Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: FRIDAY, September 17, 1993                   TAG: 9309170251
SECTION: CURRENT                    PAGE: NRV-1   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: MICHAEL STOWE STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: BLACKSBURG                                LENGTH: Medium

PART OF PUBLIC WORKS, PLANNING DEPARTMENTS TO MERGE

Starting sometime in October, the engineering, drafting and inspection functions from Public Works will be combined with Planning and called the Department of Planning and Community Development.

Secrist said the merger was a natural move, because the engineering functions of public works are so closely related to the zoning and building responsibilities of the planners.

"I'm attempting to enhance the product we provide, and I'm confident this plan will do it," Secrist said.

Secrist said the combined department will be in a trial period for six months.

Then it will be evaluated "to see if indeed we are improving customer service," he said.

The merger will coincide with the completion of more than $40,000 in renovations to the municipal building, which will allow the Planning Department to move to a third-floor location beside Public Works.

The town manager's office will relocate to the Planning Deparment's current location on the first floor.

No jobs will be eliminated during the six-month trial period, but there will be a few personnel changes.

Adele Schirmer, director of Public Works for the past four years, will run the new department.

Assistant Town Manager Bonnie Svrcek will serve as interim Public Works director, heading that department's remaining four divisions - streets, properties, utilities and horticulture.

Bill West, the town's planning director for nine years, will work on a special project in the town manager's office, picking up some of Svrcek's economic development and public information duties.

The town manager stressed that the moves were in no way a demotion to Svrcek.

"Not at all; she is still the assistant town manager," he said.

Svrcek said she was excited about the chance to get some hands-on experience at the Public Works lot in the Blacksburg Industrial Park.

"It's a great opportunity for me," he said.

Secrist said no decision has been made about what West's position will be after six months.

He said the decision to merge, like any change, has caused "some anxiety" among the town's staff, but he thinks it will be the best decision in the long run.

"I have to look at making decisions that enable us to better serve the community," he said.

Michael Chandler, a town council member with an extensive background in planning, was enthusiastic about the proposed merger.

"I think it makes a lot of sense and is a step in the right direction," he said.

Chandler said localities across the state, including Virginia Beach and Hampton, have established planning and community development departments.

It gives the citizens "one-stop shopping," he said.