Senate Resolution No. 1699

BY: Senator GRIFFO

CONGRATULATING Ernest Conover upon the occasion of
his retirement as Public Works Commissioner after
more than 35 years of distinguished public service
to the City of Rome, New York

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
honor those distinguished 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 Ernest Conover upon the occasion of his retirement as
Public Works Commissioner after more than 35 years of distinguished
public service to the City of Rome, New York; and

WHEREAS, Ernest "Butch" Conover began his illustrious career with
the City of Rome as Director of Weights and Measures in 1989; he then
became Supervisor of Water and Sewer in 1990, a position he held for 15
years; and

WHEREAS, In 2004, Butch Conover was promoted to Superintendent of
Public Works overseeing all daily administrative functions including
yearly budget, equipment and inventory purchases, maintenance and
repairs involving 272 miles of water main distribution, sanitary/storm
sewers, and streets; and

WHEREAS, In this capacity, Butch Conover was also responsible for
the administration and implementation of Safety Grants, as well as the
administration of the GIS Network, including local Intranet GIS Server
development, data acquisition and GPS data collecting; he retired from
this esteemed position in 2012; and

WHEREAS, In 2010, Butch Conover was recognized by the New York State
GIS Association with its annual Outstanding Achievement Award for his
efforts in establishing both a GIS Steering Committee at the City of
Rome, and developing a digital infrastructure management system for the
city using a geographic information system; and

WHEREAS, Butch Conover also brings private sector experience through
his work with Turning Stone Casino and Resort as a Computer Aided Design
Technician, and later as an Outside Marketing Representative for E.J.
Prescott, a water, sewer and storm product distributor; and

WHEREAS, Prior to his career with the City of Rome, Butch Conover
was the owner and manager of Fort Stanwix Auto Supply from 1973 until
1989; and

WHEREAS, Through his dedication and tireless efforts, Butch Conover
has helped make the City of Rome a place where families want to live,
tourists want to visit, and businesses want to locate; his unwavering
commitment, willingness and ability to understand and respond to the

concerns of the people of Rome, have made a substantial contribution to
the betterment of this community; and

WHEREAS, For many years, Butch Conover rendered faithful,
conscientious and valuable service to the City of Rome, earning the
admiration, esteem and affection of his colleagues and the
community-at-large; and

WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the occurrence of such a compassionate
blending of strength, leadership, intellect, and commitment as that
demonstrated by Butch Conover over a lifetime of sacrifice and
dedication to others; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate honor Ernest Conover upon the occasion of his retirement,
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 Ernest Conover.