San Juan County Manager Mike Thomas has announced a number of changes in the Community Development and Planning Department, including new leadership and longer operating hours.

Director of Community Development and Planning Rene Beliveau will continue serving in his position until Nov. 3.  He moved into the department director’s position in July of 2009 with the departure of then-director Ron Henrickson.  In a move described as “streamlining and realigning” the department in the wake of severe budget cutbacks,  Beliveau retained his responsibilities as the county’s building official as well as assuming the administrative duties of running one of the county’s largest, highest profile departments.

Thomas praised Beliveau for bringing expertise and professionalism to a department during difficult times – as the county was going through cutbacks, and dealing with volatile regulatory issues including mandatory updates to the Critical Areas Ordinance and other Growth Management Act Issues.

Thomas has designated Sam Gibboney to serve as the transitional director until a new director is appointed. Gibboney joined the San Juan County Public Works staff as the Solid Waste Program administrator in January 2013 and has negotiated the transition of the county’s solid waste facilities.

She has worked for and with local, rural governments for more than 20 years. Thomas said she brings both technical expertise and a facilitative style. Gibboney has a degree in civil engineering and a master of public administration from the University of Washington Evans School of Public Affairs.

Thomas has also named the current Deputy Building Official John Geniuch to be Acting Building Official, overseeing building and inspection services. He holds a civil engineering degree and is a certified building official. He has been with the county since January of 2008.

Beginning Oct. 14, CD&P office hours will be extended 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. daily. Office hours had not been restored since budget-related cutbacks in 2009.