Public works certification gap flagged as compliance risk; office modification preferred over new build

Director of Public Works Keith Leitzinger told the Finance and Purchase Committee that an operator hired three years ago ‘‘had refused to obtain the required DNR certification,’’ a condition of employment, leaving the village exposed if the certified operator is unavailable. Leitzinger said certification matters because ‘‘only certified individuals can legally input data into the DNR systems’’ and the village could face fines for non‑compliance.

Committee members discussed several options, noting that other municipalities typically have two certified operators who split water and sewer responsibilities. The committee also briefly clarified facility plans for village office space, agreeing that modifying the existing treatment‑plant office would be more practical and cost‑effective than building an entirely new facility as initially proposed by Delta 3. The committee decided to consult the village attorney about certification requirements for a public‑works assistant before taking further action.