After less than a year in the role, Gary Fuerstenberg is no longer Cheshire’s director of Public Works, Town officials confirmed last week. He was first hired back in December 2022, to take over for the retiring George Noewatne.
Fuerstenberg’s resume described years of hands-on experience with complex projects as well as a thorough knowledge of municipal engineering. In an interview with The Herald after his hiring, Fuerstenberg spoke of his enthusiasm for the new role. During budget sessions with the Town Council, he addressed the possibilities for improving Cheshire’s infrastructure while being conscious of budgetary constraints. However, following his “probationary period,” the decision was made in early September not to extend Fuerstenberg’s employment.
Assistant Town Manager Arnett Talbot described Fuerstenberg’s departure as “mutual,” adding that the town will often use such probationary periods as a “cleaner” process in the event that a change is needed.
The Director of Public Works job will be filled, at least for the foreseeable future, by Daniel Bombero, who has been serving as the Town’s capital projects manager. Town Engineer Marek Kement will continue in his role, as well as in the capacity of Director of Engineering, reporting directly to Town Manager Sean Kimball.
“I’ve essentially divided up the duties that were under the authority of the Director of Public Works and Engineering. I now have the Town Engineer as a Department Head reporting to me and overseeing the Water Pollution Control Facility in addition to the Engineering staff. The Acting Director of Public Works, Dan Bombero, will be responsible for overseeing highways and grounds, public properties and capital projects,” Kimball explained.
“(Bombero and Kement) are really on top of things. And people are stepping up and working hard at Public Works,” Talbot added.
With the roles filled for now, there is not an immediate plan to look outside for a replacement.
Kimball did not elaborate on what led to the decision to not retain Fuerstenberg, stating that he was reluctant to comment on an internal personnel matter. However, he did thank Fuerstenberg for his service to the Town and wished him the best in future endeavors.