Cape Girardeau hires city engineer

Joshua Richardson, a professional engineer from western Illinois, will head Cape Girardeau's engineering office.

City manager Doug Leslie announced the hiring Tuesday. Richardson will start as city engineer on May 15.

Richardson of Blandinsville, Ill., currently serves as county engineer for McDonough and Henderson counties in Illinois.

He has an engineering degree from the University of Arizona.

He has led public works and/or engineering departments in Bullhead City, Ariz., Berkeley, Mo., and Gallup, N.M.

"He has over 20 years of experience in municipal engineering" and has experience in engineering sewer, water and street improvements, Leslie said.

Richardson also has good skills in public communications, the city manager said.

Richardson was one of four finalists and 11 applicants for the position.

Tim Gramling, public works director, has been temporarily heading the engineering department since Mark Lester resigned on Feb. 18 to start his own engineering firm.