Committee flags DNR certification refusal by public‑works operator; seeks legal guidance

The Village of Bloomington Finance and Purchase Committee on Jan. 19 discussed a compliance concern after a public‑works operator refused to obtain required Department of Natural Resources (DNR) certification, prompting the committee to seek legal guidance.

Keith Leitzinger raised the issue in the Director of Public Works section of the agenda, saying the other operator had refused to obtain certification although it was a condition of his employment when hired three years earlier. Leitzinger said this creates a legal compliance issue because DNR regulations require certified operators to input data into DNR systems and the village could face fines if non‑certified staff perform those tasks.

Leitzinger noted that he currently holds water certification and is studying for wastewater certification but that the village is vulnerable if both operators are not certified or available. Committee members discussed options for addressing the gap and agreed to consult with the village attorney about certification requirements for the Director of Public Works assistant before taking further action.

The committee also briefly discussed modifying existing office space at the treatment plant rather than building a new facility proposed by Delta 3, concluding that modification would likely be more practical and cost‑effective.

Next steps: the committee will consult the village attorney on certification and compliance and report back before pursuing personnel or disciplinary actions.