Another city department head announces retirement
Director of environmental services stepping down
By Darleen Principe darleen@theacorn.com

Al Boughey

After nearly 12 years of working with the city of Simi Valley, Al Boughey will retire on May 15 as director of environmental services.

Before coming to Simi Valley, Boughey, 60, served in a similar capacity for the cities of San Bernardino; Lakewood, Colo.; and Ormond Beach, Fla.- completing a career spanning more than 32 years.

Mayor Paul Miller said Boughey has made a lasting impression on the city, having directed the planning and building aspects of several major Simi Valley projects, including Simi Valley Town Center, the Big Sky/Sand Canyon residential development and the El Paseo Simi project.

"Overall, he's done an excellent job," Miller said. "His attentiveness to detail and ability to work with people are his strongest characteristics."

During his tenure with the city, Boughey directed the functions of three divisions of the environmental services department- planning, housing and development, and building and safety.

"In the three divisions, their work is very interconnected," Boughey said. "I was responsible for coordinating their programs so they could function together."

Boughey's most recent undertakings include completing the recent Arroyo Simi Visioning Study and initiating the current comprehensive update of the General Plan.

In his ongoing responsibilities he oversees the Community Development Block Grants, First Time Homebuyer Assistance and Home Rehabilitation programs.

Under the direction of the City Council, Boughey also developed the Municipal Unsafe Structure Tracking System, a program that investigates illegal residential structures.

"Since housing has been very tight, (illegal residences) have become more of an issue," he said. "But the city has been on top of the issue to ensure we provide safe housing. And we want to maintain the good quality neighborhoods that we have."

Boughey said that out of all the projects he's overseen, the construction of the town center has had the most significant impact on the community.

"It was a dream the city had ever since it was incorporated," he said. "Being part of that project in the planning and building was a really worthwhile experience."

After retiring, Boughey said, he plans to stay in Simi Valley, where he's made a home with his family for the past 11 years.

The thing he'll miss the most about his job is the "excellence" of his staff, he said.

"The city's very fortunate to have a great group of people who are very professional and are a joy to work with," Boughey said.

City officials have not yet chosen Boughey's replacement.