Edgeworth officials hire former McCandless staffer to replace retiring public works director

Edgeworth officials have chosen a successor of a longtime public servant.

Council recently hired James Vicheck of McCandless as its new assistant public works director.

Borough Manager John Schwend said the position was created as a transition plan in preparation for the upcoming retirement of public works director and building code official Fred Gregorich of Aleppo.

Gregorich, who has served Edgeworth for 22 years, plans to retire in early 2024.

He was recognized last year by Quaker Valley Council of Governments for his years of service.

Councilman Ivan Hofmann gave Gregorich glowing remarks, as well as thoughts on Vicheck’s hiring.

“Nobody can really fill the shoes of Fred,” Hofmann said. “That will be a tough job to fill, but I think the approach we’re taking is really the right one. We’re bringing Jim in, and I interviewed him for quite awhile, so that he can learn from Fred. He’s going to have over six months of training and expert tutelage under Fred. I feel really good about this.”

Vicheck, a Slippery Rock University alum, is the deputy chief of Ingomar Volunteer Fire Department and a former McCandless public works staffer.

Schwend said he also has more than 20 years of experience, and will be a valuable asset to the community.

“There were eight applicants interviewed for the position, and Mr. Vicheck’s experience, demeanor and skill set suited him as an exceptional candidate for the position,” Schwend said.

Hofmann said he looks forward to seeing Vicheck’s development.

“He’s got the basic skills that we need to develop a really fine individual,”Hofmann said. “He’s very involved with the Boy Scouts. He’s a volunteer fireman. This is a guy that really gives back to the community. … I know everybody thinks their borough is different or special.

“We really take a lot of pride in Edgeworth and we’ve very, very particular on who we bring in to represent the borough. … Public works and the police department are the two most visible employees of the borough. That’s why we take great pride and great carefulness in finding people like that.”

Vicheck’s start date was June 5. His salary is $85,000.

In other news

Council also recently appointed David McCormish to fill the vacancy on the Zoning Hearing Board.

McCormish served as an alternate on that board since 2019.

The borough still seeks to fill a vacancy as an alternate on the board. Interested residents can call the borough office at 412-741-2866.