Director of Community Development
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Director of Community Development B O R O U G H O F S P R I N G G R O V E APPLY BY SEPTEMBER 30, 2019 BOROUGH OF SPRING GROVE, YORK COUNTY The site of Spring Grove was laid out in 1747 on the banks of Codorus Creek, midway between York City and Hanover, by a surveyor for the Penn’s. Originally, Spring Grove was a part of Paradise Township and was contained within the boundaries of Lancaster County. York County was formed in 1749 and Jackson Township, including Spring Grove, in 1853. The residents of the community petitioned the County Court in 1882 for incorporation as a borough, and in August of that year their petition was granted. Since that time, the Borough has grown in area as a result of annexation of the surrounding land, the largest annexation having taken place in 1953. In the 1770’s, attracted by the presence of water, iron ore and wood for charcoal in the Pigeon Hills, an iron manufacturer established a forge at “Spring Forge.” It is known as Spring Grove. The early German and English woodchoppers who flocked to this first Pennsylvania iron industry west of the Susquehanna were the forbearers of today’s community. By the mid-19th Century, the manufacturing of iron had grown to a point where almost 200 tons of iron bar were produced locally each year. By 1851, however, the iron business had been suspended, and its buildings were converted to the manufacturing of paper. Once again local resources, wood and water, were largely responsible for the location of this industry in the Spring Grove area. Thirteen years later, the plant was purchased by P. H. Glatfelter for $14,000. Other basic industries, such as brickmaking and the manufacture of explosives, have from time to time established themselves in the Borough. None, however, have remained as long nor have been as successful as the paper mill. Since 1865, the growth of the borough has reflected growth of the Glatfelter Paper Mill. Spring Grove today is a one-industry town, where the mill dominates the Borough’s economic and community life.
Transcript of Director of Community Development
Director of Community Development B O R O U G H O F S P R I N G G R O V E
A P P L Y B Y S E P T E M B E R 3 0 , 2 0 1 9
BOROUGH OF SPRING GROVE, YORK COUNTY
The site of Spring Grove was laid out in 1747 on the banks of Codorus Creek, midway between York City and Hanover, by a surveyor for the Penn’s. Originally, Spring Grove was a part of Paradise Township and was contained within the boundaries of Lancaster County. York County was formed in 1749 and Jackson Township, including Spring Grove, in 1853. The residents of the community petitioned the County Court in 1882 for incorporation as a borough, and in August of that year their petition was granted. Since that time, the Borough has grown in area as a result of annexation of the surrounding land, the largest annexation having taken place in 1953.
In the 1770’s, attracted by the presence of water, iron ore and wood for charcoal in the Pigeon Hills, an iron manufacturer established a forge at “Spring Forge.” It is known as Spring Grove. The early German and English woodchoppers who flocked to this first Pennsylvania iron industry west of the Susquehanna were the forbearers of today’s community. By the mid-19th Century, the manufacturing of iron had grown to a point where almost 200 tons of iron bar were produced locally each year.
By 1851, however, the iron business had been suspended, and its buildings were converted to the manufacturing of paper. Once again local resources, wood and water, were largely responsible for the location of this industry in the Spring Grove area. Thirteen years later, the plant was purchased by P. H. Glatfelter for $14,000.
Other basic industries, such as brickmaking and the manufacture of explosives, have from time to time established themselves in the Borough. None, however, have remained as long nor have been as successful as the paper mill. Since 1865, the growth of the borough has reflected growth of the Glatfelter Paper Mill. Spring Grove today is a one-industry town, where the mill dominates the Borough’s economic and community life.
THE GOVERNMENT
The Borough of Spring Grove is incorporated under the Pennsylvania Borough Code. It provides all the services a city would typically provide except fire (provided by the Friendship Hose Fire Company), police, (provided by Southwestern Regional Police Department), and water (provided by the York Water Company). It should also be noted that the Borough operates a wastewater treatment plant.
The Borough functions under the Council/Manager form of government. The Council is composed of seven members who are elected at large to staggered, four-year terms. Elections are held in November of odd-numbered years and three seats will be up in 2019. The Council is responsible for establishing the policies of the Borough and has traditionally been progressive. As a body, the Council are collegial and think highly of their staff.
The Borough Manager is the government’s Chief Administrative Officer and is appointed by the Council. The Council also appoints the Borough Engineer and Solicitor. The Tax Collector is an elected position. All other Borough staff report to the Borough Manager. In addition to elected and staff positions, the Borough utilizes a number of volunteer boards, committees, and commissions to address specific issues including planning, zoning, recreation, and property maintenance. These boards are comprised of Borough residents appointed by Council.
The Borough’s general fund budget for 2019 is $2.7 million and its total budget is $6.6 million. It has 8 employees. Three in public works, two in wastewater operations, one administrative assistant, one Director of Community Development, and one Borough Manager. The Borough is part of an intermunicipal agreement for recreational services. Economic development falls under the general leadership of the Borough Manager.
The Borough has an appraised value about $127 million. Unlike many communities, that value has been essentially unchanged since 2008 with an average increase of .61% per year. The Borough simply did not suffer the level of decline that many other jurisdictions did, and the decline it did experience on individual properties was offset by growth. About 50% of its general fund revenue is sourced from real estate taxes. However, the millage rate has doubled in the past ten years. Other taxes (which are comprised of earned income tax and occupational tax) are equal to about 25% of general fund revenue. The Borough is financially conservative and received a rating of A+ Stable in 2015 for its General Obligation Bonds.
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THE POSITION
This position is unique in that it encompasses multiple areas of focus that tie together as one role. The essential and core functions include:
1. Manage and direct community development activities; complete and process property and building inspections, permit applications, building plan and zoning reviews, communicate with residents, boards, business owners, developers, consultants, committees, and staff. Initiate and participate in legal action when necessary to correct violations.
2. Promote revitalization activities throughout the community; build positive relationships with business owners, engage in public relations to improve awareness of community goals; examine ways to improve outreach, communication, and enforcement.
3. Collaborate with Borough Manager for budget preparation and include summary and detailed justification for requests; properly monitor and control expenditures.
4. Assist as a member of management to accomplish planning, address Borough-wide policy and issues, provide support and assistance as needed for ad-hoc committees or special projects, e.g., development of RFP’s, studies and grant proposals, consultation on space design and feasibility assessments of structures within the Borough.
5. Assist the Borough Manager with tasks relating to the MS4 permit requirements with a focus on community outreach and education.
THE CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES
The Borough of Spring Grove has been actively ingrained in improving the town for its residents. However, the next Director of Community Development will have plenty to work on.
First, while Borough officials have a common vision for creating a better future for the community, that vision has not yet been articulated in a comprehensive plan. Along with an updated comprehensive plan, it has been almost fifteen years since the zoning ordinance was updated.
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Secondly, finances have been and are expected to remain tight. Coupled with the fact that the Borough is largely built out, revenues from new development cannot be anticipated. In an already lean organization, balancing the budget while providing the high-quality services residents expect will be a challenge.
The third challenge is redevelopment in downtown Spring Grove. Business fronts have been declining due to several factors. The Borough is currently working to improve the infrastructure to encourage safe pedestrian travel along the downtown corridor and this is viewed as the starting point of redevelopment.
The final issue is stormwater. As an MS4 (municipal separate storm sewer system) community, a strong focus of this position will be adhering to the regulations and implementation of measures to control runoff while educating the public.
While working on these challenges, the individual will be responsible for administration of building, zoning, and code enforcement within the Borough. This includes permit review and processing.
THE IDEAL CANDIDATE
The Borough is seeking a Director of Community Development who will work as a partner, a supporter, and a trusted advisor. The individual will recognize that while under direct supervision of the Borough Manager, the Council is composed of seven individuals with different personalities and opinions. The individual will understand politics but not be involved.
The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical skills. Personally, the individual will be someone who is positive, upbeat, friendly, outgoing, proactive and progressive – someone who is also intelligent and fair. The ideal candidate will have a “can do” attitude and is achievement oriented. He/she will be visionary yet practical and a realistic risk taker. He/she will also be someone who can and will make decisions. The Director of Community Development will be someone who is comfortable in the community and someone the community admires and respects. The individual will have outstanding communications skills and be a people person. He/she will always be listening and looking for ways to make the government more responsive.
Experience with the prior mentioned tasks helpful, but not required. A BCO (Building Code Official) certification is preferred.
THE PROCESS
For full consideration, please submit cover letter and resume, including salary requirements, no later than noon on September 30, 2019 to: Borough of Spring Grove, Attention: Andrew Shaffer, 1 Campus Avenue, Spring Grove, PA 17362 or email to [email protected].
OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION
The Borough of Spring Grove is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages women and minorities to apply. The only applicant whose name will be released is that of the candidate who will be the next Director of Community Development. All other names will be held in the strictest of confidence.
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