City Engineer Resigns
Monday, September 17 2012
In the middle of one of the busiest construction seasons ever, Unalaska’s city engineer has stepped down. Tyler Zimmerman tendered his resignation on September 4. He held the post for three years, overseeing projects like the construction of the small boat harbor and the design of the landfill's new leachate tank.
Zimmerman wouldn’t comment on the reasons for his departure, saying only that it was, “time to go.” He says he’ll stay in Unalaska, to complete work on some freelance projects. According to public records, Zimmerman was working for ten outside clients as recently as July. Those include Delta Western, Kloosterboer, American Seafoods, Pacific Stevedoring and Western Pioneer.
Public Works director Nancy Peterson wouldn’t comment on Zimmerman’s resignation, citing city policy. She did say that she doesn’t anticipate any construction delays as a result.
The city hasn’t posted the job opening yet, although Peterson says that will happen soon.
Local 89 on Saturday, September 22 2012:
I believe they do get the most bang for their bucks on hiring qualified persons. However, like most locals, we also have more than one job to make ends meet here. He can't be condoned what he does after working hours! And reading between the lines, it sounds like politics may have played a part here! I thought he did a great job all around.
Mr. Smith on Thursday, September 20 2012:
Well, I think that for the city to really get the most bang for their buck they need a decent city engineer and a really good project manager for the various projects. So many of the city projects turn out screwed up because of a lack of "big picture" planning and piss poor follow up. My two cents worth.