Title
Resolution authorizing the appointment of Austin McFarlane as Director of Public Works.
Staff Summary
• The position of Director of Public Works was advertised nationally by a public sector executive recruiting agency. The agency, GovHR USA recommended a list of top candidates for consideration.
• A panel of Public Works department employees, and a second panel composed of department heads and an Assistant County Administrator, conducted initial interviews with the top candidates.
• Following the interviews, both panels recommended forwarding the name of one candidate for further consideration - Interim Public Works Director Austin McFarlane.
• The County Board Chair and County Administrator held a subsequent discussion with Mr. McFarlane.
• Pursuant to the County Board Rules, the advice of the Chair of the Public Works and Transportation Committee was sought on the final candidate.
• The County Administrator, with the advice of the Board Chair, recommends the appointment of Austin McFarlane as Director of Public Works.
• Austin McFarlane is a graduate of the University of Rhode Island with a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology.
• This resolution seeks County Board confirmation for the appointment of Austin McFarlane to the position of Director of Public Works, effective October 11, 2023.
Body
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, the position of Director of Public Works was advertised nationally by a public sector executive recruiting agency, GovHR USA, to attract talented, dynamic, and progressive individuals with unique skillsets; and
WHEREAS, applicants from across the country submitted applications for consideration; and
WHEREAS, following the initial screening process, a short list of candidates was initially interviewed by a panel composed of Public Works Department employees, with a second panel composed of department heads and an Assistant County Administrator; and
WHEREAS, both panels recommended one candidate for further consideration for the position, Austin McFarlane, Interim Director of Public Works; and
WHEREAS, the County Board Chair and the County Administrator conducted a discussion with Mr. McFarlane; and
WHEREAS, the Chair of the Public Works and Transportation Committee provided comments after being informed of the process and the final candidate; and
WHEREAS, in accordance with the County Board Rules, the County Administrator, with the advice of the County Board Chair, and having consulted the Chair of the Public Works and Transportation Committee, hereby recommends the appointment of Austin McFarlane as the Director of the Public Works Department for Lake County, and
WHEREAS, a conditional offer has been extended to Austin McFarlane pursuant to the terms of the letter attached hereto; and
WHEREAS, Austin McFarlane has accepted the offer pending appointment by this County Board.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by this County Board of Lake County, Illinois, that Austin McFarlane be appointed as Director of the Public Works Department, effective October 11, 2023, at an annual salary of $185,000, with other terms and conditions of employment outlined in the Letter of Acceptance (attached hereto and made a part hereof).
DATED at Waukegan, Illinois, on October 10, 2023.