You can read part one of the series here, where Pulone describes his biggest accomplishments in the city. In part two, Pulone describes the city's strong economic standing.
In this final installment, Pulone explains some advantages contract cities have over traditional cities.
Aliso Viejo has a city staff of 14. That's tiny compared to its neighbors, but the city was designed that way to be flexible, Pulone explains:
"I think contracting for most of the services for a city the size of Aliso Viejo makes all the sense in the world. I think it's fewer challenges and more opportunities. It's the ability to reduce costs in many instances, and it allows you to make modifications on staffing levels much quicker than you can with in-house staff."
He said contracting city services is especially helpful in efficiently handling the variable nature of building activity.
"When (building) ramps up you can bring on more people quickly, as it diminishes, you can reduce it accordingly. (Contracting) allows you to adjust their hours and the service levels much quicker and easier."
Contracting also means city staff wear more hats. For example, Pulone describes his role in the city's economic development, a job traditionally reserved for a dedicated city staffer:
"All of our economic development effort are coordinated through my office. We've taken a very hands-on approach when it relates to economic development.
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"I've gone out and met personally with the CEOs and presidents of a number of the larger businesses in the city to pick their brain on how things are going, what the city could do to assist them in the future, what their plans are in the future. It helps us gauge whether they plan to stay in town, or if they have needs for expansion or additional facilities. That effort has been the most successful economic development effort. We're small enough that we can do those things in Aliso Viejo."
Finally, Pulone offers his departing thoughts a he plans to leave Aliso:
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"Aliso Viejo's been a great city to work in. Obviously I'm excited about the challenges that lie ahead in Yorba Linda, but I've made lots of friends in Aliso Viejo and it's always tough to leave."
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