SIB will miss City Manager Christopher Russo
By Bari Auerbach

After five years of dedicated service, Sunny Isles Beach City Manager Christopher Russo recently submitted a letter of resignation to the Mayor and City Commission, stating he intends to embark on a new career in the private sector and will be leaving his position as of Oct. 31, 2005.

Russo relocated from Rye Brook, New York and officially took the helm as City Manager of Sunny Isles Beach on August 21, 2000. The late Mayor David Samson and members of the City Commission unanimously voted to hire Russo following the departure of the city’s first manager Jim DiPietro. Russo had originally been one of the primary choices for city manager back in 1997 when Sunny Isles Beach incorporated, but financial concerns at the time dissuaded the Commission from offering him the position.

Russo’s letter of resignation, dated August 24, 2005, provides the following explanation for his reasons to move on:

“This letter is to inform you of my resignation as City Manager of the City of Sunny Isles Beach effective October 31, 2005.

This is clearly a bittersweet moment for me. After 25 years in government, with the last five years as City Manager of Sunny Isles Beach, it is difficult to leave public service. In recent months I have entertained several offers to join the private sector. After carefully considering these offers, I have decided to work for myself and get involved with Governmental Consulting, Land Development, Project Management and Public Relations. This, coupled with the desire to spend more time with my children, has led to this decision.

We have achieved a great deal on behalf of Sunny Isles Beach over the past five years, such as the new Government Center, installation of storm water drainage projects throughout the City (no small undertaking), the upgraded and expanded parks, implementation of all the streetscape and beautification programs, and the ongoing planning for a new school. All of this has been accomplished with our tax rate and burden remaining the envy of South Florida.

I am exceedingly grateful to the citizens of Sunny Isles Beach for their support and cooperation and to our many elected and appointed officials and staff for their commitment and vision. With continued excellence in management, the City of Sunny Isles Beach is well positioned for the future and I am sure it will continue to be the Jewel of South Florida.

I hold fond memories of my five years of service to Sunny Isles Beach. And since I plan to remain and continue to live in Sunny Isles Beach as a private citizen, I also hope to continue my many valuable friendships for years to come.

Please be assured that I will assist and cooperate with you fully in every way possible as you transition to a new City Manager.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve the people of Sunny Isles Beach.

‘Goals Achieved’

When Russo became City Manager in 2000, he outlined specific goals he intended to help Sunny Isles Beach achieve. Now five years later, these “proactive action items” plus many more have been accomplished:

*Restore a renewed sense of enthusiasm and confidence in city management;

*Gain an understanding of city finances and formulate an appropriate budget process;

*Identify and assess long-term financial needs;

*Create an on-going formal pending agenda of projects and capital budget plan;

*Ensure the completion of current projects including parks, drainage improvements, road resurfacing as well as supporting beach renourishment in cooperation with county and state agencies.

*Foster teamwork, a clearer sense of responsibility and structure at City Hall

‘Mayor’s Message’

“Along with fellow members of the Commission, I’m saddened by the news but want to wish Chris Russo well in his decision to leave government,” Mayor Norman Edelcup said.

“After 25 years in government with the last five years as City Manager of Sunny Isles Beach, Chris Russo wishes to start a new career by working for himself and specializing in Government Consulting, Land Development, Project Management and Public Relations.”

Commending Russo’s performance, Edelcup noted he has “made the City's administration stronger during his five year service and that the City staff is in great condition to continue the strong growth and redevelopment of the City.”

Edelcup also stated the Sept. 8 City Commission meeting would feature a discussion regarding the process of searching for a new City Manager so that the vacancy could be filled as quickly as possible.

“In the interim, I feel confident our team of city staff personnel are well-qualified to take care of the day to day operations of the City,” Edelcup said. “On Monday, August 29, along with fellow Commission members, I met with city staff to assure them we’re here to help out in any way until such time as a new City Manager is appointed.

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