Monday, May 2, is longtime Malibu City Manager Jim Thorsen’s official retirement, but this past Monday, April 25, was his last City Council meeting and the last opportunity for many in the city to see the popular administrator.
City officials, sheriff’s deputies, former council members and other stakeholders came to send Thorsen off to what Mayor Pro Tem Lou La Monte once called the “city manager’s hall of fame.”
Thorsen’s well-wishers included former city council member Andy Stern, who gave an emotional thanks to the city manager, whose tenure began 10 years ago on May 1, 2006. Stern was mayor when Thorsen was selected.
Stern recalled that when Thorsen was elected, the city had had a string of ever-changing city managers and interim city managers that seemingly would not stop.
“We had 10 or 11 city managers prior to Jim; Jim brought consistency,” Stern said.
“When I went off the council, I said one of the best decisions of my life — not as a council member, but of my life — was voting to hire Jim Thorsen, and I believe that,” an emotional Stern continued. “Whatever any council has done, you have been huge for the city.”
Thorsen also received recognition from the Malibu Navy League and an invitation to attend a possible port visit that could take place in September. La Monte, who spoke on behalf of the league, presented Thorsen with a Certificate of Appreciation for outstanding leadership and support of the 2011 port visit of the USS John Paul Jones.
In addition, representatives from Assemblymember Richard Bloom’s office, Santa Monica College, Los Angeles County Public Works and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department recognized Thorsen.
Sheriff’s officials from the Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station thanked Thorsen for his friendship.
“It’s been quite an education for me. It’s all been said, and all your accomplishments are impressive,” Lieutenant Jim Royal said, “but I want to sincerely thank you for your friendship … your guidance and — Jim’s been an incredible partner in public safety.”
“We’re going to miss you, but thank you very much,” Royal added.
Following Thorsen’s departure Monday, current Assistant City Manager Reva Feldman will take over the highest position in city administration with a three-year contract.
According to a hiring agreement finalized at the meeting, Feldman’s contract will begin May 3, 2016 and continue until May 3, 2019, with a starting salary of $215,000 set to increase $5,000 per year, dependant on a positive evaluation from council.
Many of those who spoke to thank Thorsen for his service took the time to express support for Feldman’s selection as the next city manager.
Feldman herself spoke to Thorsen, first to say she would really miss his “terrific” engineering jokes. She then took the time to make a joke herself.
“I know everybody has been saying I have big shoes to fill, and I want to assure everybody: I have a lot of shoes,” Feldman said.
