City Planning & Neighborhood Services Director James Lindsay Resigns

At Wednesday night's meeting of the Milpitas Planning Commission, Chairman Sudhir Mandal announced that Planning and Neighborhood Services Director James Lindsay has resigned, and accepted another job elsewhere.

"[He] is moving on to the City of Saratoga, and I wish him very good luck,” Mandal said.

Lindsay said his last day in Milpitas is Friday, Oct. 21, and he has accepted a position as Community Development Director for the City of Saratoga.

Compliments for the director bubbled over.

Commissioner John Luk said he has worked with Lindsay for 15 years in town and added, “I wish him a very successful future.”

“I wish James the best," said Commissioner Mark Tiernan. "He built a really good customer service-oriented planning department. Thank you very much, James."

Commissioner Larry Ciardella said, “Congratulations to you, James; you're a standup guy.”

Milpitas Redevelopment & Economic Development Manager Diana Barnhart said she will assume the duties of the Planning & Neighborhood Services Director for the time being, in addition to that of her position.

Milpitas City Manager, Tom Williams, added that city departments are being studied for possible reorganization next year.

He said the Milpitas Redevelopment Agency under recently passed legislation signed by Governor Jerry Brown. The Milpitas Redevelopment & Economic Development Department could also be affected.

"Their fate rests with litigation brought against these laws by the League of California Cities, the California Redevelopment Agency, and supported by numerous local RDA's," Williams continued. "A ruling by the California Supreme Court is expected in January, 2012."

Barnhart could be a candidate for Lindsay's position, according to Williams.

Vice Chair Noella Tabladillo and Commissioners Steve Tao, Gurdev Sandhu, and Zeya Mohsin were absent at Wednesday night's meeting.