New DPW superintendent named in Brockport

A new Department of Public Works Superintendent was named at the Brockport Village Board’s June 17 meeting. Bradley Upson, of Rochester, was appointed to the position. He will officially begin his duties on July 1 but said he is already acclimating himself to the department.

Upson has been a resident engineer with Labella Associates, commissioner of public works with Irondequoit and the city engineer in Ogdensburg. "I’ve been looking to get back into public works for several years," he said.

He said he would be on a bit of a learning curve for the first couple of months learning the way the Brockport department operates. "I think he was an excellent choice, a good fit for the community," said Brockport Mayor Josephine Matela. "He brings a lot of experience with him."
As his final act as acting superintendent, Harry Donahue requested the board approve the purchase of two-way radios for use within the department. The highway department needed 10 radios, he said, and the water commission agreed to purchase four of the units. He requested the board approve a purchase of six radios at a total cost of $2,900.

Trustee Norman Knapp said he fully supported the request. "Right now some of those radios are no better than a couple of tin cans and a string system," he said. "Communication is a critical component in any public works or emergency situation."

The board unanimously approved the purchase.

Donahue was also commended for his work as the interim supervisor. "You really helped hold the department together," Mayor Josephine Matela said.

Donahue has acted as the interim public works supervisor since former supervisor Fred Perrine left to accept a position with the Town of Sweden.