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COUNCIL COMMUNICATION
AGENDA TITLE: Presentation of Resolution of Appreciation to Fran Forkas, Retiring
Water[Wastewater Superintendent
MEETING DATE: November 19, 2003
PREPARED BY: Public Works Director
RECOMMENDED ACTION: That Mayor Hitchcock present a Resolution of Appreciation to
Fran Forkas, retiring Water/Wastewater Superintendent.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION: Water/Wastewater Superintendent Fran Farkas is retiring on
December 1, 2003. Fran has been with the City since 1974, when
he was hired as the head of the City's wastewater treatment facility.
In 1977, Fran was promoted to his current position.
Fran holds various water/wastewater professional certifications, including "California Wastewater
Treatment Plant Operator, Grade V", the highest grade issued. Fran has been very active in
professional organizations, including serving as President, Treasurer, and Director of the California
Water Environment Association. In addition, Fran has been a Director of the Water Environment
Federation and has served on numerous committees for these organizations. Fran is also a member of
the American Water Works Association and American Public Works Association.
Fran has been noted for both his loyalty to the City and "his customers" and his tenacity in dealing with
the various issues confronting them. Fran has taken great pride in the staff and facilities in the
Water/Wastewater Division, which has resulted in well operated and maintained water and wastewater
systems at a very low cost.
Fran has been an integral part of the Public Works Department's management team, always willing to
"tell it like it is" and work for the betterment of the Department and the City. Fran's leadership, both
directly and by example, has encouraged many others in the Department to be involved in professional
organizations. Fran's dedication and loyalty to his staff has resulted in a very high standard of
performance which will become our challenge to maintain.
Fran and his wife, Linda, have made Lodi their home and raised their family here. We wish Fran and
Linda the very best on his retirement.
FUNDING: Not applicable.
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Richard C. Prima, Jr.
Public Works Director
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APPROVED:
4. Dixon lynn -- City Manager
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COUNCIL COMMUNICATION
AGENDA TITLE: Presentation of Resolution of Appreciation to Ronald W. Hertz, Retiring Street
Maintenance Worker III
MEETING DATE: November 19, 2003
PREPARED BY: Public Works Director
RECOMMENDED ACTION: That Mayor Hitchcock present a Resolution of Appreciation to
Ronald W. Hertz, retiring Street Maintenance Worker Ill.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION: Street Maintenance Worker III Ronald W. Hertz retired on
November 12, 2003. Ron had been with the City since 1973, when
he was hired as a Maintenance Worker II for the Street Division of
the City's Public Works Department. In 1979, Ron was promoted to
Maintenance Worker III.
In his 30 years with the Street Division, Ron was helpful in many areas within the division, but two that
particularly stand out are training and safety. He was always responsible for making sure that new
employees were versed in safe and proper operation of the many tools and pieces of equipment the
Street Division uses in the course of its work. He was also responsible for creating the safety training
video currently used for the operation of the Street Division vacon.
Before the City of Lodi had computers, Ron had one at home and took it upon himself to make up a
checklist of items needed to perform maintenance checks on storm drain slide gates. Not only was this
done for efficiency sake, it also included safety items so new employees would be prompted on items
that made the process safer. He also developed lists of sites with the locations and special notes of
each slide gate within the City system using only handwritten notes on a storm system map.
Ron also assisted every year with the demonstration Of equipment to the school children that tour the
Municipal Service Center during Public Works Week. He has a unique ability for capturing the children's
attention and making a lasting impression. Ron has been the consummate example of what an
outstanding employee should be.
Ron has made Lodi his home and adopted fellow MSC employees as family. We wish Ron the very best
on his retirement.
FUNDING: Not applicable.
RCPIpmf
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Richard C. Prima,
Public Works Director
APPROVED:
H. Dixon Flynn -- City Manager
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