Page 21 - Nov-Dec2017 Vol35 No5
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2017 SURVEY RESULTS
Q&A: Public Works in Tennessee
What is the one service your What is the one thing you wish the
department provides that brings public better understood about
you the most satisfaction? Public Works?
“All waste collection. I often say Public Works is what separates us “How dangerous our jobs are.” – Steve Ogle, City of Knoxville
from the undeveloped world.” – Chad Weth, City of Knoxville
“The truth instead of stereotypes: employees aren’t lazy; they
“Our Recycle program.” – Doug Deering, City of Morristown aren’t ignorant; and they don’t set out to ruin your day. Rather,
they are skilled employees who take great pride and are dedicated
“Any service we provide that keeps the public happy and the city to quality services.” – Robert Corum, City of Knoxville
running smoothly.” – Terry Prater, City of Knoxville
“What it takes to pick up trash/bulk waste and brush.”
“Helping a customer put a smile on their face when we fix their – Paul E. Brown, City of Morristown
telecom service in home.” – Jody Wigington, City of Morristown
“All the different things that Public Works really handles.”
“We take care of the city so it can be a clean place to live, work and – Jennifer Brown, Town of Farragut
play.” – Rodney Deel, City of Kingsport
“That everything we do (for the most part) is based on a plan,
“Christmas decorations.” – Chris Brown, Town of Farragut study or schedule and there is a reason for what we do and how
it’s done.” – Chad Weth, City of Knoxville
“To be able to provide quality work to the entire city.”
– Dennis Bonilla, City of Morristown “That the convenience centers are a very good value (for
taxes spent) and we provide services that far exceed State
“Landscaping of as many areas as possible.” – Bud McKelvey, Town requirements.” – Tom Salter, Knox County
of Farragut
“What your tax dollars really buy.” – Greg Willis, City of Kingsport
“Knowing the grass and right–of–way is mowed and looks good.”
– Steve Powell, City of Crossville “What it would be like if we weren’t there (water, sewer,
emergency clean up, mowing, trash).” – Bud McKelvey, Town of
“Customer service. I can’t narrow it down to one service. I’m Farragut
satisfied when we help someone – no matter what the issue is.”
– Bryon Fortner, City of Sevierville “How many services are provided to them and what amount of
work it actually takes to provide all of these services.”
“If we get a litter work request in the morning, we can often get to – Scott Jenkins, City of Knoxville
it after lunch the same day or next day at the latest.” – Tom Salter,
Knox County “I wish they knew about all the behind-the-scenes work that
goes into maintaining public spaces and roads – especially
“Construction oversight – we ensure that new homes are safe garbage pickup and street maintenance.” – Nick Bradshaw, City of
and properly constructed and at the same time, protect existing Knoxville
homeowners from the effects of development.” – Dwight Van de
Vate, Knox County “The depth and volume of infrastructure in the ground and out of
sight.” – Jody Wigington, City of Morristown
“Our neighborhood services.” – Sheryl Ely, City of Knoxville
“That we’re the most important service offered to our residents.
“Traffic signal maintenance/upgrades. Moving traffic to get people Park all the vehicles in the city and see what people complain
where they want to go as safe as possible.” – Brain Baker, City of about the most!” – Bryon Fortner, City of Sevierville
Nashville
“That we do a lot with little!” – Regina Santana, City of Lebanon
“Revitalization of existing infrastructure.” – Randy Laine, City of
Lebanon “What our job duties actually entail and how hard we work to
keep our city running smoothly.” – Meri Howard, City of Nashville
“Quality roads.” – Jeff McCormick, City of Goodlettsville
“Signal timing.” – Marshall Boyd, City of Hendersonville
“Drainage relief.” – Trace Buerkett, City of Hendersonville
“Services provided by local Public Works departments. Services
“Providing recycling and trash backdoor services to customers that change from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. Services are generally
are in need of assistance.” – Kimberly Ghee, City of Nashville provided based on staff, budget and “sensitive” issues.” – Adam
Meadors, City of Mt. Juliet
“Getting to see the finished product after a road has been milled
and paved.” – Don Allen, City of Nashville “We are hard working, dedicated employees who work tirelessly
to see that Nashville and Davidson County are safe, clean and
“Making people happy. Take their problems and concerns and welcoming to all!” – Herbie King, City of Nashville
figuring out a way to resolve them.” – Mark Miller, City of Pigeon
Forge “How much responsibility and work Public Works departments
actually are responsible for.” – Rocky Robinson, City of Nashville
“Drainage repair and upgrades.” – Warren Garrett, City of
Goodlettsville
View online at tnpublicworks.com 21
