City engineer Smith leaves position with City of Menifee

By Doug Spoon, Editor

Jonathan Smith, Menifee’s director of public works and city engineer the last seven years, has left his position with the city, Menifee 24/7 has learned.

Smith’s departure was mentioned briefly by Mayor Pro Tem Matt Liesemeyer at the end of Wednesday’s City Council meeting, saying Smith “decided he wanted to take off and pursue a different avenue. I want to thank Jonathan Smith publicly for his longevity with the city. I consider him a friend and I wish him good luck.”

There was no official announcement of Smith’s departure more than a week ago and Smith did not return messages seeking comment. City Manager Armando Villa said in an email to Menifee 24/7 that Smith resigned and was not fired. He declined further comment, citing personnel confidentiality issues.

“Currently, the City has designated Community Services Director Jonathan Nicks as ‘Interim Public Works Director’ and Assistant City Engineer Yolanda Macalalad as ‘Interim City Engineer.’ They will assist us in overseeing the appropriate management of the Department of Public Works,” Villa said.

“The city’s HR Department is in the process of recruiting for a suitable Public Works Director. With executive level recruitments, it may take us about 60-90 days to fill this vacancy.”

As community services director, Nicks oversees parks and recreation in the city. Villa said Nicks “has experience in managing a Public Works Department in a previous jurisdiction he worked.”

Smith joined the City of Menifee in January 2013. Prior to that, he worked as a regional construction manager for Nolte Associates (2007-2012), senior civil engineer for the City of Poway (1999-2007) and assistant engineer for the City of Santee (1996-99).

In his dual role with the City of Menifee, Smith was in charge of managing road improvements, surveying traffic patterns and coordinating with other agencies on projects such as the Scott Road Bridge.

“I too want to thank Jonathan,” council member Lesa Sobek said following Liesemeyer’s remarks Wednesday night. “A lot of what we see in Menifee is because of him and the public works and engineering department. He did a lot for our city and I wish him the best in whatever direction he wants to take.”