Ready for a challenge: Waynesville's new public works director rolls up his sleeves

Yahoo

21 hours ago

Jun. 30—The timing was less than ideal: Waynesville was hunting for a new public works director at the same time Helene had ravaged the town's infrastructure.
While most would be put off by the massive public works to-do list Helene left behind, it was just the job Ricky Bourne had been looking for. Bourne would often visit the Waynesville area to ride his motorcycle on the Blue Ridge Parkway and recharge from his work as a public works director in the mountains of western Virginia — and he loved it here.
Waynesville's former public works director Jeff Hines had announced his retirement before Helene hit, but the job post didn't go live until after Helene.
Bourne knew the challenges Waynesville faced — an estimated $3 million in damages and repairs to public facilities. But the challenge was part of the appeal when he applied for the position last October.
"After hearing about the damage, that is what drew me here to help the community," Bourne said. "I knew it was going to be a long-term effort for sure. There will be an impact to utilities for years to come. A storm like that always has long-standing impacts."
In addition to making sure the trash gets picked up, the water and sewer services work, the lights stay on and potholes are filled, the town's public works department is aiming to complete five major Helene-related projects, hopefully by the end of the year. The total bill for those projects, which is expected to be reimbursed by FEMA, is estimated at around $1.5 million.
That list includes two water pump stations that need foundation and roof repairs, and stabilization of a steep slope near the public works building on the backside of the town's Green Hill Historic Cemetery that was damaged by the storm.
"When the storm hit, it made a huge slide come off," Bourne said
Another major project is a culvert replacement on Wildcat Mountain Road that was washed out by flood waters, which Bourne described as a "large" project.
"Due to the scope of the work, we are going to have to dig about 20 feet deep and ... put in an approximately six-foot storm water pipe," Bourne said. "There will be some engineering involved with that."
The town's finance department and Fire Station 2 building was heavily damaged by Helene, and the town has to also make repairs to a portion of the parking lot at the facility. A stormwater pipe running underneath the parking lot was compromised and must be replaced.
"There is a six-foot pipe that goes underneath that entire parking lot," Bourne said. "The parking lot got undermined, and that pipe is settling. The parking lot will have to be dug up, and it (the pipe) will have to be repaired or replaced."
New deputies
Bourne intends his department to develop a strategic plan that he said will be more than just "a piece of paper on the wall."
"It will be an annual plan which has goals and objectives listed inside of that," Bourne said. "Each division will know what to aim for. By setting goals and accomplishing objectives, we create value."
Bourne is also putting his own stamp on the department with the recent hiring of two deputy directors. Hutch Reese is the new deputy director for operations, while Laura Yonkers will be the deputy responsible for the town's sustainability efforts and other tasks.
Reese is a former supervisor at the now closed paper mill in Canton and retired U.S. Army warrant officer with experience in construction engineering, field crew supervision and major infrastructure projects.
Bounce said Reese's private sector will benefit "strategic growth and operational improvement in public works."
Yonkers is a Hendersonville native and a licensed civil engineer with 26 years of experience. He's returning home to WNC from his role managing the stormwater division for Indian River County in Florida.
Yonkers will be responsible for "sustainability and administrative functions" and will "oversee all water and wastewater resources divisions and the electrical distribution division within the department," Bourne said.
Bourne said the town received more than 50 applications for the two positions.
"I have been in this for 25 years and that is incredible," Bourne said. "Around 10 to 12 of those applications were very well qualified candidates."
Working his way up
Bourne brings over two decades of experience to Waynesville, most in the public works arena. He was the public works director in Alleghany County, Va., before Waynesville. He had previously been the director of public works in Christiansburg, Va., after working his way up.
Bourne started at the bottom as a concrete laborer in Christiansburg in 2001 and then was promoted to pump station maintenance. The next step was becoming the assistant director of public works before being tapped to lead the department in 2012. He left four years later to become the public works director in Marshville.
"I worked myself up through the ranks there," Bourne said of his time in his hometown. "Public works is the backbone of any community. Public works is less seen than the police and fire departments but is just as equally as important. Without public works services, you can't have a functioning town. Of course, I am biased on that end."
Public works has around 80 employees and Bourne described the staff as dedicated with years of experience. He also praised town leaders for providing the department with modern equipment.
"I understand the responsibility that comes with leadership and am committed to continuously earning the trust and respect of those I lead," Bourne said. "I am grateful for the opportunity that Waynesville has given me to lead such a diverse and experienced team."