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Humble Smiles
October 30, 2005
Every Monday morning I attend a GO Bond Program progress meeting. This past Monday’s meeting was like every other - a general discussion of the important projects, their costs and their dates. As the meeting neared its end, the new Public Works Director/City Engineer, stood up to say one more thing. “In the absence of the City Manager, I am pleased to present the GO Bond Program Employee of the Month to Paul Ryckbost.”
What? Huh? Ok. Happiness ensues in my brain. I have been working for Public Works since August 31, and two weeks of that (September 19 - October 3) was spent home sick with Mono. Therefore, being awarded this was quite the surprise. Now, I know that there are only seven of us directly in the program, so it’s not too odd to get this award, but it still surprised and humbled me. I was told it was given to me because I worked hard at completing a plan review checklist for all project managers to use, and also because I was so efficient at guiding my first few projects to City Council approval. Giddy and humbled at the same time.
As of this week, I am now Project Manager for around 15 projects (I say “around” b/c I am not officially managing a couple of them yet). My projects range from drainage projects to bridge repair, from road widening to a new library. The one part of the process that I have no choice over is the project itself. The projects were all approved by voters back in 1995 and 2000. The next Bond issue sent to voters will be in 2007 or 2008. I’m excited to be able to possibly participate in project selection for that.
Through a roundabout way, I will get to use more of my planning education than I thought. Since no one else on my floor has any experience with it, I will become the GIS person for our group. I will be updating maps with project descriptions and locations. Hopefully I can take that further and help do more with that. I am also going to take on the task of trying to get Federal money from the region’s MPO for traffic projects.
I must say, I love this job more every day.
Posted by paul at October 30, 2005 01:59 PM
Comments
christa said on October 31, 2005 08:11 AMI really am excited for you and I feel great relieve every time you say you enjoy the job.