Puyallup names new city manager, a city native who’s risen through the ranks
A Puyallup native has been chosen as the city’s new city manager.
Steve Kirkelie, who has served as interim city manager since July, was named city manager in a unanimous vote by the City Council Feb. 25.
“His dedication to the city and residents, I’ve never seen him give less than 150 percent,” Mayor Julie Door said.
Council member Jim Kastama moved to appoint Kirkelie, saying that he strives for excellence and exceeded expectations.
I’ve been in this office for two years and have been a very strong if not the strongest critic as far as viewing how the city is managed,” Kastama said during the Feb. 25 meeting. “I was very determined to look high and low to get the best city manager for Puyallup.”
After the city opened the position to a nationwide search, council members concluded Kirkelie checked all the boxes, Deputy Mayor John Palmer said.
“We were very confident that we found the person we were looking for,” Palmer said.
Kirkelie, 46, began working in Puyallup 12 years ago as a prosecutor, became the city attorney and then assistant city manager in 2016.
“It’s an honor and privilege to be city manager for my hometown,” Kirkelie, who was born at Good Samaritan Hospital, told The Herald. “My long-term goal has always been to be a city manager. This is what I precisely wanted to do.”
Kirkelie said he is excited to lead Puyallup by listening to the council and community. He hopes to oversee downtown growth to include a diversity of business, office space and residential development, all while keeping the small-town charm.
“We want to continue to be who we are,” he said. “Nothing against Seattle or other big cities, but we are different.”
Putting out a ballot measure for a new $82 million public safety building is another priority for Kirkelie.
The contract has yet to be signed but has been approved by all parties, city spokesperson Brenda Fritsvold said. Kirkelie’s salary starts at $177,948.
Kirkelie replaces Kevin Yamamoto, who resigned months after a council member called for his firing. Some residents and council members, like Kastama, held Yamamoto responsible for various lawsuits, including litigation over a construction contract that cost the city more than $7 million. Yamamoto and the city agreed to a separation agreement of $159,137 in severance and an additional $60,091.20 for his 720 hours of accrued and unused vacation leave.
Puyallup’s city manager position has seen turnover, with six city managers in 13 years. Asked how he will be different, Kirkelie said he isn’t going to focus on comparing or contrasting himself to others. He said it’s important council and the community see him as a professional manager.
“I am here to do a job with the help of 300 employees” he said. “If you ask me a question, I am going to answer it as objectively or professionally as possible. I leave the politics to other people.”
This story was originally published February 28, 2020 at 5:05 AM.
