Tim Ryan, tryan@wolfrivermedia.com
Shawano’s Department of Public Works is making the most of two high-level staff retirements with a restructuring of duties and job titles expected to make the department a little more efficient.
Operations Manager Jim Schoenhofen retired last month and Water and Sewer Superintendent Jim Flaig will retire as of March 13. Both have been with the city for about 35 years.
Flaig was a Shawano Municipal Utilities employee until water and sewer services were incorporated into the DPW several years ago.
Andy Daniels, who was promoted to lead operator in December — essentially serving as assistant to the operations manager, has already been moved into Schoenhofen’s position. Daniels has been with the DPW for about 25 years.
Flaig’s job will be divided between two existing DPW staff.
Engineer Scott Kroening will take on additional water and sewer administrative duties. In addition to engineering technician, he will also take on the new title of assistant public works coordinator.
Patrick Bergner, who was a water and sewer operator, will become water and sewer foreman as of Monday.
Eddie Sheppard, public works coordinator and assistant city administrator, said an initial savings of $20,000 is expected from the restructuring.
Beyond that, he said, “we’ll gain some efficiencies and some more field hours.”
Sheppard said the changes mean there will be another person available in the field to respond to emergencies.
“I’m very excited about the crew we have now and the ideas and energies they bring,” Sheppard said. “I’m excited about the team we have in place now.”