adding that he did get offers for other jobs that he turned down. “I never lacked for goals, things to pursue.”
Martin said that some of Monn’s many accomplishments and contributions include:
- The responsible use of Measure D-98 funds to construct the Public Safety Center, Senior Center, Veterans Center, the 13th Street Bridge, the Municipal Airport Terminal and Barney Schwartz Park
- Overseeing construction of the city hall and library
- Shepherding the professional development of the building division, including much-needed permit automation
- Management of key public roads projects including the Highway 46 East and 101 enhancement project
- Active support in the design and development of new wastewater and water treatment plants, which will serve the community long into its future
Monn, who has lived in Paso Robles since 1988, said his retirement will begin with him accomplishing all the home improvement projects he’s put off over the years. “First thing my wife wants me to do is finish the house I started in 1988,” Monn said.
Monn has been married to Ellen, who graduated from Paso Robles High School, for 38 years and have two children. Both Doug and Ellen have deep roots in the county — Monn’s grandfather was a constable in Santa Margarita when the lake’s dam was constructed.
Though no one has been hired to fill the role Monn’s retirement is leaving, he said that recruitment for the position closed nearly two weeks ago. Staff is checking backgrounds right now and will be interviewing in January. He said that the selection should be made sometimes in February 2015. In the meantime, City Manager Jim App said, Christine Halley of TJ Cross Engineers will act as the interim director of public works.
