The city of Blaine is narrowing its search for its next public works director following the resignation announcement of former director Harpiar Gandhi in September.
Blaine city manager Mike Harmon told Blaine City Council during its most recent meeting on November 10 that the city had received 15 applicants, seven of whom appeared as strong candidates. First reviews began November 7 and interviews are expected to begin in December, though applications will continue to be accepted until the position is filled.
Harmon said after the meeting that an internal candidate could start by late January, while an external candidate would likely begin in March or April.
Gandhi started his position in June 2023 after serving as public works director for Clatskanie, Oregon. His resignation came in the middle of the city’s ongoing Downtown Revitalization Project that began blocking off sections of Peace Portal Drive this summer.
Harmon had told the newspaper in early September that Gandhi was on family leave. On September 8, Gandhi then requested extended leave starting the next day due to increased commitments he faced with his business as a franchisee. Gandhi said he would use vacation days and then use unpaid leave until he resigned on November 30.
Prior to seeing Gandhi’s resignation, Harmon informed Blaine City Council on September 8 that Gandhi had requested leave for an unknown period of time. Gandhi subsequently informed “multiple public stakeholders” about the transition plan on September 10, Harmon wrote.
Gandhi’s resignation was first mentioned at the Blaine City Council meeting on November 10, when Harmon updated council on the city’s search for a new director.
The job posting shows the city started accepting applications September 19. The salary was advertised as $156,000 to $168,000.
Applicants were asked whether they had a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering and professional engineering credential; their years of experience in a public agency or civil engineering setting; and the number of years they had spent as a supervisor.
Assistant public works director Gary McSpadden and assistant public works project manager Manroop Kaur are splitting the director’s responsibilities in the interim.
