The Biddeford city manager has nominated a 22-year city employee to be the next director of the Public Works Department. The City Council is expected to vote Feb. 6 on the appointment of Jeffrey Demers to lead the department. Demers has been serving as interim director since the recent retirement of longtime public works director Guy Casavant.

City Manager James Bennett said he is confident in Demers’ abilities and leadership. Demers has saved the city hundreds of thousands of dollars through his work with the city’s wastewater division, he said.

“Mr. Demers truly understands and appreciates how each department within the city contributes to the overall success of the city,” Bennett said in a news release. “It is always great to be able to promote an employee from within when they are the best qualified candidate for the position.”

Demers, the current assistant director of public works and the wastewater division, has worked for the city for 22 years. He also is chairman of the Lyman Board of Selectmen.

Demers was elected from a candidate pool of 13 applicants and was one of three people interviewed for the position.

Mayor Alan Casavant said choosing Demers to lead the Public Works Department will allow for a seamless transition for both the department and the city.

“There is no doubt that Mr. Demers will lead the Public Works Department into a new era with his strong work ethic, focus and dedication,” Council President John McCurry said.

If his nomination is approved, Demers will begin his duties as department director immediately.