Syracuse Public Works Superintendent Named ‘Manager Of The Year’
March 23, 2017 at 5:14 p.m.
By Staff Report-
Merchant was nominated by Henry DeJulia, town manager.
DeJulia said, “Rob came into his current position when the town was in the middle of trying to complete two of the largest projects it had attempted in decades: a substantial water distribution and wastewater collection system expansion and a wastewater treatment plant equipment replacement project. Both projects were embroiled with problems and engineering issues. He was able to take ownership of both these projects and take necessary actions to hold the contractors and engineers accountable, and force the corrective actions required to complete the water and wastewater expansion project within four months at a substantial savings to the town. Rob has brought new management ideas to the Syracuse Public Works Department and his contributions have been many. The department is doing things it had previously never done before and is focused on doing things better and being pro-active instead of reactive. The town of Syracuse is fortunate to have Rob’s experience and dedication serving it.”
The Alliance of Indiana Rural Water is a non-profit membership association of over 800 water and wastewater systems and related professionals. The Alliance provides training and on-site technical assistance on Safe Drinking Water Act compliance issues, public health protection (as it relates to drinking water), managerial issues, financial issues and operational issues to water and wastewater systems in Indiana that are under 10,000 in population. Training and on-site work is supported by federal contracts and grants that promote safe water for communities.
Merchant was nominated by Henry DeJulia, town manager.
DeJulia said, “Rob came into his current position when the town was in the middle of trying to complete two of the largest projects it had attempted in decades: a substantial water distribution and wastewater collection system expansion and a wastewater treatment plant equipment replacement project. Both projects were embroiled with problems and engineering issues. He was able to take ownership of both these projects and take necessary actions to hold the contractors and engineers accountable, and force the corrective actions required to complete the water and wastewater expansion project within four months at a substantial savings to the town. Rob has brought new management ideas to the Syracuse Public Works Department and his contributions have been many. The department is doing things it had previously never done before and is focused on doing things better and being pro-active instead of reactive. The town of Syracuse is fortunate to have Rob’s experience and dedication serving it.”
The Alliance of Indiana Rural Water is a non-profit membership association of over 800 water and wastewater systems and related professionals. The Alliance provides training and on-site technical assistance on Safe Drinking Water Act compliance issues, public health protection (as it relates to drinking water), managerial issues, financial issues and operational issues to water and wastewater systems in Indiana that are under 10,000 in population. Training and on-site work is supported by federal contracts and grants that promote safe water for communities.
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