After nearly 10 months with an interim title, Mike Chambless was
named director of airport and code enforcement at this week’s
Hollister City Council meeting. Chambless, who already has divided
time between his code enforcement duties and airport management,
said it will give him opportunities to
”
make a difference at the airport and in code enforcement.
”
HOLLISTER
After nearly 10 months with an interim title, Mike Chambless was named director of airport and code enforcement at this week’s Hollister City Council meeting. Chambless, who already has divided time between his code enforcement duties and airport management, said it will give him opportunities to “make a difference at the airport and in code enforcement.”
Airport Advisory Commissioner Gordon Machado already sees that he has made big steps in management at the airport.
“(Chambless has) accomplished more in six months than what happened in previous years,” said Machado, adding that Chambless has put the airport back in the good graces of the Federal Aviation Administration.
Chambless said he won’t have a problem keeping up on code enforcement and that he “would have spoken up if there was” one.
The city is actively searching for a code enforcement officer, and once that person is hired, Chambless will be supervising that position. His hopes are to have the officer hired by February. Also included in his contract is a clause to help other departments with “other duties as assigned.”
Although Chambless said he is new to airport management, Machado, a 15-year commission member, said this is the first time the city has hired a qualified airport manager.
“(Hiring Chambless is) one of the better moves that the city has made.”
Mayor Doug Emerson said the hiring is “an excellent thing,” adding, “What Mike can do is to really establish and drive a vision … and really grow the airport in terms of revitalization of the community.”
Machado believes the city has found a good man, noting how he was hired to cover two positions.
“That speaks for the man himself … They (would) hate to give him up as a code enforcement officer.”
Chambless said he aims to hold himself to high expectations.
“I want to do the best job I can and continue the good job I’ve been doing.”
Said Machado in agreement, “He’s a total breath of fresh air for the airport.”
