During the regular meeting of Council on April 7, 2014, Mayor Frank Armitage officially proclaimed May 18 to 24, 2014 as Public Works Week in the Town of Princeton.
The official proclamation;
“WHEREAS: public works infrastructure, facilities and services are vital to the health, safety and well-being of the residents of Princeton, BC; and
WHEREAS: such facilities and services could not be provided without the dedicated efforts of public works professionals, engineers and administrator who are responsible for building, operating and maintaining the public works systems that serve our citizens; and
WHEREAS: the Public Works Association instituted Public Works Week as a public education campaign to inform communities and their leaders on the importance of our nation’s public infrastructure and public works services; and
WHEREAS: it is in the public interest of citizens and civic leaders to gain knowledge of the public works needs and programs of their respective communities;
WHEREAS: Public Works Week also recognizes the contributions of public works professionals.”
In celebration of Public Works Week, the Similkameen Spotlight is pleased to present this focus on our public works employees and the work they do for the community of Princeton.
“We look after the operation and maintenance of most of the town’s functions and services,” explains Kevin Huey, Director of Infrastructure and Parks for the Town of Princeton.
A crew of eight working forty plus hours a week at times manage and maintain services including: the water service, storm drains, wastewater collection and treatment, road and sidewalk construction and maintenance as well as the maintenance and care of the Princeton Cemetery.
The crew are also responsible for the maintenance of all Town of Princeton owned properties, buildings and facilities including: Princeton Centennial Pool, the municipal campground, the Princeton Airport, town office, parks and playgrounds.
As part of their employment, crew members also travel to take training courses to upgrade their skills in order to perform their duties. In fact, Britt Fraser has just returned from a week-long Wastewater Management Course.
In celebration of Public Works Week we salute the members of the Public Works Crew of the Town of Princeton:
Kevin Huey - Director of Infrastructure and Parks for the Town of Princeton is the head of the Public Works Department. Kevin has been employed with the Town of Princeton in this position for one year. However, Kevin is quite familiar with the town and his job as he was an employee of the town just out of high school in 1978 until 1990. He then went on to work in the Kaleden and Keremeos Irrigation Districts before retuning home to Princeton last year.
Ken Gibson - Public Works Foreman has been serving the Town of Princeton for 23 years. Ken says it’s his duty to make sure that all the work scheduled and employees are well organized. Ken and his wife Isabelle, who worked in the school district, raised their two children here.
Len Liberatore - Relief Foreman and Jack of all Trades, is a proud third generation Princetonite. Len’s children were raised locally as well. Len will be celebrating his 39th year of service to the Town of Princeton this year.
Allan Bouvette - Utility Operator and Jack of all Trades, has served with the Town of Princeton for 11 years. Allan and his wife Aida, nurse at Ridgewood Lodge, raised their two children here.
Britt Fraser - Water and Wastewater Operator for the Town of Princeton has just celebrated his 8th year of service. Britt and his wife, Marcie Whelpton are raising three children here, with their eldest graduating this year. Britt is well known for his performances with the local theatre group since 2007.
Jerry Seifried - Jack of all Trades, is coming into his third year of service to the Town of Princeton. Jerry says that he and his wife Annette enjoy fishing and camping during their leisure time. Jerry also has a passion for model planes.
Travis Barck - an Arborist by profession is working as a Jack of all Trades for the Town of Princeton. Travis is coming up on his 1st year of service and says that he is enjoying Princeton, especially now that it is Spring.
Jarod Thomas - Equipment Operator for the Town of Princeton is going into his forth year of service. Jarod was raised in Princeton and he and his wife Crystal, who works in reception at the hospital, are raising their three daughters here.