Public works dept. sees slew of new hires due to retirements

The Village of Lombard is pleased to announce recent hires and career moves as a result of retirements within the Public Works Department. Public Works anticipates the retirement of 20 of 52 employees between March 2013 and March 2014, resulting in an anticipated overall savings of $447,415 in the first year of the Early Retirement Program.

Public Works Director Carl Goldsmith said the transition presents both a challenge and an opportunity to his department.

“The primary goal in replacing employees is providing quality services at the most efficient and cost effective manner,” Goldsmith said. . “The loss of institutional knowledge from the retiring employees has to be taken into account, while the enthusiasm and innovation of newer members of the department can be of great value.”

Promotions

Erik Lindgren has worked for the Village's Public Works Department since 1997, and as of July 1, will be promoted to the Crew Leader in the Utilities Division. Goldsmith said Lindgren was selected after an internal search was conducted by the department.

Lindgren's great knowledge of water system was instrumental in developing the Village's fire hydrant maintenance project that has led to savings and greater responsiveness to repairs, Goldsmith said.

“We're excited to have Erik join the Public Works management team,” Goldsmith said. “His energy, enthusiasm and passion for public service will help us improve the services we provide to the public. We look forward to Erik bringing a fresh approach to the day-to-day in Public Works and wish him success in his new position.”

New Hires

Robert Smith will begin his new role as Maintenance Worker I in Public Works' Streets and Electric Division on July 1. Prior to starting with Village, Smith was employed by the Bloomingdale Township Highway Department where he has worked since 2001. He is well-versed in all facets of public works including street maintenance, snow plowing, forestry, sewer and water.

John Turrisi Jr. was also recently hired as Maintenance Worker I in Public Works' Streets and Electric Division and will begin on July 5. Turrisi comes to the Village with significant experience in customer service and experience as a contractor within various construction industries.

“He has a family history of public service and the Public Works Department is excited to bring him to the team,” Goldsmith said.

James Johns was recently hired to serve as a Maintenance Worker in the Underground Utilities Division and will begin his employment on July 15. Johns had most recently been employed by the Village of Steger's Public Works Department where he performed duties of infrastructure, maintenance, park maintenance and other associated public works functions, Goldsmith said. Johns is a graduate of Glenbard North High School and grew up in Carol Stream.

Dave Trais joined the Village's Engineering Division as a Civil Engineering Technician on March 25. Prior to coming to the Village of Lombard, Trais worked for the villages of Mount Prospect, Morton Grove, Glenview and West Chicago in various capacities.

Trais has been hired to oversee capital projects performed by the Village, including the asphalt patching and paving program and the sewer televising and cleaning projects.

Trais is a member of the Illinois Section of the American Water Works Association and has received formal training through the Department of Engineering Professional Development at the University of Wisconsin and through the Illinois Public Service Institute.

Randy Jensen began employment with the Village's Public Works Department on March 18 in the Fleet Division as a Mechanic. Randy is a graduate of Willowbrook High School and attended Triton College where he received his Associates Degree in Mechanics and Fleet Maintenance. Jensen has worked as a mechanic in the private sector for 12 years.

“Randy brings a wealth of knowledge in vehicle repair and maintenance and will ensure the safe and efficient operation of vehicles throughout the Village's fleet,” Goldsmith said.

Thomas Dixon joined the Engineering Division of Public Works on May 28 as a Civil Engineering Technician. Dixon has more than 15 years of construction observation and contract administration in the engineering industry and has been responsible for inspections of public infrastructure improvements and survey work. He is a graduate of Northern Illinois University.

Frank Olesiak III joined Public Works as a Maintenance Worker I in the Streets and Electric Division on March 5. Olesiak most recently worked as a maintenance worker with the DuPage County Forest Preserve where he maintained streams to prevent erosion as well as operated equipment to maintain forest property. Olesiak graduated from Glenbard West High School and has been involved as Assistant Coach for Lombard Park District's Tee Ball league and served as an active volunteer with the Marklund Children's Home in Glendale Heights and the Boy Scouts of America.

“The Village will continue to recruit and replace employees to ensure that the Public Works Department is meeting the goals and objectives of the Village Board and community,” Goldsmith said.

For questions related to any service provided by the Public Works Department, call (630) 620-5740.