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2020 Annual Report • Public Works Department • St. Anthony Village, Minnesota <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />2 <br /> <br /> II. Changes In 2020 <br />The Public Works Department faced unprecedented challenges in 2020. A global pandemic <br />dictated changes to daily operations, staff turnover with the retirement of a longtime crew <br />member, and the loss of Jay Hartman, Director of Public Works, all presented new obstacles for <br />the department to overcome <br />GLOBAL PANDEMIC <br />The ramifications of the Covid-19 pandemic of 2020 led to changes in the daily operations of the <br />department. Staff start times, lunch break times, and shut down times were staggered within <br />the crew to promote social distancing and limit large group interaction. Crew personnel were <br />advised to cease entering residential homes to diagnose utility concerns brought forth by <br />residents. The splash pads at Central Park and Emerald Park were shut down for the summer <br />season and the warming houses were closed throughout the winter ice skating season. Athletic <br />fields in the city’s parks were used sparingly as the sports programs cancelled their seasons. <br />STAFF TURNOVER <br />In October of 2020, Jan Sorby, 19 year employee in the Parks Department retired from his duties <br />and embarked on the next stage of life. We thank him for his long history of dedicated service to <br />the City, park patrons, and his colleagues. Roger Copeland, a longtime employee of the City of <br />Phoenix Parks Department began his tenure with the City upon Mr. Sorby’s retirement. Mr. <br />Copeland has assumed the responsibilities of daily park maintenance and snow removal duties. <br />JAY E. HARTMAN <br />Without question the greatest challenge the department faced in 2020 <br />was the loss of Mr. Jay E. Hartman, Director of Public Works. Mr. <br />Hartman passed away on November 6, 2020 after a courageous battle <br />with stomach cancer. He dedicated his 43 year career with the City to <br />serving the residents with passion and intent, assisting his colleagues <br />without hesitation, and providing unwavering leadership in the <br />department. Mr. Hartman was known throughout the City as a person <br />who can get things done. His absence is felt across all the departments <br />as well as all through the City.