Page 8 - Sept-Oct2017 Vol35 No3

Germantown

The Germantown
National Public
Works Week was
broadened a couple
of weeks. A backhoe
and Public Works
functions were pre-
sented to third grad-
ers from Farmington
Elementary School
on May 4. All seven third grade classes came outside and stopped by a Caterpillar
backhoe, and Germantown Public Works Director Bo Mills shared things the Public
Works Department might do with such a machine.

On Saturday, May 13, Germantown participated in a “Touch a Truck” event at
the City Library. Thousands of children came by to look at and sometimes even sit
on four Public Works pieces of equipment. Public Works employees stayed with
each machine and introduced the types of services Public Works employees would
perform using the pieces.

On May 17, elected officials, Environmental Commission members and the
Leadership Germantown class were invited to our annual spring cookout. Speeches
were made by Mills, the Mayor, the City Administrator and the aldermen. Most briefly thanked the men and women of Public Works
for all they do to make the quality of life in Germantown what it is and how critical their work is. After lunch guest were allowed to
operate a caterpillar mini excavator. Everyone had a great time.

It has been a tradition since 1997 to take a class photo of the Public Works staff for display in the office. Those present and not pres-
ent are documented so it can be recorded who was with us at that point in time. It has become a very valuable resource and cherished
memorabilia for the department.

Kingsport

On Tuesday, May 23, Kingsport Public Works held the
6th Annual Public Works Day Event. This year’s event was
classified a Centennial Event as part of Kingsport’s 100.
The event was open to the public, and allowed the city to
showcase the many services provided to citizens. Various
vendors were sponsors of free food and drinks for employ-
ees, as well as the public. An all-time record attendance
enjoyed this event; even the “liquid sunshine” did not pre-
vent attendees from waiting in line for the various outdoor
equipment exhibits.

The highlight of this year’s event featured the on-going
experience, and enjoyment, of success. Children of all ages,
with the assistance of equipment operators, enjoyed oper-
ating the various displayed equipment and exhibits. Children with much anticipation were
standing in line, and waiting for their turn to ride in a bucket truck, and even climbing
into a seat of a garbage truck. Painting stations consisting of manhole covers, snowplows,
and trash barrels were available for kids to show off their artistic abilities.

The Traffic Division of Public Works set-up a traffic lane using markings, signs, and
a speed table for folks to ride through on a gator or a mower. The Police Department
provided a speed sign for the course. The Wastewater Treatment Plant’s microscope dis-
play provided 4" x 6" printed photos of the microscopic organisms used in the biological
process of treating water.

Stormy, the Water Services mascot, was at the event, dressed for the Centennial, using
a storm cloud and lightning bolt representing a 100-year storm. Folks of all ages had their
photo taken with Stormy or picked up a Stormy sticker. Informational/educational packets
filled with brochures, newsletters and booklets were also available.

We also introduced “Band PW 2017” at the event, featuring musically talented Public
Works employees singing and playing instruments.

Kingsport is already planning and looking forward to next year’s event.

8 TPW September/October 2017