CLEARFIELD – The Clearfield Municipal Authority officially hired John C. Williams as the authority’s manager, effective Sept. 20.
Board Chairman Russ Triponey gave a press release to the media, which stated:
“Williams has been employed by the authority on a full-time basis since December of 2013. Initially hired at that time as assistant manager/IT supervisor, Williams has been performing the duties of interim manager subsequent to the resignation of the authority’s previous manager in June.
“During his tenure at CMA, Williams has helped manage the day-to-day operations of the authority and its personnel, maintained critical plant, telemetry and office systems, managed and purchased an installation of an upgrade to the telemetry system, assisted in preparation of the annual budget, as well as both the short- and long-term capital improvement plans, and implemented updates to the operating procedures of both water treatment facilities.
“Williams received a Bachelor of Science degree in computer engineering from the Rochester Institute of Technology in Rochester, NY.”
Triponey stated he and the search committee recommended the hiring of Williams due to his experience working in a management role at CMA for the past three years, his excellent work ethic and dedication to the authority, commitment to the Clearfield community and surrounding area and his strong technical background so important to running a successful municipal authority.
He added the hiring was subject to Williams obtaining a Class B water treatment license and a Class A wastewater treatment license within two years.
When asked by the press after the meeting, Triponey said the salary for Williams is $50,000 per year, which is considerably lower than many other authorities. He noted that State College pays their manager $120,000.
Triponey noted that State College is much larger, but that is a common pay rate. There were about 15 applications from as far away as Pittsburgh and State College and some backed out once learning the pay. They narrowed down the selection to three, “All top people,” and finally decided to hire Williams.
“We’re tickled to have John,” he said.
The board vote took place after a 30-minute executive session for personnel.
The board also voted to accept a bid for stone from Bucktail Excavating at $11.83 per ton plus a 10 percent bid bond.
Under the engineer’s report, Engineer Jim Balliet of Gwin, Dobson and Foreman informed the board that changes at the Montgomery Run Water Treatment Facility to lower aluminum levels in response to the state Department of Environmental requirements seem to be working.
He said they expect DEP will eventually want the dam replaced and they need to improve the wells so that the authority can switch to them when that time comes.
A resident and landlord asked the board about whether they will be switching to monthly billing. Williams said they are still looking into it, but are not planning on making a firm decision until sometime after all of the meters have been replaced, and that won’t be until at least the end of the year. The board will also need to evaluate the costs of switching.