Woodland has hired a Vancouver-based engineer with 30 years experience to serve as its interim public works director while it searches for a person to fill the position permanently, Mayor Chuck Blum said.
Ken Alexander, an office manager with public works consulting firm Gray and Osborne in Vancouver, replaces former public works director Steve Branz, who was fired Aug. 23 for an unspecified cause. City officials have declined to talk about Branz’ termination due to the potential for litigation.
The Woodland City Council held a special meeting Tuesday night to discuss potential litigation concerning Branz. While details of the executive session were not available, Blum said he did anticipate Branz would sue the city.
Woodland has been in talks with at least one company to aid in the hiring process, but has not signed any contracts yet, Blum said. The mayor added he was hopeful the council will choose a new public works director by the beginning of 2012.
The public works director’s responsibilities include overseeing wastewater treatment, planning and community development, and parks and recreation.
“This is something that can’t wait,” Blum said. “We have too many projects planned. It’s pretty important we get somebody in place.”
Among the city’s ongoing projects are the Schurman Way reconstruction, roundabouts, Highway 503 widening projects and work on the city’s wastewater plant, he added.
“It’s a pretty good amount of work to be done for a small city,” Blum said.
Woodland selected Alexander over two other candidates, Blum said. He did not have their names but noted they were from California and Oregon and did not have engineering experience.
Alexander will receive around $7,200 per month in his interim capacity as public works director — the same pay Branz was scheduled to receive, Blum said.
Alexander described himself as a “transitional figure” to bridge the gap until the city hired a permanent public works director, and noted he would rely on consultants the city previously hired for existing projects. He said he planned to use his expertise as a project manager to make sure deadlines were met and the public was properly advised on projects.
