The duties of public works and utilities director for the City of Clinton have been divided among other employees until a permanent replacement can be made.

Recently, current public works and utilities director Jeff Vreugdenhil announced his retirement effective July 28.

“With the departure of the public works and utilities director, the decision has been made to divide the duties of this position among two current employees on an interim basis,” interim city manager Robert Hyatt said in a release.

According to Hyatt, Russell Byrd, staff engineer, will be overseeing wastewater treatment and water treatment plant activities while, Chris Medlin, distribution and collections superintendent, will be overseeing garage, sanitation, grounds, cemetery, streets and water/sewer lines activities.

“While employed with the city, these employees have demonstrated they have the skill sets necessary to successfully undertake these additional duties,” Hyatt added.

This interim period, Hyatt explained, will allow time for the city to complete the hiring of a new city manager and for that person to have the opportunity to evaluate and determine the appropriate management structure that will best serve the public works and utilities operations for the long term.

Vreugenhil announced his retirement after 29 years of service to the city.

From Staff Reports