Thomas Friedel has some concerns about his job as the county's buildings and grounds superintendent, county Legislature Chairman Herb Marshall said Thursday.

Friedel, who has been the buildings and grounds superintendent for approximately two months, is having a hard time making the transition from the private sector to a government-type job, Marshall said.

"We are having discussions, but as of today, he has not resigned," he added.

Marshall said that Friedel has been frustrated with the length of time it takes to do things, such as hiring employees, and with the large amount of paperwork.

"I know Tom has been frustrated from the very beginning," said Ray Lockwood, R-Aurelius, a member of the Public Works Committee to which Friedel reports. "You could tell by the way he came to meetings that it wasn't exactly what he anticipated."

Friedel, who has a background in construction and developing maintenance plans for several building projects, earns a salary of $45,000. He could not be reached for comment.

Marshall said that Friedel is a very "conscientious" worker and that he hoped Friedel would not resign.

The position of buildings and grounds superintendent is a fairly new addition to the county.

In December 2004, the Legislature voted to create a buildings and grounds department and add a highway supervisor. At the same time, it eliminated the position of public works director, a post then held by Jon Ozolins. Before the change, the county public works department oversaw maintenance concerning buildings and grounds, highways, and parks and trails. The new system created three autonomous departments, all of which report to the Legislature's Public Works Committee.

Staff writer Linda Ober can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 237 or linda.ober@lee.net