By RALPH ANSAMI
Ironwood — Here comes the new chief, same as the old chief.
Andrew DiGiorgio is returning as Ironwood Public Safety Department Director, city manager Scott Erickson told the city commission on Monday.
Erickson said DiGiorgio, who has been working part-time with the department in recent months, will return as director in a couple of months, as he’s still working at Gogebic Community College in the position he took after resigning the IPSD’s top job.
The position had been vacant since Greg Klecker was fired after less than a year on the job. DiGiorgio was director before Klecker.
When Klecker left, Erickson said the city had “separated its employment agreement” with Klecker to “improve departmental operations and employee morale.”
Adam Clemens and Matt Sterbenz have been filling in as co-directors and Erickson praised the jobs they have done.
He said Monday that a new officer, Mallory Nelson, has also been hired. She’s on the job and will be introduced to the city commission at an upcoming meeting.
Erickson said department of public works lead sewer person Mike O’Brien has retired and Scott Carlson will take over that job. Carlson’s position will be posted internally.
Erickson said O’Brien had done a good job and he’s confident Carlson will make a good replacement.