Brian Otten Resigns as St. Clair Public Works Director

For the second time in less than a year and a half, the city of St. Clair will be searching for a new public works director.

Brian Otten, hired for the position in February 2011, finished his local tenure on Friday. He starts his new job as engineer of the Perry County Highway Department in Illinois on Monday.

“One of my greatest regrets with this move is not being able to see the completion of all the good things we’ve started here at the city,” Otten said. “I’ve truly enjoyed the people I’ve worked with over the last couple years and believe there is a lot of good things yet to come from this city.”

Some of the “good things” Otten is referring to are the three road projects under way or soon to be under way. They are the Interstate 44 North Outer Road relocation project, the Highway 30 widening project and the Springfield Road reconstruction project.

City Administrator Rick Childers said the public works director job is being advertised, and applications and resumes are being accepted. An interview process will lead to the hiring of a new director as soon as possible, he said.

The board of aldermen must approve who eventually is hired.

Before Otten was offered the job early last year, the city received about 20 applications. The top five were interviewed.

According to the 2012 city budget and salary schedule, Otten earned about $58,900 annually as public works director.