Lansdale Borough News.
The borough is also seeking another director of finance, who would be the fifth person to hold that job in just over five years
One of Lansdale’s department heads is taking on a new title, as the borough works to fill two other big jobs.
“I’m pleased to announce that Jason Van Dame will be stepping into the role of Director of Public Works,” said borough Manager John Ernst.
“Jason’s deep knowledge of our projects, staff and consultants is an invaluable asset to our team,” he said.
In January the borough posted a notice seeking a new public works director, after prior director Chris Kunkel departed at the end of 2023, then new director Troy Spayd arrived in May 2024, then left at the end of that year.
Van Dame served on borough council from 2013 into 2018, with a stint as council president from April 2014 to February 2015, before stepping down from that seat in April 2018 to take a job with the borough as a code enforcement officer, then moving up to director of that department in 2019.
“His strong critical thinking and problem solving skills enable him navigate complex challenges effectviely,” Ernst said, announcing the new role at the close of the March 19 council meeting.
Rick Lesniak has agreed to step in as interim director of code enforcement, while he’s trying to juggle his other duties” as the borough’s fire marshal and director of fire services, the manager said.
Council President Mary Fuller added her own kudos to the duo, after a round of applause: “Congratulations to Jason and Rick, thank you for stepping up,” she said.
Another finance director departure
The borough announced in a post in late March that the town is seeking another director of finance, who would be the fifth person to hold that job in just over five years. During the April 2 meeting, councilwoman Carrie Oglesby gave an update on the search for a new director, on behalf of the administration and finance committee she chairs.
“There’s three municipalities in southeastern Pennsylvania that are looking for financial directors at the moment. I guess people are looking, more than are available,” she said.
The borough has begun working with an outside search firm to identify candidates, and has had “a few preliminary Zoom interviews,” and council members and other department heads will be involved in the interview process, Oglesby said. Councilman Rich DiGregorio asked if the search carried any additional cost for the borough, and Ernst said the cost for the search firm would depend on how long the person they find stays in the position.
“We don’t pay anything until they are successful at seating a candidate that works for the borough,” Ernst said.
Lansdale borough council next meets at 7 p.m. on April 16 and the various council committees next meet starting at 6:30 p.m. on May 7, all at the borough municipal building, 1 Vine Street. For more information visit www.Lansdale.org.
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