January 9, 2023 |
One of the priorities of new Saratoga Mayor Chuck Davis and his council is hiring a new public works director.
The job description of the position is likely to undergo some changes before it is advertised. The process of redefining the scope of the work to be required began last month during a workshop where Davis met with the outgoing administration.
The resignation of Jon Winter in November caused town council to rethink the $80,000-a-year position. At the December 15th work session, outgoing and incoming council members proposed combining the public works director with other roles.
Now former councilman Jon Nelson said Saratoga may not need an office-bound public works director. Having a supervisor who splits their time between desk and field work would better suit the town’s needs. Using Baggs as an example, Nelson said a small team, including the director, handles most of the work. If a major project were to come up, the town could contract with an outside engineering firm.
Pictured above: Saratoga Public Works Director Jon Winter extends the “no parking” zone on the southeast corner of First and Bridge Streets by the Wolf Hotel in October 2021. Photo by Jim O’Reilly/Bigfoot 99.
In its current form, Saratoga’s public works director is responsible for drawing up plans for major town projects. Nelson said Saratoga has an arrangement between several consulting firms specifically to handle large-scale undertakings. Called a master service agreement, it allows the town council to hire an engineering company to plan and design projects. The consulting firm would also seek out grants and other funding opportunities. Nelson said those responsibilities shouldn’t be part of the public works director’s job any longer.
Having an engineering firm handle the big projects would free the public works director up for other jobs. With those responsibilities no longer on his shoulders, Nelson said the director should either physically help public works employees or combine the title with the town’s vacant planning & zoning officer position.
The incoming council members decided they would look into combining the public works director and planning and zoning officer into one title.
During the work session, former mayor James said the details of the position would need to be updated to reflect the change in job duties.
Once the position’s new details are hammered out, the council will begin advertising for candidates. Advertising in water and sewer trade magazines was discussed as a way to attract qualified applicants.
Mayor Davis told Bigfoot 99 last week that he would wait to talk to long-time public works department employees before making any decision on how to move forward with filling the director’s position.
