MIDDLEBURY — In addition to creating a panel to look at local economic development (see story on Page 1A), the Middlebury selectboard on Tuesday unanimously agreed to hire William P. Kernan of Waterbury to serve in the newly created position of Operations Director for the Middlebury Department of Public Works. Kernan is currently site manager for the soon-to-be-closed Moretown landfill and two related transfer stations.
Middlebury voters recently approved creation of the operations director position, which will oversee the day-to-day operations of the DPW. The position will also be responsible for facilities maintenance and management, workplace safety and OSHA/VOSHA compliance, infrastructure systems maintenance and management, and employee training and development.
Kernan will directly supervise the Highway Department, Water Department and equipment maintenance personnel, and will supports the Wastewater Plant superintendent.
The Operations Director will report directly to the town manager.
The new job is part of a reconfiguration of responsibilities in the department; Director of Operations Dan Werner will continue in that role.
Also on Tuesday, the Middlebury selectboard unanimously agreed to:
• Award a contract, to the company to Gossens Bachman Architects for preliminary architectural services for a possible Ilsley Library expansion and renovation project. The contract is for $41,160.
• Approve a contract proposal from NEMRC for the completion of a townwide reappraisal for a total cost of $236,000. That reappraisal of townwide properties is slated to be completed by 2019.
• Cede ownership and maintenance responsibilities of the street known as Adirondack View to Middlebury College. The college now owns all properties on both sides of that road.