The city of Bastrop’s new director of planning and development, Melissa McCollum, unfurled a large assortment of engineering-type maps on Thursday.

She explained to a reporter the particulars of plats and site plans, with which she will be spending a fair amount of time in the course of her job.

McCollum, who was hired Monday by City Manager Mike Talbot, said she has a full plate to tackle as she juggles day-to-day items as well as working with Talbot and the city council who are in the midst of fashioning a long-range plan for the city’s growth.

But McCollum pointed out she already has a head start on learning the ropes around Bastrop with a hard-working staff.

“I have a wonderful staff that is helping me out,” said McCollum, indicating city building official Ted Bowers, project coordinator Yvonne Pritchard, planning technician Marie Murnan and administrative assistant Vivianna Hamilton.

McCollum, who grew up and was educated in California, takes over from former planning director Stacy Snell, who left in January. McCollum credited Pritchard with doing a solid job while serving as interim city planner.

McCollum received a Bachelor of Arts degree in city and regional planning from California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo in 2000. She is also accredited as a certified planner from the American Institute of Planners.

Previously, she was development planner for the city of Georgetown, a community planner for the Bucher Willis &Ratliff Corporation in Round Rock and a chief planner with the city of San Marcos.

“The major projects I will be concentrating on for the city of Bastrop will be to update the future land use plan, our thoroughfare plan and our annexation plan,” McCollum said.

The planning department also oversees the Historic Landmark Commission, the Board of Adjustments and the Planning and Zoning Commission.

Talbot said McCollum is a strong asset for the city.

“We are very excited to have found her,” Talbot said. “She will a be a great addition to the staff and she brings a lot of expertise with her.”