Just call me Super Dan

Cramahe Township moved quickly in a closed meeting on February 16 to replace outgoing Public Works Director, Barry Thrasher, with Community Services Director, Dan O’Brien.

Mr. Thrasher leaves his job this Friday to go to a Deputy Director's job in Cobourg.

Cramahe Now broke the story on January 13, suggesting this as one of three options open to the municipality. It was stated at the time that township CAO, Christie Alexander, had approached Mr. O'Brien about the concept of running two departments.

Mr. O’Brien will be Acting Director of Public Works, supervising four full-time and 20 part-time employees as well as his Community Services Department staff. The job description, created in 2007 for his Public Works position, is extensive and over three pages long. It includes supervision and training, financial oversight and a wide range of daily duties.

He will oversee the operation of the wastewater treatment plant which serves Colborne.

Township Chief Administrative Officer, Christie Alexander stated after the meeting that Mr. O’Brien will receive a modest raise to reflect his added responsibilities. She will sit down with the acting director and consider any additional costs and staffing needs he may have.

Mr. O'Brien has been Cramahe's Director Of Community Services barely a year. Prior to joining the Cramahe staff on February 2, 2009, Mr. O'Brien held senior positions with the Markham Fair and Canadian National Exhibition. With the departure of Mr. Thrasher to Cobourg, Mr. O’Brien becomes the sole head of department who lives in the township.