Watervliet has named an interim city manager.
With the departure of City Manager R. Tyler Dotson effective Feb. 1, the Watervliet City Commission formally approved an agreement with City Engineer Alan Smaka to assume the day-to-day duties of city manager through the end of April.
Smaka has served as the City’s engineering consultant for the past two years, assisting the City on several infrastructure projects, capital improvements, and public works operations. Prior to his relationship with the City, Smaka worked for over 20 years at Wightman, moving up the ranks from surveying to Chairman of the Board.
Smaka is a Purdue graduate with over twenty years in the engineering field. He has managed dozens of infrastructure projects in both the private and public sectors, including serving seven years as Regional Director of Wightman’s Kalamazoo office.
“[Smaka] has worked closely with City staff for several years and is extremely knowledgeable on current and recent infrastructure projects, including the city’s plans to move forward with a city-wide improvements project with the USDA.” said Mayor Deah Muth. She went on to say “the city commission and staff have a great relationship with Alan, we’re lucky to have someone with his experience and familiarity help us during this transition.”
The City Commission is discussing its next steps to fill the vacant position and will meet again to discuss the process at their next regular scheduled meeting on Feb. 7.
