City Commissioners presented a proclamation to city public works employees on Monday, May 9, in honor of National Public Works Week.
Responsibilities of these employees include clearing ditches, keeping canals free of blockages, replacing traffic lights and signs, approving right of way use permits, signing off on building permits and creating temporary detours. There are 54 full-time employees serving the divisions.
“These employees respond to all sorts of emergencies 24/7,” City Engineer Michael Schenk said. “We try to be proactive as much as we can. Infrastructure gets old. They’ve got to be prepared.”
National Public Works Week was started by the American Public Works Association in 1960 with a goal of educating the public. According to the American Public Works Association, “The week seeks to enhance the prestige of the often-unsung heroes of our society — the professionals who serve the public good every day with quiet dedication.”
Contact Emily Topper at etopper@plantcityobserver.com.
Mildred “Millie” Stewart
Job Title: Foreman for Aquatics
Years with City: 31
“I oversee a crew of 11 employees. We keep ditches … from overflowing and prevent floods. We pull debris from ditches and make sure everything’s running the way it should and just seeing that the water flows. I also do the barricades for car shows and parades. The most important part of my job is the safety for employees and the safety of the public.”
Dale Geller
Job Title: Right-of-Way Foreman
Years with City: 29
“I oversee crews, sweepers, parades and events. The most important part of my job is maintaining employee and public
safety, seeing that medians and rights of way are maintained, and that we’re in compliance with city ordinances.”
Jabier Guardiola
Job Title: Foreman over Construction
Years with City: about nine
“I am responsible for replacing and repairing storm pipes and preventing trip hazards. Everybody has safety vests, glasses and safety boots. We place signs on the roads for general public safety. The most important part of my job is first the safety of my employees, and the community.”
Tatyana Austin
Job Title: C.I.P. Project Manager
Years with City: 11
“The City of Plant City is an old city. We have different types of infrastructure, different ages and different conditions.
Our task is to keep it in good shape, do assessments and keep an eye on it. We ensure (the) timely replacement and maintenance of infrastructure, on time and on budget. That’s our biggest task.”
Don Rainard
Job Title: Superintendent of Streets, Stormwater and Traffic
Years with City: about 20
“We wear so many hats. We take care of all the mowing in the entire city for ditches, canals, ponds. We take care of massive pothole operations to keep streets operable. Our most important (part) is keeping the city from flooding and keeping traffic flowing and just keeping it beautiful.”
Charles Clark
Job Title: Senior Engineer and Inspector
Years with City: 20
“The most important is to inspect the utilities going in, like water, sewer streets … We ensure it is properly constructed
and tested. Everything is critical. Without that, the city doesn’t grow.”
Debbie Lefleur
Job Title: Traffic Foreman
Years with City: 15
“I take care of traffic signals, signs and markings. I repair and maintain them and do sign installations. I also install and maintain school zone lights. Public safety is the most important part of my job.”
Contact Emily Topper at etopper@plantcityobserver.com.