Stoufer jumps from TC to city planning

A Red Bluff man who is very familiar with Corning and Corning's city staff has been hired as the new Planning Director. John Stoufer, 51, was introduced to the city council and public by his predecessor, John Brewer, during Tuesday's city council meeting.

"I have known and worked with John for many years and I know he will do a great gob for the city," Brewer said to the council. Brewer has been promoted to the position of Public Works Director, replacing Tom Russ who is retiring in July.

Stoufer was raised in Red Bluff and graduated from Red Bluff High School in 1974. He is married and has two daughters.

Following high school graduation he attended California State University, Chico, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in recreational administration. Following graduation, Stoufer went to work for the Red Bluff public works department where he remained for 12 years. During that time he also worked part-time as the Tehama County park coordinator, writing bids and grant applications.

In 1990 he joined the Tehama County Planning Department, which is where he first started working with Brewer.

"John trained me and showed me the ropes when I worked at the county," Stoufer said.

He had been working for the county for 18 years when Brewer approached him about the planning director opening here in Corning.

"I was excited about the possibility of working with John again and working within a city staff," Stoufer said. "The proposition was a career advancement with a lot of plusses."

He said he looks forward to working with the residents of Corning and getting to know all aspects of the city and the job.

"I have much to learn, but I have great teachers on my side," Stoufer stated.

Stoufer's monthly salary, including benefits, is $7,683.

According to the city administration, under Stoufer's direction the planning department is responsible for implementing and updating the land use goals and policies of the city council as detailed in the city's general plan, zoning code, the Hwy 99W specific plan, and various development ordinances and standards. Additionally, the department is responsible for assuring compliance with numerous state statutes including the California Environmental Quality Act, the Planning and Zoning Law and the Subdivision Map Act.

The city's planning department also receives and processes development applications for land use permits including parcel maps, subdivisions, use permits, rezonings, variances, general plan amendments and annexations.