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Hayes takes Dunkirk development position

DUNKIRK – Edward J. "EJ" Hayes was tabbed to take over the city of Dunkirk's Planning and Development Department.

Hayes was named interim director of the department in a Common Council resolution Tuesday. Hayes was deputy director under Vince DeJoy, who resigned and moved to North Carolina for a job there.

Hayes' appointment was effective Nov. 2, according to the resolution passed by council.

It doesn't state a dollar figure on Hayes' compensation. Instead, it reads, "The annual salary for the interim Director of Development shall be payable in accordance with the city's regular payroll practices and subject to all applicable deductions and withholdings."

Hayes' appointment "shall remain in effect until the permanent Director of Development is appointed and confirmed, or until further action by the mayor and Common Council as permitted by law."

Councilman Frank Torain sponsored the resolution to appoint Hayes, which passed unanimously. Torain praised Hayes in comments before the vote.

"We couldn't have asked for a more qualified person, who’s been working in that office for years," the councilman said of Hayes. "It's a pleasure working with him, and being able to ask questions that he answers with expertise. I'm very confident that he will be able to handle the duties as we close in on the end of this calendar year."