LINDLEY EAGER TO GET STARTED IN CITY MANAGER'S POSITION

Bill Lindley, Colleyville's choice for the vacant City Manager's position, expressed his excitement about joining the staff in a telephone interview with LNO late Wednesday night.  He has been Assistant City Manager in DeSoto, Texas since March, 1995.  Lindley received his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Texas at Tyler in 1982, and has completed course work for his Master of Public Administration at the University of Texas at Tyler and Arlington.  He is married and has two daughters.

While in DeSoto Lindley was successful in increasing the levels of trust and communication between citizen groups and the city through interactive town hall meetings and neighborhood association meetings.  He has been active in negotiating economic development incentive programs.  He directed the Information Technology Department in the development of an award-winning website which offers citizens a direct link for city council meeting material and online service requests.  In addition, he has experience in securing funding for thoroughfare improvements from the state Legislature and the Texas Department of Transportation, and was active in developing joint use agreements with the school district and other area cities.

Lindley provided LNO with the following statement concerning his move to Colleyville.  "I am excited to be selected for such an outstanding city.  Colleyville is one of the premier cities to serve as a City Manager and offers incredible management opportunities.  It was not surprising that the city Council received so many resumes with its reputation for being innovative in their approach to solving issues.  Colleyville has a strong sense of planning - both from a financial and development perspective.  The City has a solid vision and the fun will lie in being a part of working with the City Council in planning and implementing the ultimate development of the city over the next few years.  In addition, the staff is well respected among their peers for outstanding service and professionalism and I will enjoy working with them.  My approach is to provide direction and recommendations to the City Council on issues.  While working with staff, I enjoy the use of annual work plans guided by the goals identified by the City Council.  My proactive and positive approach in interacting with both staff and the community allows an open working relationship."

Mayor Donna Arp said Bill Lindley "comes highly recommended in many professional circles, financial, planning, and economic development.  The Council and I are excited to have a new, great city manager and also have the great staff we have at the city.  Without a city manager, the staff has performed exceptionally well this year."  Arp additionally stated that the council's first pass through this year's budget showed no tax increase, lowering of capital debt by .654% and a low turnover rate of 5%. 

The new city manager describes himself as "process-oriented" and enjoys engaging citizens in the process through neighborhood meetings and working with area businesses.  He speaks frequently at city management and leadership functions and enjoys participating in various community boards and organizations.  It is anticipated he will be on the job and eager to meet citizens in early September.