Lower Burrell close to hiring new director of public works, parks

Lower Burrell City Council is looking to hire a new director of public works and parks to replace a man who resigned after seven months on the job.

The city’s last public works and parks director, Jeff Fleming, resigned in January for personal reasons, according to city officials.

Council members have interviewed four candidates for the open position. They hope to name a new director in April, said Councilman Chris Fabry.

In the meantime, a city administrative assistant, Michelle Hatbob, will manage the daily operations of the public works and parks department, which has about eight full-time employees.

Fleming was paid an $82,000 salary and succeeded longtime public works director Scott Johnson, who resigned last year to take a job in Colorado.

“Jeff’s departure was a loss for us,” Fabry said.