The man who ultimately oversees Eau Claire’s streets, water and wastewater utilities, buses, and other public necessities is stepping down at the end of May. Public works director and city engineer Brian Amundson, who has been with the city since 1986, submitted a 60-day retirement notice to City Manager Russ Van Gompel on April 1. In addition to his extensive duties, Amundson has twice stepped in as interim city manager, most recently for most of 2012 between the retirement of former City Manager Mike Huggins and the hiring of Van Gompel last fall. “From my standpoint, it’s been a real pleasure and an honor to work with Brian,” Van Gompel said April 2. “I’m forever grateful for his commitment, professionalism and dedication to the community.” Amundson has been honored as one of the best at what he does: He was named one of the Top 10 Public Works Leaders of the Year in 2010 by the American Public Works Association and has served as president of the group’s Wisconsin chapter. Van Gompel said plans haven’t yet been made on how to replace Amundson.