City launches Engineer search under reorganization plan
Independence City Manager Kelly Passauer announced at Thursday’s City Commission meeting the next step toward reorganization, which includes the recruitment of a City Engineer/Public Works and Utilities Director. This position will replace Public Works Director Mike Passauer and Utilities Director Terry Lybarger, both of whom are scheduled to retire in early 2021.
“We anticipate it will take some time to find the right candidate for this position,” Passauer said. “Many years of knowledge and experience will be lost when these department directors retire, and we want to ensure we transfer as much information as possible to the new department director to ensure a seamless transition.”
Passauer explained the new City Engineer will supervise all Public Works and Utility departments and projects, including streets and sanitation and operations of the water and wastewater plants. The position also requires significant involvement in both short- and long-term planning for the City’s infrastructure.
Once the Engineer’s position is filled, Passauer said, the City also plans to add a clerical support position.
“One of our over-arching goals is improving customer service,” Passauer said. “Hiring a qualified City Engineer, with necessary clerical support, will be vital steps in improving services to and communications with our citizens and keeping projects on target.”