Hamden Seeking New Public Works Director Again

HAMDEN, CT — The town is looking for a new public works director for the second time in two months.

The New Haven Register reported Friday that Acting Public Works Director Matthew Kott is returning to his previous position with the engineering department, just two months after being appointed by Mayor Lauren Garrett.

Kott had replaced longtime Public Works Director Craig Cesare, who had served in the role since he was appointed by former Mayor Scott Jackson in 2011, in the first major staffing change under Garrett’s administration.

Garrett said at the time that Kott would bring to fruition her vision of a “modernized public works department and create a municipal maintenance plan that provides direction for employees while notifying Hamden residents of expected work in their neighborhood.”

Garrett also cited Kott’s 15 years of experience as a project manager for defense contractors and his management of large-scale projects with a union workface.

Kott’s appointment never went to the full Legislative Council for approval, and Garrett told the Register the administration didn’t feel that he was “the right fit” for the position.

The town is accepting applications for the position and Garrett’s Chief of Staff Sean Grace will help provide leadership to the public works department until the position is filled, according to the Register.

Read more at the New Haven Register here.