Senate Resolution No. 1201

BY: Senator GRIFFO

CONGRATULATING Steven P. Devan, P.E. upon the
occasion of his retirement after almost 30 years of
distinguished service to Oneida County

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to acknowledge
those individuals whose professional lives and civic endeavors serve to
enhance the stature of the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and
honor those outstanding citizens of this great Empire State who have
devoted themselves to faithfully serving the best interests of their
community and the needs of its residents; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
congratulate Steven P. Devan upon the occasion of his retirement after
almost 30 years of distinguished service to Oneida County; and

WHEREAS, Steven P. Devan began his long and distinguished career in
public works as an engineer for the Oneida-Herkimer County Solid Waste
Authority; on July 15, 1996, he assumed the title of Commissioner of the
Oneida County Department of Water Quality and Water Pollution Control,
the position from which he officially retired on December 31, 2020; and

WHEREAS, In this capacity, Steven P. Devan oversaw a 40-person staff
and was directly responsible for the management and operations of a 48
million gallon per day Water Pollution Control Plan, two major pumping
stations, and over 45 miles of interceptor sewers; his department
encompasses 15 municipalities; and

WHEREAS, Steven P. Devan led an ambitious program to improve the
water quality of the Mohawk River in the greater Utica area with a major
upgrade to the Sauquoit Creek Pump Station, improvements at the Water
Pollution Control Plant, and a new five-mile, 48-inch diameter
forcemain; and

WHEREAS, Steven P. Devan also worked to support regional solutions
to environmental challenges by working closely with the Solid Waste
Authority to design the digesters to accept food waste; and

WHEREAS, Throughout his tenure, Steven P. Devan strived to inform
and educate the public of the critical nature of the sewer
infrastructure through a Steering Committee consisting of
representatives from each municipality; and

WHEREAS, For his steadfast and unremitting commitment to his
profession and community, Steven P. Devan was the recipient of the 2019
Award for Environmental Excellence from the APWA, Central New York
Branch; and

WHEREAS, For almost 30 years, Steven P. Devan rendered faithful,
conscientious and valuable service to the citizens of Oneida County; and

WHEREAS, In his capacity as Commissioner of the Oneida County
Department of Water Quality and Water Pollution Control, Steven P. Devan
served with loyalty, honor and distinction; and

WHEREAS, In his official acts, Steven P. Devan was governed by a
keen sense of duty and always showed a unique grasp of human problems;
and

WHEREAS, During his tenure with the Oneida County Department of
Water Quality and Water Pollution Control, Steven P. Devan earned the
admiration, esteem and affection of his colleagues; now, therefore, be
it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Steven P. Devan upon the occasion of his retirement after
almost 30 years of distinguished service to Oneida County, and to wish
him well in all his future endeavors; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Steven P. Devan.