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Council approves Director of Public Works and Utilities job description after debate; one councilmember opposes
Summary
Council approved the Director of Public Works and Utilities job description, moving it to recruitment. Council discussion centered on whether the role should emphasize visionary design experience versus managerial/project-management skills; one councilmember voted no.
The Bremerton City Council voted 6–1 on April 2 to approve the Director of Public Works and Utilities job description, clearing the way to advertise and recruit for the position.
Human Resources Manager Charlotte Nelson explained the process used to draft the description: the department director reviewed the draft, HR reviewed it, and a three-person council ad hoc committee provided input. Nelson said the successful recruitment will be run by Prothman, and the city will interview top candidates with panels before forwarding a selection for council confirmation.
Public comment and council discussion focused on the profile of the ideal candidate. Local resident Travis (Remington) urged hiring a candidate who understands "all ages and abilities" design principles and can provide a paradigm shift toward high-comfort bike and pedestrian infrastructure. Alden Bradford, another resident, suggested removing a driver's-license requirement from the job listing because it could exclude qualified candidates and some applicants might need a reasonable accommodation; City Attorney Kylie Fennell and HR staff said the license requirement is included because the director must be able to respond to emergencies and make site visits across locations the city cannot access by transit; staff noted that ADA accommodations can be requested.
Councilmember Katelyn Mokler requested more time and another study session to consider making the role more explicitly visionary and design-focused. Other councilmembers said the job description already contains language allowing for a broad applicant pool and that more specific design credentials could unduly limit the candidate pool. Councilmember Coughlin described the process by which the ad hoc committee and HR reviewed 15 other Washington cities' job descriptions to craft the present version.
The motion to approve the job description passed on roll call: Councilmembers Frey, Coughlin, Radlowski, Goodnow, Chamberlain and President Junger voted yes; Councilmember Mokler voted no.
Next steps: HR will post the position through Prothman and begin the application review process. The mayor will make a selection that requires subsequent council confirmation.
