Tinley Park Public Works Director Resigns

The Village of Tinley Park on Monday accepted the resignation of Dale Schepers as director of the Public Works Department. Schepers has served as Public Works Director since 2004.

“Dale came to the decision that it was time to move on, and we agreed with and supported his decision,” said Tinley Park Village Manager Dave Niemeyer.

Schepers was previously suspended, as the Village probes its electronic SmartMeters water meter system. Schepers reportedly told an independent water meter testing company to “not report if the meter passed or failed,” reports the Chicago Tribune.

The Tribune undertook an extensive review of village records related to the water meters, purchased by the village at a cost of $1.8 million. In its report, the Tribune noted at least 355 meters that had issued faulty readings, more more than twice the number the village told residents. When pressed about the matter of meters that passed when they should have failed, Schepers and other officials said they decided the meters didn’t need to meet national standards, post-installation.

Assistant Village Manager of Administration Steve Tilton will manage the day-to-day operations of the department while the Village identifies an interim director. This interim director will provide short-term leadership while the Village conducts an extensive search for a permanent replacement.

“Our primary goal moving forward is to hire a dynamic and decisive leader who will address the present needs and concerns of our residents while striving to exceed the standards and service levels set by the Village of Tinley Park,” Niemeyer said.