Public Works has a great impact on our daily lives

Public Works is one of the largest departments at the City of Wabasha, encompassing a wide swath of everyday life in our community; many of the services provided by Public Works are often taken for granted, as they are simply a part of our daily routines.

The week of May 21-27 is National Public Works Week and a great way to appreciate the work of our seven full-time dedicated Public Works employees in Wabasha, Tony Johnson, Pat Mueller, Riley Costello, Matt Wobbe, Brandon Huth, Steve Henthorn, Justin Finley and four seasonal employees, Colie Lee, Harry Worden, Brady Wodele, Ty Horgen.

This winter and spring, in particular highlighted the importance of the department. Tony Johnson, the Public Works Director, has worked with the City of Wabasha for nearly 20 years and said this was the worst winter and then spring that he can remember.

“At times between snow events, we would all look at each other having the same feeling that we didn’t even know what day it was because the plowing was non-stop,” Johnson said, “Then came the spring flooding. Our crews and city departments helped each other along the way, along with MNDOT, Wabasha County maintenance department, and surrounding towns offering help.  That to me is true teamwork, something we are very proud of at the City of Wabasha.”

Public works week is also a great way to recognize the great people that make up the Department.

Matt Wobbe has spent his whole life in Wabasha and joined the Department four years ago after working as an arborist.

“It was a great career opportunity for me and family at the time. I love the job- there is always something different to do.”

Riley Costello, who joined the Department just under a year ago as Assistant Public Works Director, stated he also was attracted to the job for the variety of skills needed to do the work.

“ My whole career path I feel has led me to the position I hold. I have a background in project management, truck and equipment management, electrical, plumbing, and carpentry. I’m not sure if there is another position out there where I can use all my skills in one place. I also get to work for the town that I call home and I am very proud of that,” Costello said.

Although Wobbe and Costello already lived in Wabasha when they took the job, both were surprised by the just how much the City of Public Works Department did- daily processing 250,000 gallons of waste water, delivering 300,000 of fresh water to people’s homes from three wells, maintaining a pool with over 3000 visitors, maintaining campgrounds and a marina. Not to mention street maintenance, sweeping, plowing, pothole patching, and park maintenance.

Pat Mueller, leads the Water/Wastewater Department and has been in this role for 15 years. “My favorite part of the job is knowing that I am cleaning our water the way its supposed to be. Ninety-nine percent of the waste gets processed out after our treatment process.”

Finally, the Wabasha public works staff also all enjoy working in a small town.

“People know us and appreciate what we do,” said Pat Mueller.

So just how does the Public Works Department impact the lives of Wabasha’s residents on a typical day?

• You wake up and take a shower. Water treated and provided by Public Works (over 300,000 gallons of water daily from three wells).
• You flush the toilet. Sanitary sewer system provided and maintained by Public Works (over 250,000 gallons of water delivered daily with 99% of all waste processed out)
• You drive to work on the streets of Wabasha. Street maintenance provided by Public Works (28 miles of street and 5 miles of sidewalk).
• You visit City Hall or any other City owned facility. Five city buildings operated and maintained by Public Works.
• You take walk in the park or sidewalk or visit the City pool. Operated and maintained by Public Works.
• The responsibilities of employees in Public Works are as varied as the employees themselves.
• To all the crews and administrative staff members, we say thank you for your continued dedication to Wabasha and its residents. Our community is truly a better place to live, work, and play because of the work you do every day.

Sincerely, City Hall.