Director of Public Works Duane Ellis retires after 27 years; search to begin for replacement

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Duane Ellis’ time as director of Public Works in the city ended with the new year after 27 years on the job.

Throughout his career, Ellis contributed to numerous projects in an effort to better the area.

“He was devoted to the city and residents,” City Manager Kathie Grinzinger said. “Above all, he always attempted to do the right thing in the right way.”

Some of Ellis’ accomplishments include: the expansion of the Mount Pleasant airport, the development of the wastewater treatment facility, his work on city bridges and the walkability standards-focused design of several newer streets, Grinzinger said.

Ellis also worked to eliminate gravel streets within the city limits. He constructed an engineering program to have the ten miles of gravel streets paved in 1985 and 1986.

“The roads were poor and this was another thing that improved the quality and presentability of the city,” he said.

Ellis decided to step down about three or four months ago when his term was winding down.

Though his job in the Public Works department is done, Ellis plans to earn a new degree.

After retirement, Ellis is going to focus on being a full-time student and work on finishing his counseling degree.

“Through the church, my wife and I have been counseling married couples dealing with marriage and family issues,” Ellis said. “I want to finish my degree and continue working with the church.”

The search is on

With the director of Public Works position vacant, Grinzinger will soon begin the search process for Ellis’ replacement.

The director of Public Works oversees the activities of the department, which include wastewater, water, street construction and maintenance, motorpool, engineering, the airport and all other right-of-way activities

The search process for the position will take several months, Grinzinger said.

Instead of rushing the hiring process, the City Commission allowed Mount Pleasant to contract with Spicer Group of Saginaw.

“In these months, we didn’t want to leave the Public Works Department without the support it needs to continue its vital activities,” she said.

Spicer will have two employees stepping in and taking over the roles normally filled by a full-time public works director on a part-time basis.

“Their contract is month to month,” Grinzinger said. “The hiring process is going to take as long as it takes to do it well.”