Southbury Announces Changes to the Public Works Department

Via a press release from the First Selectman’s office: 

The Town of Southbury is pleased to announce interim changes to the Public Works Department related to the announcement of Tom Crowe’s retirement. These changes are being made while the new Human Resource Specialist team conducts a professional search for a new Public Works Director.

“The Public Works Director is a critical role in the Town’s organization. We wanted to make a more concerted effort to identify and recruit that individual but realized we needed more time. Therefore, we have worked cooperatively with the existing staff to make a series of interim organizational changes to keep things operating smoothly”, said Ed Edelson, First Selectman. “I want to thank the employees and the Teamsters Union for their cooperation in this effort. Everyone came to these discussions with a spirit of how we can make this work.”

Under the interim organization, James Sugden, the current Road Foreman will assume the position of Acting Public Works Director. Woody Strattman, the current Assistant Road Foreman, and Joey Hine, Ray O’Donnell and Todd Turner, currently Operators, will share the duties of the Road Foreman. In addition, an interim Administrative Assistant will be hired to assist the Assistant Road Foreman with the administrative duties of the Road Foreman position. Tom Crowe has offered to be available to ensure the continuity of the program.

The changes will become effective upon Tom Crowe’s actual retirement date.

This past construction season has been a very productive one for Public Works. Here are some important accomplishments:

24,000 feet of roads were paved
48,000 feet of roads were chip-sealed
Almost one mile of unpaved road was prepared for chip sealing next year by putting down the asphalt base
7,525 feet of modern metal guardrails were installed
114 new storm drains were installed or repaired
875 citizen service requests were addressed
About 15 miles of paved roads were cracked-sealed
115 trees were pruned or removed for safety
4,600 feet of storm drain were installed.