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Former deputy county engineer to take over as Boardman road superintendent
BOARDMAN
After 33 years working for the township, Road Superintendent Larry Wilson will retire this summer.
His appointed successor, while new to the role, is not new to the township. Marilyn Kenner, who serves as assistant zoning inspector for the township, will assume the position after Wilson’s retirement June 30.
Township officials expressed excitement over the move, touting Kenner’s experience. She worked in the Mahoning County Engineer’s Office for 32 years, and served as chief deputy county engineer for 23 years until her retirement in 2012.
“When Larry announced his retirement to us, we discussed it and made it public. Marilyn almost immediately applied for the position, and we were thrilled to have someone with her knowledge and experience interested,” said township Trustee Tom Costello.
Township officials also said it is to the township’s benefit that Kenner now works there (she was hired to work in the zoning department in 2013). Currently, she is working in both the zoning and road departments so she can learn from Wilson.
Kenner said the road superintendent’s role will be similar to what she did at the county engineer’s office.
“I’m very excited about going back to the road department. Transportation is something I’ve done my entire career, so it’s something I know very well,” she said.
She does not yet have any changes planned for the department, saying, “I just want to observe what’s going on and work with the people in the department to continue the type of service they provide already. Anywhere we can provide better service, we’ll work on that.
“I do look forward to continuing to serve the residents of Boardman Township,” she added.
Under the five-year memorandum of understanding between Kenner and the Board of Trustees, Kenner will make $15,000 less per year than Wilson. She will earn $65,000 annually. The terms of the memorandum were effective March 21.
In addition to her salary, pension and benefits, the understanding stipulates that Kenner is entitled to: four weeks of vacation; holidays, personal days and funeral leave; sick leave; a $600 per year clothing allowance; use of a township vehicle; a cellphone; workers’ compensation and life insurance.
Wilson worked under similar terms, although he received seven weeks of vacation, according to his latest agreement signed in 2013.
Township officials expressed thanks to Wilson.
“We certainly owe him a debt of gratitude, because he has served us so well over the years,” said Costello, noting Wilson’s exhaustive “legacy” knowledge of all things concerning township roads.
Wilson was hired as a full-time laborer for the road department in December 1983. He was promoted to a driver in 1990, and later became an operator. He also served as union president for the Township Workers’ Association for many years, he said in an emailed statement.
He became assistant superintendent in 2001, and succeeded Road Superintendent Gary Dawson after Dawson’s death in 2004.
“I would like to be remembered as someone who worked tirelessly at providing the best service I could for the place I always refer to as ‘A place I call home!,’” Wilson said in the email.
“We’re losing an excellent employee, but we’re fortunate that Larry will be replaced with someone who we believe will serve the township every bit as well,” Costello said.