THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, April 24, 1996 TAG: 9604230144
SECTION: ISLE OF WIGHT CITIZEN PAGE: 03 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: Jody R. Snider
DATELINE: ISLE OF WIGHT LENGTH: Medium: 86 lines
Wayne Rountree has a big job ahead of him: implementing a countywide water and sewage plan.
But Rountree, who came on board as Isle of Wight's new public utilities director March 1, has the experience to get the job done.
He served as Suffolk's public utilities director for 17 years, doing exactly what he has been asked to do in Isle of Wight. He replaced David Murphy, who retired from the position last year.
``I did the same job in Suffolk for 17 years,'' he said. ``Twenty years ago, Suffolk basically had the same kind of well system that Isle of Wight has now. We developed extensions for the wells, and today they service 3 million gallons a day at a treatment plant that provides treatment to well water.''
Rountree currently spends most of his day looking after the day-to-day operations of water and sewage.
All wells need to be functioning properly, and when new developments come into the area, the proper connections need to be made, he said.
To ensure service, Rountree has two field people who perform routine maintenance on pump stations. They also repair leaks, read meters and deal with the public on questions and concerns.
``Right now, we're in the process of developing a countywide water rate study that will determine one water rate for the entire county,'' he said.
Currently, he said, there are about seven different water rates that vary from $15 to $20 per month for Isle of Wight customers.
The completed study should be presented to the Isle of Wight Public Service Authority in June for approval. Rountree says he hopes that one rate will be adopted before July.
In addition to the rate study, a countywide water and sewer ordinance that states rules and regulations for operation also will be established at that time, he said.
``It's a challenge, but I look forward to it,'' he said.
Name: Wayne Rountree.
What brought you to Isle of Wight County? I grew up in the area, and I've lived here all my life.
Birthdate: Jan. 1.
Hometown: Isle of Wight.
What's your fondest childhood memory? My fondest childhood memory cannot be printed. My second fondest would be family gatherings at my grandmothers on Sundays.
Marital status: Married to Patricia Cleveland Rountree for 10 years.
Children: Three - Kevin, 8, my sports enthusiast; Cheri, a senior at Virginia Tech, and Andy, who lives in Richmond and is a graduate of Virginia Tech. I also have a granddaughter, Katherine, 8 months.
Pets: A black cat my youngest son named Sunshine Wayne Rountree and a dog, a Maltese named Rex O'Riley.
What was your first job? Working on a farm in Chuckatuck.
Occupation: Director of Public Utilities for Isle of Wight County.
If you had a choice, what other type of work would you be doing today? Professional golfer.
What's your favorite hangout? Jerry's garage - a very non-exclusive, informal neighborhood men's gathering spot - a game room of sorts.
Favorite night out on the town? An evening at the patio grill and raw bar at Smithfield Station.
Favorite food: Fried chicken with mashed potatoes, gravy and butter beans.
Favorite movies: ``Forrest Gump'' and any James Bond movie.
What's your idea of a perfect vacation? This year it's Disney World. However, the ideal vacation would be a golf trip to Scotland, including a round at the Old Course at St. Andrews.
I can't resist: Banana pudding.
Most embarrassing moment: If I could remember it, I'd probably be too embarrassed to tell.
If you won the lottery, what would you do with the money? I'd pick the first check up in Richmond and have the remainder of it forwarded to General Delivery, any island.
What is the best advice you've ever been given? ``Sometimes the best thing to say is nothing,'' a practice I learned from Thomas G. Underwood, former assistant city manager and current city councilman in Suffolk.
What's the best thing about yourself? My wife says I think before I speak or respond to a question. I do not make rash decisions.
What achievements are you most proud of? My family. I have a wonderful, caring and understanding wife; two grown children, educated on their own and a third who is well on his way. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by JOHN H. SHEALLY II
Wayne Rountree
by CNB