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Highlands Today

AP evaluates public works department

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By LAURA NESBITT

Highlands Today

Published: April 14, 2009

AVON PARK - The City of Avon Park has hired Frank Sanderson as interim public works director. Sanderson works for Government Services Group out of Orlando. He has over 40 years of experience in public works, said City Manager Sarah Adelt.

According to its Web site, GSG is a governmental consulting firm. Adelt said the city is using Sanderson's experience and will examine his suggestions.

"Until we get down that road, until we see a better way to run things, the city is assessing that department," said City Manager Sarah Adelt.

Adelt would only say Sanderson would be working in his interim position "until we get results."

Early last week, longtime Public Works Coordinator Ted Long was given the option to retire, resign or be fired. A memo to Long from Adelt stated that the disciplinary action against him was due to three different incidents: a verbal confrontation with a resident, a physical and verbal confrontation with a former employee, and inappropriate conduct toward a co-worker.

Long has been given 21 days to review a release agreement that was given to his attorney.

"He has enough accrued time to let him get to his retirement date in September," Adelt said.

Highlands Today reporter Laura Nesbitt can be reached at (863) 386-5857 or lnesbitt@highlandstoday.com.

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