Architect Harlan Hill has been selected as the City’s Director of Building Development Services (BDS), effective Jan. 7. Hill will replace Chris Straw, who announced he will retire in January 2018. Many residents have become familiar with BDS because many of the department’s services affect the quality of life in neighborhoods and workplaces.
The BDS team ensures the community’s buildings are safe by issuing permits for all phases of building construction and by administering tests and awarding skill-based certificates to electricians, plumbers, gas fitters and mechanical craftsmen for a license to operate in Springfield. BDS inspectors also respond to approximately 12,000 citizen service requests per year, addressing a wide variety of nuisance complaints.
Hill is a registered architect who comes to the City with more than 22 years of experience in the design and construction industry, serving most recently as a College Architect at Ozarks Technical Community College (OTC). His career has spanned a variety of experiences, which include serving as owner/architect in a private practice (H3 Architecture), a resident project inspector for the Springfield-Branson National Airport and senior architect/administrator for JPS & Associates. His experience also includes time as a code official and administrator in BDS from 1994-2003.
“In my 27 years living and working in the community, I have spent a great deal of time with developers, contractors and other professionals in the construction industry and really enjoy working with them as a team. I consider the City’s BDS department to be regarded as a valued team member assisting in their development and business success,” Hill said. “The City is a great place to work and I enjoyed the people and friendships I had when I previously worked here. Many still work here today and I feel at home coming back to a place that supports the vision of improving the community. I hope to build upon the great work by Chris Straw and the BDS team.”
City Manager Greg Burris describes Hill as a great asset to the City team. “BDS provides essential information for businesses, homeowners, landlords, tenants, contractors, and developers. Harlan has the expertise, experience and relationships in our community to ensure the City continues to work well with multiple stakeholders. We are pleased to have him on the City leadership team.”
Hill’s salary will be $105,000.
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