Resignation of City Manager Monica Irelan

City Manager Monica Irelan announced that she has accepted the position of City Manager in Westerville, Ohio and will be resigning her Painesville post effective December 11, 2020. Painesville City Council appointed Irelan to City Manager in December 2016.

 

“Westerville is a great opportunity for the next step in my career but it was a very difficult decision to leave Painesville,” said Irelan. “This community is so unique and charming in many ways and I really found a home here. With Painesville City staff, we have accomplished so much in a short period of time and I know their hard work and dedication to this community will continue, no matter who is in the City Manager’s chair.”

 

Since Irelan took over as City Manager four years ago, the City has seen measurable growth, especially in City Council’s Strategic Plan focus areas of customer service, community investment, improved infrastructure and safety.

 

Under City Council and Irelan’s direction, communication and customer service became a priority through the implementation of new modern software in utilities, code enforcement, recreation, human resources and finance departments. A full-time communications position was established to direct day-to-day communications and engagement with the community, which significantly improved relationships with residents, business owners and the workforce.

 

Recently, Painesville has also seen an increase in population and growth in housing options. According to Crain’s Cleveland, Painesville’s median household income jumped an estimated 45% over the last three years. New investment in Victoria Place, the former Chase Bank building and the new Signature Heath Painesville Medical Center are significant indicators of growth in community and economic investment.

 

Aging infrastructure has long been an issue in Painesville. Under City Council’s direction, Irelan and staff put together a rolling 5-year road plan that included water, sewer and street improvements. The plan utilized the road levy and more than doubled the funds for road projects with regional and state grants. The new water intake project was also constructed and completed under her tenure.

 

Safety was another focus area for Administration, with residents approving a 5-year Police levy in 2019 to hire additional officers and install a new intersection camera system to deter crime. Irelan had the opportunity to appoint two new chiefs: Chief Dan Waterman in Police and Chief Tom Hummel in Fire. City safety forces also saw equipment and vehicle upgrades under their new leadership.

 

Painesville City Council is currently working on a transition plan while they search for the next Painesville City Manager. After December 11, an interim manager will be appointed until the position is filled.

 

Westerville, Ohio is a northeastern suburb of Columbus with roughly 37,000 residents and is home to Otterbein University. Similar to Painesville, Westerville operates its own public utilities.