This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
Staff writer

Changes will soon take place in Oak Grove’s planning department.

Karen Slater, Oak Grove’s city planner, has resigned effective Dec. 28.

The council formally accepted Slater’s resignation Monday night, Dec. 14, and appointed Rick Juba, currently the city’s associate planner, as her replacement.

Juba has been with the city for two years and says he feels comfortable he has gained the knowledge and experience necessary to become the city’s next planner.

And with the workload in the planning department increasing between now and the end of May 2010 due to necessary comprehensive plan updates, the council will consider a contract with Slater to help draft new ordinances during this time frame.

City staff had requested the council consider obtaining quotes from planning firms to help out with the comprehensive plan related items, which are required to be completed by May 31, 2010.

Council members were receptive to hiring a firm to help with the additional workload, however some expressed concern about the cost effectiveness of doing so.

During the course of discussion, council members suggested Slater could serve as the city’s planning consultant during the next few months.

“I think you’ve done a great job,” said Councilmember Mike Wylie.

Mayor Jim Iund said he thinks the proposal would save the city money and would result in a better job being done.

Slater told the council she would be willing to work with Juba, taking direction from him and doing more of what she called “busy work” that would take up his time during the day.

“I am just relieving him of the time here,” she said.

Councilmember Scott Lawrence said he thought it seems odd that even before she is done, Slater is willing to help out.

“My reasons for resigning have nothing to do with the proposal on the table,” Slater said.

A contract for Slater’s services will be considered by the council at its Jan. 11 meeting.

According to Slater, the fees in the contract will be in line with her current hourly wage.

In her resignation letter, Slater said that she has “gained an abundance of knowledge working” for the city.

Slater cites her thought and reflection “over the course of events that began last January and culminated with Councilmember Kristen Anderson’s resignation and staff termination(s)” on Nov. 30 as part of her reason for her resignation, submitted in writing Dec. 7.

“As you are all aware of, staff reductions, including the planning department, have been ongoing discussions since January 2009,” Slater’s resignation letter states.

“ The need for two planners has been analyzed based on the economy, lack of development projects and LGA (Local Government Aid) cuts. Despite the heavy planning workload, the intent of my resignation is so that no further staff cuts are necessary and that staff and the city can move forward in a positive manner.

My resignation relieves the city of salary and benefit costs, in addition to costs associated with unemployment and health insurance coverage.”

Slater came on as Oak Grove’s planner Dec. 1, 2008.

A Minnesota native, Slater was eager to return to her home state after working as a planner in Hernando County, Fla.

She has a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a master’s degree in organizational management as well as a paralegal certificate.

Slater has previously worked doing commercial real estate appraisals and spent six years working on planning in both the public and private sectors before joining Oak Grove’s staff.

Kelly Johnson is at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it