Wauconda names new village engineer
After six weeks of searching, Wauconda officials has named a new village engineer.
Bill Rickert, president of RHMG Engineers, a Mundelein-based engineering firm, will replace Director of Operations David Lawry, who was serving as interim village engineer. Lawry was filling the vacant spot left by Robert Devery, who died in May after serving as village engineer for move than 14 years.
The village board approved Rickert’s appointment Monday.
Mayor Mark Knigge said following Devery’s death, the village researched engineering companies to find a suitable replacement. The village narrowed its options to three and placed Rickert as the top candidate.
“He’s been an engineer in Lake County for over 35 years, worked extensively in the area, worked on sewer projects, and has an extensive background in various areas of engineering water,” Knigge said.
Experience with water is a selling point for village officials, who plan to spend $203 million to switch from well water to Lake Michigan water.
Rickert, who started his position immediately, has been in meetings all week to catch up on the village’s pressing engineering needs, including the Lake Michigan water project and various road projects.
“He’s hit the ground running,” Knigge said.
In Rickert’s absence, Marcia McCutchan, executive vice president for RHMG Engineers, will be a backup engineer for the village.
Rickert will be paid the same hourly wage as the previous engineer. His position will be up for renewal next April.
“I’m pleased to have been appointed,” Rickert said. “I think that our firm is a good fit, and we’ll be able to work very well together in providing them with the technical assistance and input they require.”
Rickert has been serving as Wauconda’s interim watershed development ordinance enforcement officer since May 8.
He also serves as the engineer for the village of Green Oaks. He’s held that position since 2000.
Aside from his duties within village departments, Rickert said he assists his firm with individual projects for large municipalities and public sector clients. He has also worked with the Otter Creek Water Reclamation District water system as its district engineer.