Donlevy Appointed City Manager in Auburn

Donlevy Appointed City Manager in Auburn (pdf)
On Tuesday, June 23, 2020, Winters City Manager John W. Donlevy, Jr. announced that after almost 19 years he will be leaving Winters to accept the City Manager’s position in Auburn, California.
In announcing his departure, Donlevy expressed his gratitude for the many people and organizations he has worked with during his tenure and his genuine love for the Winters community. “This has been my dream job for almost two decades, where we have raised our children and a place we have been proud to call our home”. “Being the City Manager of Winters has enabled me to work with some of the most amazing City Council and Staff members and accomplish many dreams for one of the best communities anywhere”.
Donlevy credits the 17 different councilmembers he has worked with and key staff over the years for the many successes. “I have been blessed to work with people who genuinely love Winters and give their entire lives toward the benefit of this community”.
During his tenure, the City has seen many changes in services, facilities and the business community.
In facilities and infrastructure, Donlevy helped bring many key capital projects including the Public Safety Facility, Winters Community Library, Bobbi Greenwood Swimming Pool, the replacement of the Putah Creek Car Bridge, renovation of the Trestle Bridge, Moody Slough Overcrossing, Grant Ave improvements including the City’s first traffic signals, roundabout and pedestrian improvements. Donlevy also helped facilitate restoration projects along Putah Creek including the 5 phase ecological restoration of the creek channel and the construction of the North Bank Trail. Key park projects under Donlevy have included the construction of Walnut Park, the soon to be built Three Oaks Linear Park in the Stone’s Throw Subdivision and the collaboration with the grassroots Project Playground and the amazing renovation of the City Pak Playground. Donlevy also has played a key role in the funding for a new Senior Center which will be under construction in 2021.
During his tenure, the City and Downtown property and business owners collaborated to helped bring the renaissance of Downtown Winters. Beginning with the formulation of the Downtown Master Plan, the City commenced with 4 different phases of capital projects, establishing pedestrian areas, the expansion of Rotary Park, roadway and intersection improvements and the renovation of 27 different facades. The Downtown witnessed considerable expansion with the addition of Main Street Village, significant parking improvements and ultimately the construction of the Hotel Winters.
Business expansion in the Downtown and community under Donlevy has been considerable. “New” businesses during the tenure include Steady Eddies, Ficelle, Velo City, Hooby’s, Preserve, Chuy’s, El Pueblo, Turkovich Wines, ARC Guitar, Berryessa Gap Tasting Room, El Pueblo and the Collective. Additionally, the successful recruitment and addition of the PG&E Gas Academy, Dollar General, Yolo Credit Union, AM/PM, Burger King, Taco Bell, the Hotel Winters, Carboni’s and the future Fairfield Inn.
Donlevy acknowledged working with the key business and property owners for whom he credits as the saviors and visionaries of Winters including John and Melanie Pickerel, Joe and Karen Ogando, John Siracusa, Dan Martinez, Baldo and Elia Arce, Mike Olivas, Chris Turkovich and the entire Wallace Family. He credits Charley Wallace as the “man who really saved Winters”. He also thanked past Winters Express Editor Debra DeAngelo for her role in “telling the story and recording the history of our town”!
Public Services advanced considerably under Donlevy and included expansion of both Police and Fire Services, including police technology, body worn camera’s, expanded patrol, the Public Safety Facility, 24/7 Fire Services and paramedic level emergency medical services and ambulance services. Donlevy also played a key role in the renovation and expansion of the City’s water and wastewater utilities including extensive replacement and renovation of the collection and distribution systems. “The bones of our utility system are solid and the efficiency of our operations are beyond reproach”.
Regionally, Donlevy has been a 15 year board member for the Yolo County Emergency Communications Agency which provides 911 services. He has also played a key role in the expansion and improvement of animal control services. He is the Chairman of the Yolo County City/County Manager’s Association and is a 17 year member of the League of California Cities City Manager’s Executive Board.
Housing has expanded at a very measured pace over the years with the implementation of four major subdivisions which are currently in construction. Key affordable housing projects under Donlevy have included Winters I and II Apartments, the renovation of the Almondwood Apartments, construction of Orchard Village Apartments and the current construction of the Blue Mountain Terrace Senior Apartments.
Donlevy, his wife Kathy have been involved in many community organizations and projects. He served on the AYSO Soccer Board for 16 seasons, serving as a coach, referee, coach administrator and the referee administrator. They were active with Winters Youth Day, Winters Schools, the Winters Volunteer Fire Department and the Rotary Club of Winters, where he is a past president. Kathy was a long time leader for Winters Girl Scouts, on the school site council, PTA and on the AYSO Board. In 2017, John and Kathy were named Winters Citizens of the Year.
Donlevy will start in Auburn on August 10 along with a phased transition in Winters which will end in September, 2020.
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To reach John call his direct line at 530-794-6710 or email at john.donlevy@cityofwinters.org
For Council Comments:
Wade.Cowan@cityofwinters.org
Bill.Biasi@cityofwinters.org
Harold.Anderson@cityofwinters.org
Jesse.Loren@cityofwinters.org
Pierre.Neu@cityofwinters.org