Grand Terrace recruits for city manager
Stephen Wall, Staff Writer
Posted: 05/16/2009 07:03:53 AM PDT

GRAND TERRACE - The City Council has decided to begin a recruitment process to pick a new city manager.

The position has been vacant since last summer. In June, former City Manager Tom Schwab suffered a subdural hematoma, a life-threatening brain injury that hospitalized him for more than two months.

Acting City Manager Steve Berry, also the assistant city manager, has been running the city in the meantime.


Both men say they want the city manager job.

Council members said the decision to recruit for the position is not a negative reflection on Berry or Schwab and encouraged both of them to apply.


"The council is trying to make it an equal playing field and do what is best for the city as well as be sensitive to the individuals and players involved," Mayor Maryetta Ferre said.

The city will advertise for the position in Western Cities Magazine, a publication of the League of California Cities. The ad will run in June and July and cost about $2,000.


The deadline for applications is Aug. 17. The council is expected to interview candidates and make a decision around Oct. 1.

The council hired Schwab, 51, as a part-time consultant in December to work on the 2009-2010 budget. His $45,000 contract runs through June.


Between his consulting work and his sick leave and vacation pay, Schwab is earning the equivalent of his $178,800 annual salary.

Schwab said he has fully recovered from his injury and has been cleared by his doctors to return to work full-time.

Berry, 46, got a temporary 10-percent pay raise in October because of his added workload as acting city manager. He now earns nearly $135,000 a year.

Schwab, who became city manager in 1989, hired Berry as assistant city manager in 2001.


From the Email InBox:

PAWW.... 313.000.00 paid for management of 3 contracts, fire, trash, and police.. is a bit high in this economy, and this City Council has allowed this expense to continue for how many years?

Come on... the the Payers, the City of Grand Terrace, the Citizens of Grand Terrace can not afford this cost. This cost does not include the Indirect Costs of Cars, House Payments, Insurance on Cars, Life and Medical Co Payments made by the City not the Individual. Sure both men want the job... it pays well, has little accountability and they are worshiped like a mini god by the City Council..

Now many cities are laying off and not filling positions. I suggest the idea that the Poseidon be left unfilled, give the Secretary and Clerk added income to their "Woman's Pay" and have them run the city's business.

It is time to run down or close off the Speculation and Debt Playing of the Redevelopment Agency and City. Redevelopment funds should only be for current existing homes and businesses, it should not be used for "New Development". We do not need more stores and retail. We need to add to the sustainability of our community not promote the continued drain of resources and income to the purchase of goods and services which are not sustainable from within Grand Terrace. A return to a balance of land use, including some farming and groves would be at least a safety net from starvation for the community.

Anyway, get rid of them both and don't go back to the same place and get a replacement that is going to be more of the same... High Expense, and a Dictator, and not understanding the concept of sustainable development and city management.

Again the city's Mayor Ferre has used words as a citizen I am offended. City Management should not be made up of "Players". It has been in the past and clearly it is time the "Players", should get out, and not be rehired. We have had enough of the "Players" and those attracted by the placement of the Add in the "Players Magazine" does not bode well for the selection pool.