Ortonville- The village council has hired a Department of Public Works supervisor, after nearly five months without one.
Bill Prince began work Jan. 21 and his hiring was officially approved at the council’s Jan. 23 meeting by a 6-1 vote. Council member Mary Kassuba voted no, citing ongoing contract negotiations between the village and Teamsters Local 214 representing the DPW.
‘I like my new position,? said Prince, a 52-year-old Groveland Township resident. ‘The goal is to keep everyone happy. I like the small town and living here because everyone knows each other.?
Village manager Ed Coy said Prince was chosen from among about a dozen applicants because he was the ‘best-qualified.? Coy had no comment as to why the village chose not to promote to supervisor one of the two current DPW employees, Dan Hackman and Kevin Booms.
‘I think he’s going to do a good job for the folks in the village,? Coy said of Prince. ‘I was trying to fill in as DPW supervisor and be village manager, too, so this will be a relief.?
Former DPW supervisor Shane Eliassen resigned in August. When asked why the village went so long without a supervisor, Coy answered, ‘It’s just the way it evolved.?
Prince brings experience to the position. He worked at K Farms, 1100 Bird Road, for 14 years, maintaining the roads and homes at the farm, repairing equipment as needed and taking care of vehicles. Prior to K Farms, Prince worked for Ford. He also completed two and a half years of electrical training at American Builder’s Corporation School.
As DPW Supervisier, Prince will help maintain the village. He is also planning repairs to the DPW garage.
‘We will cut costs by being more structured and self-sufficient,? Prince said. You’ve got to be a jack-of-all-trades to do this.?