Public Works Department to reorganize

The Fort Scott Public Works Department will get a different look following a decision by Fort Scott City Manager Dave Martin to divide the Director of Public Works position.

Fort Scott Director of Public Works Eric Bailey's duties will be split with the creation of the Fort Scott Director of Public Utilities position, which will be filled by longtime city employee Richard Cook. The changes comes as a result of Bailey not being able to spend an adequate amount of time with each department such as parks, streets, water and wastewater.

"I can give more attention to just water and wastewater," Cook said. "(Bailey's) duties had him spread out really thin where he didn't get to spend the time with some of the departments ... that he'd like to have."

"I feel very blessed that this move is taking place. I know it is something that has been considered and I feel very blessed ... I'll get to spend more time with family ... It's a positive thing," Bailey added.

Cook will supervise the water and wastewater plants, as well as collection and distribution crews. Bailey will supervise streets, parks and fleet maintenance.

Cook began working at the old wastewater facility on April 22, 1981. In 1984, when the first round of upgrades took place and a new facility was built, he was promoted to wastewater supervisor, a position he has held ever since.

With plans to retire in two to five years, Cook has also been asked to help identify someone in the department he feels would be able to take over.

"I really like that idea. I'm looking forward to mentioning somebody because I like to see these types of jobs kept local and hire from within," he said. "I think it is important to do that for morale, for one thing, and I think you get better people that are more dedicated to the city if you do that."

Cook added he plans to help employees of each water department cross-train on each other's jobs so they will be able to fill in when needed. He noted this will keep the city from having to hire more people and make the departments more efficient.