New Highway Position Puts More Drivers on the Road

Deputy Public Works Dir. Chris Nowacki told Board of Finance members at a budget workshop this week that the Highway Department supervisor and crew leaders often spend significant amounts of time on paperwork instead of going out in their trucks for road projects and plowing.

The Town Council had voted to remove a $15,977 Public Works Department request for a part-time administrative position.

"We have one person as superintendent in a garage over 19 people," Nowacki said. "We need a point person to follow up and track what we're doing and do the backup paper work."

First Selectman Steve Vavrek, who is serving as interim Public Works director until the town can find a replacement for Doug Arndt after he left for a job in New Haven, spoke up for the Highway Department.

"I saw what Rocky and Jim Robinson have to do," he said. "Sure they're lean and mean down there, but you can't do all they have to do, while doing administrative work. I'm not saying they need someone full time. But it's not as efficient."

Vavrek was talking about Highway Supervisor Jim Robinson and David "Rocky" Davin, a Highway Department crew leader.

"I'd put it back in," said John Ostaszewski, a Board of Finance member.

"Me too," Ted Quinlan, a fellow board member, added.

Scott Ownes also agreed.

"Okay, put it back in," said Board of Finance Chairman Mark Reed.