HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016 11-09 Maplewood public works department earns praise MAPLEWOOD REVIEW
Maplewood public works department
earns praise
Submitted by admin on Wed, 11/09/2016 - 12:00am
You might not know their names but you certainly know their work. And it’s that work that recently led
the St. Paul Area Chamber of Commerce to present the Maplewood public works department with this
year’s Leaders in Local Government Public Works Award.
Chosen from among four finalists, Maplewood was praised for its snow plowing, park maintenance,
Living Streets initiative, commitment to storm water sustainability and its comprehensive asset
management.
Michael Thompson, the city’s public works director, gave the credit to his team of 36 employees.
“Without them our ideas and initiatives couldn’t be implemented,” he said. “They do a great job each
and every day.”
Thompson added that public works departments generally only hear from the public when someone is
upset, so an award like the one is an important accomplishment. “You never get a call when the streets
are in good shape,” he added with a laugh. “On a daily basis, we have people down manholes, inside
pipes, standing in water, you name it. I’m really proud of the team we have here.”
City manager Melinda Coleman praised Thompson and his staff. “We see the great work they do every
day throughout Maplewood,” she explained. “I’m thrilled for the entire public works team for their
achievement and for being recognized as leaders in our region.”
Mayor Nora Slawik said the award from the St. Paul Chamber of Commerce is a testament to the city’s
commitment to maintaining excellent services. “The award really is a big deal,” she explained. “Our
Public Works Department is fantastic and they play a key role in making Maplewood the kind of place
that people are happy to call home.”