Long-time City of Granbury Community Development Director Scott Sopchak announced his retirement, Monday, after more than 18 years with the City. His last day in office will be Nov. 20, with his official retirement day being Nov. 30.
Granbury City Manager Chris Coffman and Deputy City Manager Michael Ross (Sopchak’s supervisor), were effusive in their praise of Sopchak and the work he’s done for the City of Granbury.
“Scott has provided years of quality leadership in our Community Development Department and we are going to miss him. His level of expertise will be difficult to replace,” Coffman said.
“Losing Scott will leave a huge hole in our organization that will be very difficult to fill,” said Ross. “The City thanks Scott for his many years of service and we wish him all the best in his future endeavors.”
Sopchak started with the City in June 2002, when he was hired as the Community Development Director managing planning, code enforcement, building inspections, health inspections and historic review. He also served a brief stint as an Assistant City Manager from 2009 to 2011. He also worked as the City Planner and Planning Director for the City of Longview, Texas, prior to moving to Granbury.
"Recognizing the growth potential in Granbury; previous and current city councils, board and commissioners, city management, staff and the community helped to put together things that we didn't have in places early on, such as a tree preservation ordinance, parkland requirements for new developments and architectural standards for new construction,” Sopchak stated.
“There was also work done on the [anti-]smoking ordinance in the late 2000s; and, an occasional economic development agreement to work up when City Council directed us to do so. This was done through workshops and public dialogue, asking the community how it wants to grow the city. Then it was our job to help properly arrange and codify community and council expectations into development principles for new development. Granbury has been a great place to do city planning work"
Not one to take credit, Sopchak was adamant about recognizing the work his staff had done for the City and its citizens during his time as Director.
"Past and current Development staff worked so very hard and had to promptly research and write staff reports for just about everything. There was never much of a break as they had the Planning and Zoning Commission one week and then the City Council Meeting the next week. Historic Commission meetings were scheduled as well. They did it all!”
He was also quick to recognize the aura of ‘family’ that developed under his leadership.
"It's difficult to leave the people I've worked with for the past number of years. That's the hardest thing of all because they're very much like family,” Sopchak said. “I know that's what everyone says when they leave, but I'll miss the interaction and seeing friends and colleagues every day"
Sopchak and his family will maintain their residence in the Granbury area. A farewell celebration has been planned to honor Sopchak and his 18 years of valuable contributions to Granbury in the Council Chambers at 3 p.m. on Thursday.
Although he will be retiring from the City, Sopchak will be moving on to work with the Texas Department of Transportation. He previously worked there for nearly six years while finishing his various degrees. Sopchak’s first day with TxDOT will be Dec. 1, where he will be a Design Project Coordinator.
If you have questions or for more information please contact Granbury Public Information Officer Alex Southern at 817-573-6764 or at asouthern@granbury.org.