Township eliminates four positions, creates three new ones in public works

A recently-completed organizational review of the township’s public works department has resulted in the elimination of four management positions and the creation of three new positions within the department.

The review was initiated after former Mapleton public works director Larry Lynch was terminated by the municipality last December. In March, council approved the hiring of consultant Nigel Bellchamber to assist with the departmental restructuring and the search for Lynch’s replacement.

Contacted by the Community News, CAO Patty Sinnamon  said the review was completed with the hiring of new public works director Brad McRoberts in June, and recommendations were made to council in September. Council accepted the recommendations in closed session as they regarded township personnel, Sinnamon stated in an Oct. 17 e-mail to the Newspaper.

As a result of the restructuring four positions were eliminated: fleet and safety manager, facilities maintenance manager, parks and cemeteries manager and public works operations manager.

Those positions are being replaced with two new positions: manager of assets and infrastructure, and manager of public works. A non-management position – parks, facilities and cemeteries coordinator – is also being added.

Three managers were terminated as a result of the restructuring.

Sinnamon said Jim Grose, former parks and cemeteries manager, is the new public works manager. The manager of assets and infrastructure  and the parks, facilities and cemeteries coordinator positions will be advertised shortly.

The manager of assets and infrastructure will oversee all capital assets, making recommendations to the director of public works on capital replacement, and also oversee infrastructure tenders and contracts such as the municipality’s agreement with the Ontario Clean Water Agency.

The manager of public works will oversee day-to-day operations and strategic planning of public works department, including road construction and maintenance, bridges and culverts, and outdoor recreation facilities.

The parks, facilities and cemeteries coordinator will report to the manager of public works, as will all full-time and seasonal operators.

Sinnamon said the changes are the result of discussions with senior staff and council over the past 10 months.

“With the adoption of our asset management plan and recent restructuring, the township will be in a good position to better manage our infrastructure and plan for long-term sustainability, as well as improve day-to-day operations both from a service delivery perspective and financial accountability,” Sinnamon stated.

Staff have also been directed to prepare five- and 10-year operating and capital budgets, which will include asset rehabilitation and replacement, she added.

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