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Solvang’s director of public works Matt van der Linden, who is also a municipal engineer, announced on Monday that he will retire on December 31 after 11 years in the post.
In a prepared statement to city council, he said he gave three months’ notice in an effort to help Solvang make a smooth transition.
“Ever since I got involved with the city, Matt is the one I would go to if I had questions about almost anything, and I’m saddened to hear that you are going to be leaving,” said Councilor Mark Infanti. .
Van der Linden joined the team in 2010 and has held this position longer than anyone in Solvang’s history. Prior to his arrival, the average tenure of Solvang’s former public works directors was less than two years. The longest term ever served was four years.
“I have never shied away from a challenge,” said van der Linden, emphasizing his interest in long-term projects and the support of “talented and dedicated” colleagues.
“Even if I leave, I am committed to the success of Solvang,” he said.
He noted several ongoing projects that will be assigned to his replacement, including: stages two and three of the wastewater treatment plant upgrade project; modification of the city’s river drilling permit; pavement management program; stormwater management program; management of public transport in the Santa Ynez Valley; master plan for municipal facilities; the implementation of the groundwater sustainability master plan; updating of the water master plan; and the renewal of the wastewater treatment plant discharge permit.
“You have been, for me at times, the glue that has held this city together,” said Mayor Charlie Uhrig.
During the meeting, council also welcomed new City Clerk Annamarie Porter.
City manager Xenia Bradford said Porter worked in the public and private sectors at Upland, Redondo Beach, Arroyo Grande and Duarte before taking on the Solvang job made available by the council’s recent budget passage. In addition to holding the position of municipal clerk, her experience includes planning and technician at the construction counter, community development, agenda management, records management, administration of requests for public documents, contract management and consultancy services for municipal clerks.
The city continues to recruit a director of urban planning, a director of human resources, a recreation coordinator and an associate engineer. It is also reorganizing its Public Works Department and is seeking to recruit a director of public works in addition to a director of public services.
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