Thomas Knights

BUTLER TWP — Commissioners voted unanimously Monday night to appoint the municipality's current public works superintendent as its next township manager.

Thomas A. Knights, who has served a little more than four years with the township, was appointed by a 5-0 vote that came after commissioners thanked longtime township manager Ed Kirkwood for more than a decade of service.

Commissioners called Kirkwood, who will stay on with the township as an on-call consultant, an invaluable, tenacious and dedicated public servant.

Board member Fred Vero, who won election last year, praised Kirkwood for taking a new commissioner under his wing.

“I really appreciate everything you've done for me, Vero said.

Commissioner David Weist said he would miss Kirkwood's knowledge and tenacity.

“I've worked with Ed for six years as a commissioner,” said Weist. “Any question you had, he'd get you an answer one way or another.”

Commissioners President Dave Zarnick called Kirkwood's retirement nothing less than the end of an era for the township. And Commissioner Sam Zurzolo called Kirkwood's legacy of management excellence a daunting one for any successor.

“The new manager's going to have a heck of a pair of shoes to fill,” Zurzolo said.

Asked by Zarnick if he wanted to say a few words Monday, Knights demurred.

“Thank you. I'm sure we'll have several more words over the coming days,” Knights said. “I appreciate the opportunity.”

Knights, a veteran of municipal service who spent about 11 years serving in various positions with Saxonburg before coming to the township, will officially assume the duties of manager after Kirkwood's last day, which is Friday. His salary will be $86,000 a year, commissioners said.

Kirkwood, with whom commissioners also approved a consultants agreement Monday night, will be just a phone call away if Knights or the township need his input or help. The agreement covers 2018 and has an option for 2019, with an hourly rate of $63 in 2018, $65 in 2019, and three percent hourly increases for any years after that.

Township officials said Monday that they did not have an immediate plan to fill the public works superintendent post, but that the issue would be taken up going forward.