New public works director hired for Colfax

The public works director succession plan is taking shape with the approval to hire Dillon Lundy to fill the position. The Colfax City Council approved Lundy during a special meeting March 24.

“We’ve worked on this for quite a while. We had applicants, we had a committee to interview the applicants and we have chosen Dillon Lundy as our number one person,” mayor David Mast said. “Welcome to the group here Dillon.”

Lundy, who is coming to Colfax after serving as the Public Works Director in the town of Burnsville, N.C., will have a starting wage of $61,500. His first day on the job is scheduled for May 1, giving him time to work with retiring director Bob Rhone before his send-off.

“Thanks everyone, I look forward to working with everyone,” Lundy said.

Along with his current qualifications, Lundy has the expectations to receive additional licenses in the next four years. Those include Water Treatment License Class I, Water Treatment License Class II, Water Distribution License Class I, Water Distribution License Class II, Wastewater Treatment Class I and Wastewater Treatment Class II. Each license comes with an annual pay increase of either $300 or $600. The city will pay for registration fees, renewal fees, testing fees and travel expenses to obtain and maintain the licenses and for continuing education.

The city is also providing funding for moving costs associated with relocating to Colfax. The relocation assistance is subject to a maximum amount of $5,000 and must be paid back at a rate of 75 percent in the first year, 50 percent in the second year or 25 percent in the third year if the position is vacated. While the city council prefers the director be a residence of Colfax, it is not required.

The offer of employment is still subject to a background check and the city reserves the right to withdraw the offer of employment if needed.

“I am very fortunate to get this opportunity to work for the residents of Colfax as well as working with the city council and all of the city staff,” Lundy said. “I am excited to be moving back to Iowa and getting to work for the City of Colfax. I can remember being a kid going to the sale barn with my dad and grandfather. I am lucky to be given the chance to become the public works director for such an awesome city.”

In other business:

• A bid from LDS Plastering for $23,500 was approved for the repair of the facia boards and beautification work for Well House 3.

• Street repairs on Front Street from Locust Street to West Street were approved by council. $15,500 with a cap of $20,000 was allocated for the project from Road Use Tax Monies. The area was found to meet the criteria based on the significant amount of potholes that can no longer be cold patch effectively. Four inch asphalt is suggested for the stretch of roadway.

• Properties at 445 Fry Street, 312 E. Spring Street, 314 W. Spring Street and 103 E. Division Street were approved for clean up through the abatement process by the council. All properties were given all required abatement notices and Colfax Code Enforcement Officer Ed Leedom advised the properties can now be cleaned up by the city. All charges will be assessed to the property taxes if not paid by the owner.

Contact Jamee A. Pierson at 641-792-3121 ext. 6534 or jpierson@newtondailynews.com