At the Department of Public Works we have been talking a lot about teamwork lately. At DPW we are organized into 3 divisions, and within those divisions we have specialized teams and people who focus on specific types of work. Everyone has tremendous pride in their work, and in their respective areas. At the same time, we are all still part of the DPW team. Just like any family, we all come together in tough times and support each other through whatever adversity we are facing.

Taking people out of their normal areas of responsibility is a touchy thing. It’s not that they don’t want to help, but they want their respective areas to be excellent, and when they aren’t able to focus on those areas it’s frustrating. Still, we cross over between teams all the time to collaborate on projects. Sometimes it’s because someone has special skills or experience that another team needs, sometimes it’s to cover for an employee who is out for illness or vacation time, and sometimes it’s necessary to redistribute the work load so we can meet deadlines.

COVID-19 has created a unique situation that has put pressure on everyone, in just about every sector of society. We are no different. Due to the virus, we find ourselves behind on our work schedules and need to constantly adjust our schedules to accomplish the highest priority items. Teamwork now seems to be more important than ever and I am proud to say that the team at the DPW has risen to the challenge.  When we work as a team there is nothing that we can’t accomplish.

Mark Michling, Manager of Roads and Fleet