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Pittsburgh water authority fires two managers
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In July, the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority board gave Stephen Simcic a plaque for helping to run the agency when it was without an executive director for about 19 months.
Last week, however, the agency gave Mr. Simcic his walking papers, saying it no longer needed his help.
Mr. Simcic, who returned to his position as finance and business director after his stint as the agency's co-interim executive director ended in July, was one of two senior officials let go. The other was Thomas Gigliotti, director of engineering and construction.
Jim Good, the agency's new interim executive director, said the two were let go not for cause but because the agency had decided to move forward without them. Neither Mr. Simcic nor Mr. Gigliotti could be reached.
Mr. Good wasn't immediately able to provide their salaries. According to a report filed with Pittsburgh City Council last year, Mr. Simcic made about $102,000 and Mr. Gigliotti about $86,000.
Mr. Good is a representative of Chicago-based Veolia Water North America, the management firm retained in July to improve an agency criticized in recent years for personnel, financial and stormwater-management issues. The firm will manage the agency for a year to 18 months.
In bringing Veolia on board, board members said they wanted a top-to-bottom evaluation of the agency and recommendations for improving administration and operations. The firm has brought in employees from other locations to help authority employees better perform their jobs.
On Monday, Mr. Good said he did not anticipate a slew of dismissals or intend to pare the work force. He said the authority will seek replacements for Mr. Simcic and Mr. Gigliotti.
The board tapped Mr. Simcic and Tom Palmosina, another senior staff member, as co-interim executive directors after Michael Kenney resigned the top post in December 2010 amid questions about his ties to an authority vendor. Board members had praised their work as fill-ins and recognized them at the July meeting. In July, both men returned to their previous positions. Mr. Palmosina oversees water operations.
First Published September 19, 2012 12:00 am
