Committee flags DNR certification gap for public works operator, will seek legal guidance

Committee members raised legal and operational concerns Jan. 19 after a discussion about certification for public works operators.

Keith Leitzinger said that another operator "had refused to obtain the required DNR certification despite this being a condition of his employment when hired three years ago," creating a compliance issue because DNR regulations require operators to be certified. Leitzinger told the committee that only certified individuals can legally input data into DNR systems and that if he were unavailable the village could be vulnerable to fines or regulatory action.

Members discussed possible options, noting that other municipalities typically employ two certified operators who divide responsibilities for water and sewer systems. The committee agreed to consult the village attorney about certification requirements for the Director of Public Works assistant before taking further action.

The committee did not record a formal disciplinary action in the transcript; the next step recorded was the committee’s instruction to seek legal advice and a recommendation to the full board regarding the clerk deputy position and related cross-training.