Rich Deckman, who works for the Galleria-based landscape architect and planning firm jB+a, will report to work July 6.
The City Council approved the position as part of its fiscal year 2011 budget on June 9. Deckman's $70,200 salary will be paid out of the parks bond fund. The position expires when the work is complete.
Rich Buss, the city's parks chief, said the position of landscape architect/project manager is important for the city. Like a SPLOST program, there are many projects that must run concurrently, ranging from planning and design to bidding and construction administration.
"The volume of work will be extensive, and present staff are not able to devote adequate time and lack the design and presentation skills to move the projects forward in an expeditious manner. Mr. Deckman brings the experience and know-how to accomplish all of these tasks," Buss said.
The bond program the voters approved was for $25 million. Because of the city's strong bond rating and timing in the financial markets that make municipal bonds attractive, bond investors actually purchased the bond at a premium. As a result, the city began the program this year with $26,686,711 available.
Deckman said he's excited to get to work.
Deckman said he recognizes that the public is anxious to see improvements to their parks occur sooner rather than later.
"With both Rich and I behind it providing information to the parks group, I think we should be able to move along things quicker," he said.
A registered landscape architect in four states, Deckman is a certified arborist and has earned his Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design accreditation. He has 25 years of experience in landscape architecture. A native of Philadelphia who holds a degree in landscape architecture from State University of New York at Syracuse, Deckman, 48, and his wife, Jackie, live near Walton High School.
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