SPRINGDALE -- A new engineering director is working for the city more than a month after Allen Pugh left to work for Fayetteville.
Brad Baldwin said he started working as director of engineering in Springdale on Monday after retiring from a position in Van Buren Friday.
At A Glance
Brad Baldwin
Highlights as city engineer in Van Buren:
• Reorganized and upgraded the capabilities of the Street Department.
• Updated the city’s zoning regulations.
• Led efforts to certify the city’s levee system.
• Implemented geographic information systems as part of the city’s daily operations.
• Oversaw the upgrade of information technology systems throughout the city.
• Revised the city’s erosion control, drainage standards, floodplain management and street standards.
• Oversaw implementation of the city’s yard waste pickup program.
Source: Bob Freeman, Van Buren mayor
Baldwin previously worked for Van Buren as city engineer for 13 years, said Van Buren Mayor Bob Freeman. Baldwin was head of public works at the same time, and was responsible for the operations of the Street Department, and property maintenance and yard waste programs.
Baldwin said he worked as director of engineering and environmental services for Farrell-Cooper Mining Co. in Fort Smith for about 20 years before working for Van Buren. He has a bachelor's of science degree in civil engineering from the University of Oklahoma.
It was Baldwin's experience in a supervisory role that made him stand out among applicants for the job, said Springdale Mayor Doug Sprouse. He's also a well qualified engineer, Sprouse said.
"I believe he's a great fit," he said.
Freeman said he first worked with Baldwin when he was chairman of the Van Buren Planning Commission before his election as mayor. He said Baldwin is good at identifying issues and offering possible solutions.
"Brad was a great employee, and very progressive in his thinking," he said. "He is a solid individual with great values."
Sprouse said it will take Baldwin time to learn about all of the projects in Springdale, such as the construction of parks and roads, that are overseen by the engineering staff.
James Breakfield, Capital Improvement Program projects administrator, acted as interim director until Baldwin was hired, Sprouse said. Breakfield is working with Baldwin as learns about city projects.
Baldwin said he's spent most of his first week getting settled in and learning about city projects. The most challenging part has been learning the layout of the city and where all the projects are under way.
"I'm starting from scratch with that," he said.
Baldwin said he took the job in Springdale to be closer to his nieces, nephews and grandson. He will be commuting from Van Buren until his wife retires in one to two years.
NW News on 10/10/2014