DANA POINT : Council OKs Interim Manager for City

Stephen B. Julian, former longtime San Juan Capistrano city manager and current interim city manager of Stanton, was hired this week as the interim city manager of Dana Point.

Julian, who will later be considered for the full-time job recently vacated by David Elbaum, agreed to a 90-day contract that will pay him $7,800 a month starting Monday. For the first few weeks at least, however, Julian will be city manager simultaneously in Stanton and Dana Point, working nights and Saturdays, Dana Point Mayor Judy Curreri said.

“He does have some wrap-up work to do in Stanton, but he will make himself available to get up to speed with issues in Dana Point,” Curreri said. “But he is someone who can come in and function as city manager from his very first day on the job.”

Julian was chosen Tuesday night from six finalists for the interim manager’s job, Curreri said. Although Julian is known for his expertise in redevelopment, the council has no intention of launching a new redevelopment agency, Curreri said.

An early redevelopment agency in Dana Point was disbanded after it prompted a public outcry from residents who objected to its potential authority to redesign the coastal city.

“We never even discussed the word,” Curreri said. “Redevelopment is not relevant to what we are doing.”

City Councilwoman Eileen Krause said Julian, a San Juan Capistrano resident, won the unanimous backing of the council because of his stature among city managers in the county and his familiarity with the area.

“We chose him because, obviously, he is very knowledgeable about Orange County,” Krause said. “He is well-known and well-respected and will restore some dignity to Dana Point.”

Elbaum resigned last month, citing communication problems with the council. He served for approximately one year.

While on interim status, Julian will serve as an independent contractor and receive no benefits, car allowance or retirement pay, Curreri said.