HomeMy WebLinkAboutCD Thomas Ahrens Resolution of Appreciation 2018
Resolution No. 14479
RESOLUTION OF APPRECIATION
Presented to
THOMAS AHRENS
WHEREAS, after over 13 years of devoted service to the City of San Rafael, Thomas Ahrens is retiring.
Thomas’ employment with the City commenced in 2004 as the Chief Building Official; and
WHEREAS, upon his hiring, Thomas immediately initiated major changes to the permit administration
process, permit tracking, plan checking, and records retention, which brought our systems
forward to the 21st century; and
WHEREAS, in 2007, the Fire Prevention Division of the Fire Department was assigned to the Community
Development Department, Thomas was appointed as Fire Marshal and during his three-year
tenure in this role, Thomas reactivated that Division, by reinstituting the commercial fire
inspections, turning around plan check and inspection timelines and incorporating the Fire
Prevention Bureau into the City’s permit tracking software and inspection process; and
WHEREAS, during his tenure, Thomas was well known for speaking his mind and “saying it as it is;”
and
WHEREAS, Thomas is known for being a “stickler to detail.” His attention to detail has made a
difference in the quality of building permit plan submittals and record keeping; and
WHEREAS, known for his “by-the-book” philosophy, Thomas’s careful review and decisions on tough
and challenging construction matters were always in the best interest of the City and the
public’s health, safety and well-being; and
WHEREAS, under Thomas’ watch as the Chief Building Official, Thomas and his staff provided
building permit review and inspection oversight for a number of significant development
projects through construction and occupancy including the Target Store at the Shoreline
Center, a new Sonnen VW/Audi dealership (700 Francisco Blvd), the Village at Loch Lomond
Marina, new Best Buy retail store (700 DuBois St) at the major renovation and expansion of
Northgate Mall, 33 North (33 San Pablo Ave) residential condominiums and build-out of the
San Rafael Corporate Center for BioMarin; and
WHEREAS, in spite of controversy and significant community pressure to eliminate the longstanding
Residential Building Resale (RBR) Report Program, Thomas worked hard to demonstrate the
value of this program and convinced City staff, the City Attorney and the City Council to
retain and improve the program.
NOW, THEREFORE LET IT BE RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of San Rafael hereby congratulates Thomas
Ahrens on his upcoming retirement and commends him for his dedication and distinguished service on behalf of the
residents of San Rafael.
________________________________________ ________________________________________
Mayor
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________________________________________
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Councilmembers
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City Manager
Attested by my hand this _____ day of
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City Clerk