SPRINGDALE — The Water and Sewer Commission will have 13 applicants to consider when it chooses a new executive director for Springdale Water Utilities.
The deadline to submit an application was Friday, said Loyd Price, city director of human resources. The applications included two utility employees.
The commission will decide how it will reduce the pool before starting interviews, said Commissioner Paul Lawrence.
“We will get a list of the applicants from the city,” Lawrence said. “We’ll probably cut the number to four to six finalists. We will work out the details at the next commission meeting.”
At A Glance
Water Utilities Executive Director
Applicants for Springdale Water Utilities Executive Director
Name Residence
• Valentine Belfiglio Fayetteville
• Edward Carr Rochelle, Ill.
• Tom Evers Lowell
• Joshua Grabowsi West Memphis
• Mark Johnson Rogers
• Cathy Klein Garfield
• Terry Phillips Springdale
• Rick Pulvirenti Springdale
• Mary Timmons Mena
• David Vondran Conway
• Heath Ward Springdale
• Charles Wheeler Fayetteville
• Will Winn Springdale
Source: City Of Springdale
The job description calls for a bachelor’s degree and management experience in water and sewer systems. The applicant should have a wastewater treatment operator’s license and a water distribution operator’s license, or obtain one in a reasonable time after employment.
The base salary range for the position is $82,104 to $123,132 per year. Rene Langston, who retired effective Nov. 1, was making $95,400 in base salary, according to the utility budget.
Terry Phillips, acting utility director, is an applicant for the job.
“I think Springdale is one of the top utilities in Arkansas,” Phillips said. “I’m privileged to be considered for the job.”
Rick Pulvirenti, the utility’s chief engineer, also applied. Pulvirenti said he would be a good candidate because he has experience with the system and the people at the utility.
“I’ve got confidence that the commission will do the right thing for the utility,” Pulvirenti said.
Tom Evers, the chief building inspector for the city, applied for utility position. Evers, who is on the Lowell City Council, said his service on the Benton County Rural Development Authority makes him a better candidate.
“We mainly help to bring water to the rural parts of the county,” Evers said.
Another candidate, William “Will” Winn, who now is the assistant operations manager for Fayetteville Water Utilities, once held the position of director of technical services at Springdale. Winn still lives in Springdale, he said.
“I look at this as an opportunity to work in my hometown,” Winn said.
Other local applicants included Heath Ward, complex engineering manager for Cargill in Springdale and Mark Johnson, former water utilities engineer for Rogers.
Chris Weiser, commission chairman, said he is anxious to begin the selection process.
“I’m looking at having a new director in place by April 1,” Weiser said.