To create more specific autonomous areas of control and enhance daily communication, Town Manager Mike Walsh recently announced a reorganization of the Public Works Department. Existing employees were interviewed and subsequently promoted to supervisory positions. The new positions will also provide more training and promotional opportunities.
Robbie Bahre is now the Fleet Supervisor, responsible for repair and maintenance of all town vehicles and equipment, instructing the staff mechanics on what needs to be done. He will keep records relating to repair schedules and will recommend vendors of related equipment.
Christian Lesiak is the Grounds Supervisor. He will assign and schedule the work crews in developing and maintaining the condition of the town’s parks, sports fields, trees, shrubs, median islands and landscaped sidewalk areas. Decorative flower beds around town and ground covers are under his purview.
Keven Slyne has been promoted to Roads Supervisor, a role in which he will prioritize and schedule the projects having to do with street and sidewalk maintenance such as patching asphalt, installing pipe, and cleaning streets and storm drains. He is proficient in the use of all heavy equipment, including street sweepers, tractors, backhoes and mowing machines. Training his crew in safe usage of this equipment is also an important aspect of this role.
Stuart Young has been promoted to General Supervisor, reporting daily to Public Works Director Kirk Severance. He will plan and execute the day-to-day department duties and operations, making sure that all work complies with OSHA standards, town ordinances and state statutes as they apply to public works. In addition to the extensive record-keeping that is necessary in this role, it is his job to make sure the department maintains a good public image, responding to residents’ concerns.
At this time, the Facilities Supervisor position is not filled. Young will cover this role for the time being.
The various short descriptions of the new supervisory positions do not by any means explain all the duties and responsibilities of the positions. Specific education and/or work experience requirements must have been met in each case, as well as physical requirements.
To keep everything running smoothly for Granby, Walsh has initiated Monday 7 a.m. work-flow meetings with Severance and the supervisors. In addition to managing the department, Severance is responsible for the allocation of ARPA money and capital expenses.