Local resident Rick Martin has been hired as the Village of Burns Lake’s new director of public works.
The Village of Burns Lake made the announcement via a press release last week.
Martin, who has been working for Comfor Management Services Ltd. for the past six years, has also worked with contracting firms and will be able to use the knowledge gained from these positions in his new role.
According to the press release, Martin has lived in Burns Lake his entire life and he knows the community well.
The director of public works position will be focused on asset management and infrastructure planning as well as working with the public works crew to ensure that projects and maintenance are complete.
As a local contractor he has had the opportunity to work on many of the village systems and road ways and is familiar with village public works operations.
He was also previously involved with the installation of water and sewer on Fifth Avenue and worked to develop a village subdivision. This experience with village systems will assist Martin as he works closely with the public works crew to develop preventative maintenance and infrastructure replacement plans.
Martin said, “I am excited for this opportunity to use the skills that I have gained over the years in a new setting. I’II plan to continue the good work that has been done by the public works crew in the past.”
Sheryl Worthing, Village of Burns Lake’s chief administrative officer said to Lakes District News that 13 applications were received for the position.
“After careful review and an in depth interview process, Rick was selected as the best candidate for the job.”
She said that while Martin does not have a level two certificate in EOCP water distribution, he will be working alongside other public works crew members to look after village water systems.
“The [employment] posting only stated that the certification would be desirable, it was not mandatory or a requirement for the director position. Certification is typically only required for unionized positions.”
According to Worthing, public works crew employees; Cole Minger, Chris Harms and Bill Dell are all certified in either waste water and or water distribution.
“Mr. Minger is our lead utility worker, however all three employees are capable of operating our system.”
She went on to say that Minger does hold a level two certificate in EOCP water distribution, which is a necessary qualification for the maintenance of the village’s water.
“There were a number of criteria listed in the [employment] posting, water certification was only listed as desirable. We feel we chose the best candidate based on all the criteria. This is a management position, many of the applicants had water certification but did not have management experience so therefore were not selected.”
Mayor Bernice Magee said, “We are very pleased that a local resident was chosen for the position. Rick has the knowledge necessary to do the job and his relationship with the community will be an asset to him as he begins his work.”
