Island Lake names new superintendent for public works, water departments
Island Lake trustees have hired a new superintendent for the public works and water departments.
Brian Bartnick was named to the post Thursday night. He has worked in Nunda Township's road department for less than a year, officials there said, and he owns Bartnick Construction.
Bartnick, 61, will earn a $67,600 annual salary in Island Lake, officials said. He'll start in about two weeks.
Bartnick, who moved to Island Lake more than a year ago, said he hopes to be "a new eye" on the various infrastructure problems the village faces.
As an independent contractor, Bartnick has done a lot of sewer, water and dredging work in the village through the years. That impressed board members.
"He has quite the resume," Trustee Mark Beeson told the Daily Herald.
Bartnick will oversee the public works and water departments. They are not merging, Trustee Shannon Fox said.
The position has been open for a while, Fox said.
Neal DeYoung now serves as the water department's director.
He's retiring in July after 38 years with the village.
"Neal has been a wonderful asset to this village," Fox said. "We will miss his expertise and the care he's given to his job these many years."
DeYoung couldn't be reached for comment.
Willie Kootstra was the village's last public works director. He gave up that post last year but has continued to work for the village in a lesser capacity.
Kootstra had led the public works staff since 1996.