Norwich — Public Works Director Barry Ellison will relocate across the city this fall to a new position as construction manager at Norwich Public Utilities.

Ellison, who has worked at the Norwich Public Works Department for the past 12 years, has served as director of the department since September 2010. He said he will remain in his current position until a successor is hired.

The position is expected to be advertised Friday on the city's website.

Ellison and NPU General Manager John Bilda, currently doubling as acting city manager, said the move should help with the need for NPU and the Public Works Department to coordinate road construction, repaving, utility work and emergency responses.

The department is working on a major road repaving effort, while NPU is expanding and upgrading natural gas lines throughout the city.

“Professionally, this looks like a good time for a change,” Ellison said. “We're still going to work with DPW on the paving coordination.”

Ellison said he also wants to oversee the city's conversion to automated garbage and recycling collection, which starts next week.

Residents received large new bins for the program, and Ellison has been publicizing it to explain changes to residents and small businesses.

Ellison has a civil engineering degree from the University of Rhode Island and started working at the Norwich Public Works Department as an engineer. He later was named city engineer before taking over as director.

Ellison called the move “lateral” when it comes to salary. He currently earns $117,750 as public works director and receives a mileage stipend for using his own vehicle on the job.

The posting for a new public works director will have an advertised salary range of $107,000 to $117,000, Bilda said.

Bilda said the construction manager position at NPU has been vacant for a while, and several current city employees applied for the position. Ellison was the top choice.

“With all the construction activity going on, we needed to fill it,” Bilda said of the NPU position. “The timing is (right). Barry is bringing all his skills and abilities to what we do, and he is continuing to foster better relations and cooperation between the agencies.”

c.bessette@theday.com

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