Riley Bunnell plans to apply nine years of operating experience and three high-level certifications in his new position as Woodland’s public works director.
In a unanimous vote, the Woodland City Council hired Bunnell on April 14. Bunnell previously worked as water treatment operator in the city’s water plant for 16 months, beginning in 2021. He recently worked for Chehalis as a water superintendent for 10 months.
Bunnell has over nine years of experience and credentials, including a level-three water operator certification, a level-three distribution manager certification and a level-two wastewater certification. Woodland Mayor Todd Dinehart told residents his time in public works will be an upgrade in leadership for the city’s water and sewer treatment facilities.
“This gives [city workers] a supervisor, a boss, who is certified and understands and knows the issues and the risks that we have with those two large facilities,” Dinehart said.
The hire comes four months after former Mayor Will Finn fired former Public Works Director Tracey Coleman. Finn terminated her and two other city workers, a decision that cost Woodland $200,000 in severance pay.
Bunnell will be taking on two major infrastructure projects in Woodland’s future. Contractors with the city are currently conducting research to restructure the Exit 21 interchange to reduce peak-hour traffic. As well, Woodland hired contractors in January to build a 1.5 million-gallon reservoir to increase the city’s water supply. The new facility will replace a 500,000-gallon reservoir that has experienced leaks since 2019.
“I’m super excited,” Bunnell said. “I think the city staff is awesome [and] great to work with. I pretty much know everybody … I’m really looking forward to it.”
Bunnell currently lives in Castle Rock with his family. His contract with the City of Woodland lasts for four years, at which time it will be up for renewal. After the council approved a pay increase for the position recently, the city will pay Bunnell an annual salary of $135,690. Dinehart said the new public works director will be crucial for maintaining the city’s growth and infrastructure.
“I really want somebody long term with our community who can be part of our growth that we have and are experiencing with these 200-plus homes coming in,” Dinehart said.
