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Public Works director outlines staffing change to speed road projects, proposes 'Superintendent of Streets' role
Summary
Public Works Director Raz Alexe told the Board the department faces rising roadwork costs and staffing gaps; he proposed creating a Superintendent of Streets (funded in the proposed budget) to improve field supervision and union coordination.
Public Works Director Raz Alexe told the Board that rising costs and limited capital have slowed aspects of the town's road program and that he needs a stronger supervisory link in the field.
Alexe said the department has an operating budget of $2.5 million, "which is only $1.7 million without salaries," and described steps the crew has taken to save labor costs, including doing more projects in-house and applying for grants. He proposed converting the Assistant Supervisor position into a Superintendent of Streets to provide field supervision and a liaison role with the union and zoning enforcement. Alexe said the position is funded in the proposed budget but noted it could create overtime implications under current union rules.
Highway Department Supervisor Brett Seamans said he would work with the Supervisors' Union to allow only winter overtime as needed for the role. Chairman Sam Olmstead and board members emphasized the need for transparency around the staffing strategy and for coordination with zoning regulation updates.
