I'm all for an emphasis on "work" in our Public Works Department

1st Ward Alderman Jamey Mertel has recieved a request from Public Works Superintendant Gary Bleck to consider his request for a new hire for the department. Bleck has indicated there is a need for a new employee due to a manpower shortage in the department. The shortage is due to recent employee retirements and some current employees work status as "restricted duty" and unable to perform at 100%. Alderman Mertel is in agreement with Gary Bleck that there exists a valid need for a new hire in the department and Mertel has recommended the process should proceed to do so. One of the qualifications suggested for a new hire by Gary Bleck and other city officicals was that it would be advantageous to seek a prospective hire who is a licensed plumber in order to utilize his skills and credentials where appropriate on city owned property and infrastructure. Not a bad idea at all. Of course this new hire would be expected to perform additional duties within the public works department. He might shovel asphalt. He might operate equipment. He might repair water-main breaks. He might rake leaves into the Leaf-Vac in the fall and then plow snow in the winter after he recieves his CDL which will be a condition of his employment. He will be expected to do what has to be done just as it says in the agreement between the public works employees represented by Local #150 IUOE and the City of Peru. Peru Public Works has a number of outstanding employees who are dedicated, responsible and hard working. However, as is the case in many organizations and government entities, Peru Public Works also has a few not so dedicated, not so responsible, and not so hard working employees. This is a work-place reality that every management team struggles with. I remain hopeful that current efforts to improve the efficiency and personnel issues in every city department will eventually be successful. There is much to do.