Colfax Council appoints interim city manager

The Colfax City Council approved an agreement with MNJ Advisors, Inc., to appoint Mike Luken as the interim city manager during its special meeting June 8. The appointment follows the announcement of Wes Heathcock, Colfax's prior city manager, accepting an offer to serve as town manager for the town of Loomis to replace Sean Rabé, who was hired as Auburn's city manager in April. Heathcock's last day serving as Colfax city manager was Friday. Colfax City Attorney Mick Cabral advised Luken is available on a volunteer basis and the agreement is being made with MNJ due to Luken being a CalPERS retiree and being limited to 960 hours per year. Cabral confirmed Luken will serve in the interim of Colfax finding a new city manager. "The tasks he will fulfill are essentially the same as Wes, which means the tasks that are spelled out in the Colfax Municipal Code, plus he's going to assist with recruitment," Cabral said. The agreement provides for three full days in the office and two on-call days per week at $97.50 per hour ($16,900 for 173⅓ hours per month), which Cabral said should be revenue neutral, as Luken is picking up Heathcock's salary. "I know $16,000 may sound like a fairly substantial compensation," Cabral said. "It really is reasonable for somebody who's running a city." Colfax Mayor Trinity Burruss shared Luken has history with the city and is the former executive director of the Placer County Transportation Planning Agency. "He oversaw the Highway 80/65 Interchange project, which was completed on time and on budget, which is huge in government," she said. "... He was instrumental in us being able to complete the Roundabout Project as well as the I-80 Auxiliary Lane Project so we're very excited that Mike has shown a willingness to work with us." Said Luken, "I'm very happy to help out the city of Colfax during the time at which you're searching for a new city manager. Even as an interim city manager, I have gigantic shoes to fill with Wes, and I'm confident I can help you out in this interim period and hopefully help you find a new city manager." Councilmember Sean Lomen and Mayor Pro Tem Kim Douglass thanked Luken for helping the city, with Douglass jestingly sharing his hope Luken will leave Colfax another roundabout. The council unanimously approved the agreement in a 3-0 vote. Councilmember David Ackerman was absent. Additionally, the council approved an ad hoc committee, composed of Burruss and Douglass, to oversee needs, like signing contracts and addressing staff needs, during the roughly three-week period Colfax will be without a city manager. "We don't anticipate any major issues coming up between now and when Mr. Luken starts, but it'll be nice to have somebody in control," Cabral said. Council decided Burruss will be at city hall every day during business hours in the interim period, with Douglass serving as backup if she is not available.