Port fills vacancies for now in wake of key departures

The Port Washington Common Council on Tuesday took steps to formally fill two vacant department head positions — at least temporarily.

The council appointed City Engineer Roger Strohm as the city’s interim public works director and City Administrator Melissa Gossett as interim director of planning and development.

Strohm will take the position formerly held by Rob Vanden Noven, who retired on Oct. 9 after 25 years with the city.

Strohm has been the city’s engineer since 2022.

“Thank you very much for stepping into that space and being a leader,” Ald. Deb Postl said to Strohm.

Gossett is temporarily taking the position held by Bob Harris, who recently resigned from the city. Harris had been with the city since 2018.

The city has posted the two positions, Human Resources Director Robin Pena said, adding there is no timetable set for filling them.