Alaina Ray named PZ&B director

Town Manager Dave Bullock has removed the interim title from Alaina Ray’s post and officially named her as the town’s new Planning, Zoning, and Building Director on Wednesday.

Ray, a former planner with the department, was named the interim PZ&B director in September after former Planning, Zoning and Building Director Robin Meyer resigned effective immediately on Sept. 24.

Meyer received three months severance pay at Bullock’s discretion. Bullock described Meyer’s departure as a resignation but said he determined severance “was appropriate in this situation.”

Meyer, 62, assumed the role of PZB director in May 2012, after the town selected him from a pool of 62 candidates who applied for the position following the resignation of former PZB director Monica Simpson.

Meyer had indicated that he intended to be employed by the town for a minimum of five years based on satisfactory work experience, according to the letter the town sent him in April 2012 offering him the position.

Meyer earned an annual salary of $95,804.80.

Ray was instrumental in guiding the town’s Urban Land Institute process, as well as reviewing applications such as the Longboat Key Hilton Beachfront Resort.

Ray’s salary has risen from $80,017.60 to $88,379.20.

In an email to commissioners on Wednesday, Bullock said Ray “earned the title over these past three months."

“I appreciate her energy, expertise, and innovation in moving the objectives of the Town forward,” Bullock wrote. “We all have high expectation of her in the coming years. The workload is and will continue to be heavy for her area, but I know she is up the job.”

Commissioners praised Bullock’s decision in emails Wednesday.

“I am so pleased about Alaina Ray's appointment and believe we are fortunate to have her to head our Planning Department,” wrote Commissioner Pat Zunz.

Contact Kurt Schultheis at [email protected].