Joe Irvin, City of Sequim interim planning director, announced his resignation today. He will move with his family to southern Florida, where his wife, Kate, will pursue a graduate degree in Occupational Therapy.

His last day will be Friday, April 15.

“I came to Sequim not really knowing what to expect and over the last six years I have found that people here care about what happens here,” Irvin said.

“Sequim is a great place to live, work and call home. I am excited for my family’s next adventure, but I will miss working with all of my co-workers and the Sequim community,” said Irvin.

Irvin began working for the City of Sequim on May 31, 2005, as assistant planner to Planning Director Dennis Lefevre. He became Interim Planning Director in October 2010 when Lefevre resigned.

Irvin said via e-mail he is in good standing with city staff and it was a decision he and his wife made together.

His resignation leaves the city without a professional planning staff. The city is in the process of recruiting a Planning Director and anticipates hiring someone in May.

The city will also begin recruitment of an Assistant Planner. City Manager Steve Burkett plans to hire someone on an interim contract basis to meet the department needs until the staff positions are filled.

Irvin has taken a lead role in the development of the city’s Downtown Plan and has begun preparation for the update to Sequim’s comprehensive plan. Irvin, along with the public works staff, was instrumental in the development of Sequim’s first community garden.

“Joe is a great representative of the talented people we have providing services to our community,” Burkett said.

“During the last five months I have had the opportunity to work closely with Joe in his role as interim planning director and have been amazed at his energy, capacity to learn, and his passion for public service. This will be a big loss for our city organization and our community. We will miss Joe and we wish him, Katie, and Michaela the best in their new adventure in Florida.”

Read more about the open position at www.ci.sequim.wa.us.

Read more Wednesday in the March 16 Sequim Gazette.