Community Notes: Updates from the water and street departments

By Cory Spieker Superintendent, Charles City Water and Street Departments

As many of you know, Dirk Uetz passed away in January. Dirk was the street superintendent for many years. Over those years, he built many great relationships with the citizens of Charles City. Dirk would pick up his phone no matter the time of day (or night) to answer questions or address concerns from anyone who called. He was a great coworker and friend, and he is sorely missed by all who knew him.

After Dirk’s passing in January, the city opted to realign two of the city departments. With that, I stepped into the role of street and water superintendent. I have been with the city for nearly 10 years and have been the water superintendent for seven.

I hope to foster the relationships that Dirk cultivated over the years and will strive to build on the level of customer service that he maintained throughout his time with the city.

With the realignment of the two departments, Don Helton has been promoted to street department foreman. Don has been with the city for 24 years and will lead a very experienced and dedicated group of operators. Thad Johnson has been promoted to lead operator for the water department. Thad has been with the city for seven years.

Both Don and Thad take great pride in their positions and will help to ensure that both departments continue to bring the high level of service the citizens of Charles City have come to expect.

Construction Season

This year we will continue our street and road repairs. Thanks to all who voted for the recently passed renewal of the Local Option Sales Tax (LOST). This year’s projects will include Riverside Drive, Leland Avenue, Riverside Avenue, as well as a few other smaller projects. The projects will address road repair and drainage issues in these areas.

As construction season approaches, please obey all posted safety signs. Unfortunately, many of the city’s departments are required to work in the street for various reasons. If you see a city vehicle, or any other construction vehicle, working in the streets, please slow down and pay extra attention.

Taking an extra moment to let another car pass and to separate your hazards could make a life-saving difference.

Brush Pickup

Brush pickup dates are set for May 9th, June 20th, and October 17th. You will need to make arrangements if you have a tree removed on your property, but branches will be picked up from normal yard trimmings. Please make sure branches are stacked neatly, so that all ends face the street. Shaw Ave compost site is open year-round for you to dispose of your own branches and yard clippings as needed.

Please remember that there is not a leaf pickup in the spring. Shaw Avenue dump site is open from sunrise to sunset, seven days a week. Residents can haul their yard waste and tree trimmings to Shaw Ave during those times. Compost and mulch piles are also available for Charles City residents to take at no cost. You must load and haul, but you are able to take as much as you want for your lawn and gardening needs.

Spring Cleanup

We are revamping spring cleanup this year. As in previous years, we will be working closely with LJP, formerly Jendro Sanitation, to provide this annual service. This year, LJP will be setting up dumpsters at Shaw Avenue compost site for residents to bring and unload their own items. The gate will be manned during set hours, with only Charles City residents being able to gain access and unload items. Please watch the Charles City Press and Facebook for official dates and times regarding spring cleanup.

I am excited to continue to serve the citizens of Charles City in my new role. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me via email at cory@cityofcharlescity.org.