Smithtown's engineering department back on track with Mark Riley at helm

An 11-year veteran of the Town of Smithtown engineering department has been named to temporarily replace retired town engineer Ted Sanford.

The Smithtown Town board on Thursday appointed assistant town engineer Mark Riley to fill the post through the end of the month. Riley, who will be paid his current salary, $60.05 per hour, said in an interview he is seeking permanent appointment to the post.

The position had been vacant since Sanford retired Jan. 25. The town Engineering Department reviews residential and commercial site plans, surveys roads and town properties, and inspects engineering aspects of construction.

Riley said Friday he signed documents that had piled up since Sanford left, such as a certificate of occupancy for a St. James condominium complex where residents were unable to occupy their new homes.

“They’re able to move in now,” he said.