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Council proclaims National Public Works Week, hears department overview and introduces new fire chief and public works staff
Summary
Mayor proclaimed National Public Works Week and the Public Works director presented department statistics and an open‑house invitation; the council also introduced a new fire chief, Troy, and promoted and introduced public works staff members.
The Brookings City Council on May 20 proclaimed National Public Works Week for May 18–24 and received an overview of Public Works operations, followed by introductions of new and promoted staff and a new fire chief.
Public Works overview: John Thompson, Public Works Director, highlighted the department’s three divisions—Engineering, Streets and Solid Waste—and provided operational statistics: the storm drainage system includes over 40 detention basins and more than 55 miles of storm piping; streets maintenance covers over 300 lane miles of asphalt and nine miles of gravel roads; the city manages more than 6,000 street signs and replaced approximately 600 signs this year; fleet maintenance supports over 200 pieces of equipment; and solid waste collection serves about 5,900 residential collection customers weekly while the regional landfill processes about 60,000 tons annually and serves roughly 45,000 residents across jurisdictions. Thompson invited the council and public to a Public Works open house on Wednesday, May 21 at 4:30 p.m.
Personnel introductions: Thompson introduced Martin Wagner (promoted to master mechanic) and Justin Vosted (landfill supervisor, new hire). Separately, the council honored a new fire chief, Troy, who has served as fire chief in Los Alamos for 14 years and has prior experience in Grand Island; Troy described his attraction to Brookings and said, "Brookings lives that mission, vision, value every day," praising staff and volunteers.
Proclamations and community notes: The mayor also proclaimed May as Older Americans Month and invited residents to programs at the Brookings Activity Center for people 55 and older. Thompson’s presentation emphasized the role of public works in maintaining essential services and the department’s response history for events including the 2022 derecho.
What’s next: Public Works scheduled an open house for May 21 to let residents meet staff and see equipment; staff will continue routine operations and maintenance as described.
