Eddie Kreighbaum promoted from assistant to director of public works

Eddie Kreighbaum says that as the new public works director he’s excited by the challenge of taking care of Webb City and its citizens.

Kreighbaum (prounounced kreechbaum) has been working for the city for 15 years, initially as building inspector, and then construction superintendent for 11 years. In that job, he has basically been the assistant director, doing building inspections and overseeing streets.

City Administrator Carl Francis promoted Kreighbaum to public works director to replace Rick Roth, who is retiring after nearly 30 years of service.

Kreighbaum will now be overseeing the water department and public works office in addition to building inspections and streets. There are 22 public works employees.

“Eddie’s knowledge and experience made a smooth transition,” says Francis. “He’s alreading generating reports and projects.”

Coming up quick will be the big $1.4 million street overlay project, which was approved by the City Council in June.

In the meantime, the city is preparing the parking lot for the new recreation center that will be built southeast of the Mining Days Community Building in King Jack Park.

Another big job will be replacing the water main on First Street from Madison Street to just east of Oronogo Street. Kreighbaum says that needs to be done because the existing line is old and too small for a fire hydrant.

To fill Kreighbaum’s former role, Francis is advertising in the department for 10 days to fill the position of public works superintendent. If the job isn’t filled internally, it will be advertised outside the department.