Turner picked to head public works

After filling in on a temporary basis since late May, Susie Turner has been appointed Kalispell Public Works director by City Attorney Charlie Harball, who himself is serving as interim city manager until  Monday.

Turner filled in following the sudden departure of Bill Shaw from the public works job. Turner was one of more than 40 people who applied for the permanent position.

“Given the economy and how many people engineering firms have laid off, we figured we would get quite a few applicants,” Harball said.

Turner was one of five applicants interviewed and two finalists considered for the administrative position.

“Susie has done such a good job in the interim, stepped up and showed she can work with staff, the public, the council, everybody,” Harball said. “Everyone was very, very pleased here. She’s going to be great.”

Turner could not be reached for comment on Thursday.

She has been working as Kalispell’s water resources manager in the public works department, overseeing the city’s water and sewer operations, and has been with the city of Kalispell for about five years.

Public works is Kalispell’s largest department with 75-plus personnel.

It oversees infrastructure design, water distribution, sewage collection and treatment, storm drainage, fleet maintenance, budget management and control, construction management, street maintenance, traffic control, garbage collection and utility and facility planning.

Harball said Turner will review the department’s staffing needs and see how she wants to handle her old position, since she plans to work a lot in the field.

“We will be looking to fill a position in public works,” Harball said. “But we need to see where our human needs will be the most. She’s assessing that now.”

Reporter Tom Lotshaw may be reached at 758-4483 or by email at tlotshaw@dailyinterlake.com.