Friday, June 1, 2018
Mayor Domenic J. Sarno, Chief Administrative and Financial Officer (CAFO) Timothy J. Plante and City Councilor Jesse Lederman announce the creation of the Facilities and Sustainability Engineer position for the City of Springfield. Once filled, the position will report to Executive Director of Parks, Buildings and Recreation Management (PBRM) Patrick J. Sullivan.
The Facilities and Sustainability Engineer will be responsible for on-site engineering of facilities within PBRM. Work will be performed in accordance with policy directives of federal, state and municipal departments, with review through reports and conferences. The Sustainability Coordinator will be responsible for design, budget and execution of engineering, maintenance construction/modification projects. This position will also focus on environmental sustainability and on advancing equity, in the context of long-term sustainable building maintenance and construction development. This position will coordinate the implementation of actions identified in the Strong, Healthy & Just: Climate Action & Resilience Plan and in other priority city plans, identified by the City's Resilience Team. This position will communicate closely with senior management within the city to identify and advance implementation recommendations of the SHJ Plan.
“I want to thank my internal city team led by Pat Sullivan, TJ Plante and Tina Quagliato-Sullivan, Catherine Ratte of the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission, and also working together with City Councilor Jesse Lederman on our green issues, which I know is so near and dear to his heart. For an urban center in America, we have put together a number of noteworthy green initiatives, and look to continue to do more. This is not only good for our environment, health and energy efficiency, but it is also good for the bottom line of our city budget,” said Mayor Domenic J. Sarno.
CAFO TJ Plante said, “Creating this position is the next major step to ensure the City continues to make progress in the areas of sustainability, resiliency and facility management. The goal is to continue to find additional resources and grants that will help the City further our goals in various green initiatives.”
Councilor Jesse Lederman said, “I am glad to have worked together with the Mayor to reaffirm our municipal commitment to environmental sustainability and resilience with the announcement of this new role. The continued implementation of our Climate Action and Resilience Plan not only means we will be doing our part to combat climate change, improve air quality, and better prepare for natural disasters, but also stands to drive economic development and further improve quality of life for our city residents.”
Catherine Ratte, Principal Planner/Section Manager for the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission, said, “I am so proud to be a resident of this great city and grateful to have had the opportunity to work with city staff, the Public Health Institute of Western Massachusetts and Arise for Social Justice to develop and help implement the Strong, Healthy & Just: Climate Action & Resilience plan. I am happy that everyone gets to learn what we already know – that Springfield is a leader in climate action and resilience. It’s very exciting to be a part of this incredible progress.”