LAKE COUNTY >> The Lake County Board of Supervisors this week appointed a new director of the Community Development Department during a closed session.
The department, which has been managed by Public Works Director Scott DeLeon in the interim since Rick Coel’s resignation in March, will now be run by Robert Massarelli — a Florida man with significant international urban planning experience. He will officially take the reins on June 13
“He bowled everyone over with his understanding and knowledge,” District 3 Supervisor Jim Steele said, adding that the board’s decision was unanimous. “We were really lucky to have a response from a highly qualified person such as him.”
Steele cited the county’s natural beauty and the opportunity for a change of pace from the corporate business environment and international travel as points in the boards favor during the recruitment process.
“This oughtta be a more relaxed for him,” he said.
In the meantime, De Leon said he and staff will continue to process permits for Valley Fire survivors and address issues like making exceptions for previously non-conforming residences.
Once Massarelli commences his duties, the interim director will go back to leading only two departments — public works and water resources.
“Staff’s excited about it and we’re looking forward to him coming to Lake County,” De Leon said. “The last couple of months have been a challenge not only for me but for staff. It was certainly an honor to work with [them] … they are hard-working people.”
The board also made an appointment for another post at the meeting, making long-time staffer and Deputy Health Director Denise Pomeroy the interim head of the department when current director Jim Brown retires at the beginning of July.
Pomeroy’s first day would is scheduled for July 6.
