Restructuring Moves out Kevin Walter as Public Works Director

Kevin Walter, who took over as Public Works director in July 2011, when Sandy Springs transitioned its services from CH2M Hill to new contractors has been replaced by Garrin Coleman.

Walter and Coleman are both employed by the service provider URS Corporation. In a restructuring, Walter remains with the company and Coleman takes over as interim director, said Sharon Kraun, city spokesperson. Coleman was Capital Program Manager.

“URS briefed the city on their proposed changes, and we believe they will provide a positive impact especially in the areas of stormwater and delivery of our capital improvement projects,” said Sandy Springs City Manager John McDonough, in a statement.

Walter met with District 4 residents, last week, during Councilman Gabriel Sterling’s town hall meeting. The city is working on multiple year projects that total $75 million. It was a small welcoming crowd compared to the contentious residents he faced at the meeting on the Spalding Drive/Mount Vernon Road intersection in early September.

A reported noted that Walter appeared to have a zen-like quality in any situation.

In a city press statement, Don Harris, vice president of URS Corporation said, “We are committed to providing the City with the highest quality of service and have made the changes in staff to ensure that we best address the City’s needs in the most efficient manner possible.”