The City of Bremerton announced Thursday the appointment of Thomas Knuckey as director of public works and Ned Lever as city engineer.

Knuckey has been serving as the interim director of the department after the firing of previous director Chal Martin in May. A workplace investigation report found that Martin had displayed “a systemic complacency and a lack of understanding of the city’s procurement policies, lack of supervisory oversight and inattention to what was occurring within the Street Services Department.”

The investigation also found evidence of workplace misconduct on behalf of James Iovinelli of the Street Services Department. Iovinelli was at the center of the investigation, which confirmed claims that he had been known to conduct a side business pouring concrete during work hours, along with attempting to set up a deal to purchase two excavators using city resources. Three city employees were also disciplined for a lack of supervisory oversight.

Knuckey has worked for the City for the past 24 years, working as the City Engineer for eight years, the Managing Engineer for 12 years and Civil Engineer II for nearly four years. Knuckey graduated from Saint Martins College with a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering and has a Washington State Professional Engineer’s License. Knuckey’s official appointment will require City Council approval.

Bremerton Mayor Greg Wheeler stated in a press release that working with Knuckey over the past few months has given him confidence in his ability to lead the Public Works and Utilities Department and provide increased oversight.

Lever has also worked for the City for 24 years, working as managing engineer for the past eight years, project manager for eight years, and as a civil engineer for eight years. He graduated from Gonzaga university with a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering and has a Washington State Professional Engineer’s License.