Weaverville – Water is a precious resource, especially when it’s treated and suitable for human consumption. There has been much discussion about Weaverville’s water treatment plant in the last few months and whether or not to expand the plant to produce more of the vital liquid for healthy human consumption. Whatever the town decides to do, they will be doing it without their water plant superintendent, Trent Duncan.
Weaverville Town Manager Selena Coffey has confirmed to the Tribune that Duncan, a nearly 14-year employee of the town, tendered his resignation on July 25th and his last day is August 31st. He has been employed with the town since February 2nd, 2008, with a current annual salary of $96,888.
A reason was not given to the Tribune by Coffey for Duncan’s departure, but in an email obtained by the Tribune, Coffey told the town council and town attorney Jennifer Jackson that Duncan “has stated that he wishes to get out of water services altogether.”
“Fortunately, Randall Wilson, Trent’s second in command, has the same water qualifications that Trent has.” Trent shared that Randall actually has more technical knowledge than Trent does, therefore I’m less concerned about the safe operation of the water treatment plant during the transition,” she went on to tell the council in her email.
Asked about Duncan’s departure and what it means for the town and the future of the water treatment plant, Coffey told the Tribune, “At this point, I have not made a decision as to who may take his place or if the department will be restructured. We are fortunate to have well-certified and dependable folks running our water treatment plant. Our second in charge at the plant has all of the necessary certifications and experience to maintain the smooth operation of the water system during the transition.”
She did tell the council in her email, “During this somewhat uncertain time, I am moving the Water Department back under the supervision of Dale Pennell. He and I have talked, and I am thankful for his willingness. I will keep you all posted as to how I will be proceeding further.”
This exit from the top position of the town’s water treatment plant comes at a time after Weaverville laid out recommendations for the future of the system by Weaverville Mayor Patrick Fitzsimmons in their June monthly meeting.
In his guidance, the mayor laid out seven points, including:
1. As soon as possible, improve the resilience of the water supply system;
2. Develop a more conservation-minded water rate structure;
3. Apply for federal/state grant funds in conjunction with the Town of Marshall in order to aid in the expansion of the town’s water treatment plant and a more regional approach to public water;
4. Retrofit the water line connection to Mars Hill in order to provide Weaverville with emergency water and negotiate an emergency water supply for both towns;
5. Connect the town’s water system to the Woodfin Water District and negotiate a supplemental and emergency water supply from Woodfin;
6. Reconfigure the Town’s water system connection with the Asheville water system and negotiate a supplemental and emergency water supply from Asheville; and
7. Proceed with the water treatment plant expansion project with the timing to be determined in the near future.
Fitzsimmons made it clear that these were only recommendations and the council was not voting to move anything forward.
Asked about Duncan’s leaving, Coffey said, “Trent has been a knowledgeable and skilled member of the town’s team and we will miss him. I wish him the very best in all of his future endeavors.”