Hartley hires new gas superintendent

A familiar face has been hired as Hartley's new gas superintendent.

The city council on Monday unanimously voted to hire Dave Patton, who will start duties on May 15. He currently owns and operates Patton's Powder Coating in Hartley and has a background in maintenance work.

Patton said he is looking forward to the new opportunity.

"I think number one, I'm excited to be part of a team and I'm kind of looking forward to that aspect," he said. "Not only that, but looking at a permanent job and a retirement position interested me."

In his new role, Patton will be charged with operating and maintaining Hartley's natural gas system. He was confident that he would be able to learn the ins and outs of the job quickly once he gets started.

"I've got plenty of experience in maintenance, installation with home aspect things and shop stuff," he said. "I'm not opposed to learning new things."

Patton succeeds Isaac Molendorp, who served as gas superintendent before moving over to the wastewater treatment plant operator position. With Patton's hire, the top positions in Hartley's public works department are now completely filled. His wage was set at $23/hour.

Patton said that once he starts his new role, he plans to shift operation of his business to nights and weekends.