Loftus hired as Public Works Director

Plainview's City Council on June 25 approved a motion to hire Shane Loftus as the city's Public Works director, effective June 30.
The 1995 Plainview High School graduate was hired at annual salary of $65,725. He succeeds Michael Bergdorf, who retired in February after 44 years with the City - including about 20 years as Public Works director.
Loftus and Spencer Larson had served as interim Public Works co-supervisors while the City sought a new full-time employee for the position. Larson is among three Public Works assistants. City Administrator Clarissa Hadler said the City plans to hire a fourth assistant.
Loftus was hired as a Public Works assistant in 2008.
"I feel he's capable of doing the job," Plainview Mayor Roger Ziebell said. "It's going to be a challenge for him. We've got a lot of projects, and a lot of work to do. At this time, we feel he's very capable of filling the position and doing the job we expect."
City Councilman Chip Cuccio said Loftus pays attention to detail and is passionate about his work.
"It's important to the City," he said. "You're an awesome community-builder, and I appreciate that. I'm proud to call you a 'teammate.'"
Loftus said he learned as much as he could while working alongside Bergdorf, in hopes of eventually inheriting the position. Upcoming city projects include replacement of street lights on West Broadway Avenue from Seventh Street Southwest to Highway 42; and installation of "bump-outs" - curb extensions, for pedestrian safety - at the intersections of Fifth, Sixth and Seventh Street Southwest and at a bus pull-off in front of Plainview-Elgin-Millville High School.
He was a finalist for the Public Works director position along with James Creaghe of Fort Collins, Colo., and Steven Lobb of Clinton, Ill. They were interviewed in early June.
"With the great team we have, we won't disappoint," said Loftus, who is also a Plainview firefighter. "I feel happy and nervous and anxious, ready to hit the ground running and see what we can get accomplished. I'm excited to serve the community."
"He's going to do great," Hadler said. "He's very engaged in the community."