Ortonville – It was a tough choice between Dan Hackman and Shane Eliassen, but the village council finally decided on who will run the Ortonville Department of Public Works.
On Monday, Oct. 27, the Village Council selected Shane Eliassen to the DPW top spot.
‘With two wonderful employees to chose from, we did a lot of soul searching,? said Sue Bess, village council president. ‘They were both close in points’the bottom line is, we decided on Shane for the supervisor position.?
Eliassen has worked for the village for almost five years while Hackman has been with the DPW for three years.
After the unexpected resignation of DPW Supervisor Joe Bruz in September, both Eliassen and Hackman have been sharing supervisory duties at the DPW.
Bess said the council delayed hiring a replacement for Bruz because they decided to promote from within, taking the opportunity to observe what type of worker might be needed for the department.
‘I am excited to move up to the position of supervisor and anxious to get started taking on the added responsibility,? Eliassen said.
Working as a team with Hackman for more than three years, Eliassen said he is also looking forward to the addition of someone hard working who is interested in functioning as a team.
‘Dan and I talked about the decision,? Eliassen said. ‘I am looking forward to running the DPW as a team’not as an individual.?
Eliassen said for the past eight weeks both he and Hackman have been meeting with their supervisor, Village Manager Paul Zelenak and he intends to continue the weekly meetings with the entire crew.
‘I want to keep a good relationship with the employees that work for the village,? said Eliassen.
‘We’re going to continue to meet as a team to get everybody’s opinion and be more open about things, with nothing to hide.?
Zelenak said both men are very conscientious workers with integrity and he is confident they will succeed.
Tied into the interviews with both employees and a review of their job responsibilities, Zelenak said the personnel committee recommended both Eliassen and Hackman receive pay raises.
Eliassen’s wages will increase from $15.17 to $15.95 per hour and Hackman will go from $13.73 to $14.42, effective immediately.
‘The council felt strongly about Dan’s qualifications and commitment, as well,? said Zelenak. ‘They felt both candidates were extremely qualified.?
When asked what fears Eliassen might have about running the DPW, he said he was only interested in getting on with the business of taking care of the village.
‘Huh,? said Eliassen, ‘I guess I don’t have any, I’m just looking forward to getting on with the tasks and projects of the village.?
The position of DPW Laborer has been posted in The Citizen.