BY ADAM ATKINSONNorth Country This Week

POTSDAM – Several personnel appointments were recently approved by the trustees and mayor, including a permanent appointment of its DPW crew leader. 

The village board signed off on the appointments at its meeting April 7. 

Brian Barrett, who has served as the probationary Department of Public Works crew leader was appointed the permanent crew leader unanimously by the board. 

“From our village DPW, tonight's agenda includes a resolution to grant permanent status to Brian Barrett, who's been our current working crew leader for the Villages Department of Public Works since November,” said Village Administrator Isabelle Gates-Shult. 

“Brian has shown outstanding dedication and passion for his work and due to unforeseen circumstances the other working crew leader that we promoted was unable to fulfill their duties due to no fault of their own. But Brian and his team have stepped up and the village’s success continues because of them,” Gates-Shult said. 

“So we very much appreciate their efforts and we look forward to the continued collaboration,” she said. 

The village board also appointed Jonothan Meashaw to the position of chief water treatment plant operator at an hourly rate of $34.85 effective April 8. Meashaw will serve a probationary period of six months. 

“Regarding our water department, as many of you know, we've had several retirements recently, including Brian Paige, our chief water operator who retired in November of 2024,” said Gates-Shult. “In response, I've been working with the water and wastewater team on a succession plan. So after careful consideration and review, we are pleased to announce that pending board approval, John Meashaw will be appointed as the new chief water operator.”

“John will transition over the next few weeks and will also assist in our water plant upgrade as well as the engineer study,” Gates-Shult said. “So we're excited for that and we're confident that the water plant is in great hands. So congratulations, John.”

The village board also appointed Makayla Farmer of Potsdam to the part-time and temporary position of parking enforcement officer with the Village of Potsdam Police Department, effective April 8. Farmer’s rate of pay of $21.85 per hour.

Finally, the village board approved the hiring of a new motor equipment operator at the DPW as the result of a recent retirement.

Help St. Lawrence County Stay Connected!

We’re glad you read this article reported by the staff of NorthCountryNow.com.

If you haven’t done so already, please consider subscribing to ensure you have full access to all the news and info about St. Lawrence County.

Your subscriptions make it possible for us to provide trustworthy local news, promote our many community events, and encourage community dialogue.

Please click here to subscribe today!