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Hayden development director passes baton

by MADISON HARDY
Staff Writer | August 3, 2021 1:06 AM

HAYDEN — After nearly three years with the city of Hayden, Community Development Director Melissa Cleveland is resigning. The city is replacing her with Senior Planner Donna Phillips. 

Since joining the city, Cleveland has played a role in revamping long-range planning documents like the "Imagine Hayden" 2040 Comprehensive Plans, including sewer, transportation and parks components. 

"I feel like we've got a ton accomplished with updating guiding documents that were all out of date when I started," Cleveland told The Press. "Getting through that in a two and a half year time frame is pretty awesome." 

Cleveland's contribution to projects like the Honeysuckle Beach, Government Way Corridor, and Impact Fee studies, as well as right of way acquisitions, has been "instrumental," a press release from the city says. 

"We are losing amazing grant writing skills," the release added. "While employed, Melissa helped secure a grant for Croffoot Park for over $500,000, which allows the city to make improvements that would not be possible without this grant." 

Before starting as a consulting engineer for her former employer, Welch Comer, Cleveland wants to finish those studies and assist in Phillips' transition to director. 

"I didn't want to leave midstream on those projects. I wanted to make sure they had a good resting place," Cleveland said. "And, I want to help Donna take the next steps into this position for which she is completely capable."

The city noted that the current workload in the Community Development Department is "enormous," and it hopes to hire a new planner to replace Phillips before Cleveland's last day, Sept. 30.  

According to the city of Hayden employment page, the senior planner position pays between $25.38 and $35.02 per hour. Position responsibilities include:

• Research, review, analysis, and coordination of development requests

• Architectural and site design analysis

• Present findings and make recommendations to supervisors, city officials and the public

• Assist with long-range planning efforts 

Though the city release said it would miss Cleveland, the staff is excited to extend the new opportunity to Phillips. 

"I do have a spirit for service, so working for the city and being able to serve in that capacity has been a positive experience," Cleveland said. "It's been fun working with this team." 

Info: www.cityofhaydenid.us, HR@cityofhaydenid.us, 208-209-1093.