“I have grown substantially in my abilities due to the variety and complexity of projects in Centerville,” he said. “I am grateful for the opportunities the city provided me, and I will remember the relationships I formed working with many great individuals.”
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City Manager Wayne Davis said the competitive economy offers the opportunity to find quality workers to serve the city.
“The economy is strong, the job market is very competitive and quality employees are the lifeblood of successful service delivery,” Davis said. “Fortunately, we have had success in making great hires recently—locating professional candidates who possess the values, leadership and technical acumen required of public servants in Centerville. As we wish Doug great success in his new endeavors, I am confident we will find the right fit to lead our outstanding department.”
City Engineer Jim Brinegar will serve as interim public works director. He brings 29 years of experience in civil engineering, five of those with Centerville.
“The department, as well as the residents of Centerville, has a commitment to excellence. We have the overwhelming support of City Council and city leadership to continue to provide the excellent service our citizens expect and deserve,” Brinegar said.
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The department has experienced recent personnel transition as Public Works Operations Manager Mary Lou Pence retired in July after 30 years with Centerville.
Ben Ankeney was promoted from within the department to fill a redesigned position. The department, like all city departments, expects to see more turnover as several employees will soon reach retirement age.
Centerville, like most organizations, will be challenged to continuously develop employees and build succession plans into all department objectives, according to Davis.
He added that, in 2019, the city invested $5 million in street resurfacing projects. Public Works also led a grant-funded initiative to reduce recycling contamination. Over a summer, the city contamination rate dropped from 19% to 11%. Public Works also provides leaf pick-up and snow removal services.
The city anticipates hiring a new public works director by early 2020 to replace Spitler.
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