Tulare City Council Picks New Interim City Manager

Joseph Carlini. Courtesy/City of Tulare

The Tulare City Council held a special meeting January 31 at 6:30pm to appoint a new interim city manager. After meeting in closed session for almost an hour, the council reported that it had chosen Joseph Carlini, Public Works Director of the Public Works Department.

Tulare’s current interim city manager, Paul Melikian, handed in his letter of resignation on January 30. His last official work day will be February 17. According to Mayor Carlton Jones, Melikian has accepted an offer from the City of Reedley to be its assistant manager, a position the city created just for Melikian. Jones did not know if Melikian initiated talks or if Reedley recruited him. Melikian is originally from Reedley, and still has family there.

Jones said “Paul was doing a great job and it was a bit of a surprise, but I wish him well.”

During closed session the council focused on local talent to find a new interim manager. This is the second time in six months that the Tulare City Council has been in this position. Former City Manager Don Dorman retired last September.

During the decision process several department heads and retired former city managers were proposed and Carlini’s name rose to the top of the list. After a short interview by phone the council offered him the job that night.  Jones said, “Carlini expressed that he was very humbled and honored at the opportunity to manage the city.”

Council member Jose Sigala said that Carlini will be a good fit for Tulare. He understands the city and runs the city’s largest department.  Jones said that what impressed him most is how Carlini treats his employees. He said Carlini encourages employees to get further training and education. As a result, Carlini has several people who would be able to take over managing the new waste water plant, which was a concern of the council.

“He has a good rapport with the city staff,” said Sigala.

Carlini’s was first hired by Tulare on February 10, 2014, in the position of Operations Manager and was promoted  in August of 2014 to Public Works Director. His current salary is $10,830.26 a month.

The city will do an in-house search for the next city manager. Human Resources Director Teresa Avila will be aiding in conducting the search starting immediately.

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