Retiring Caro Department of Public Works employee Gerard Schniers, center, holds a plaque presented to him by Caro Mayor Richard Pouliot, right, as he accepts congratulations for councilmen Gordon Taggett, left, and Rick Lipan.
By Bill Petzold
Editor
CARO — Department of Public Works employees are used to dealing with the worst situations imaginable in all types of weather.
But when it came to Gerard Schniers’ retirement recognition, the Caro city council decided to postpone the ceremony until there wasn’t a blizzard raging outside.
Schniers, of Unionville, was recognized for 36 years of service to the City of Caro at Monday evening’s city council meeting.
“Over the years, Gerard served under one foreman, one Department of Public Works superintendent and six city managers,” city manager Jared Olson read from a certificate of appreciation from the City of Caro. “If I remember, Jimmy Carter was the president when you started here.
“He’s been here for 36 wonderful years, he’s been a jack-of-all-trades for everything this DPW could throw at him. We’re losing a lot of knowledge and a lot of dedication with the retirement of Gerard Schniers.”
Olson, Mayor Richard Pouliot and DPW superintendent Charlie Sundblad presented Schniers with a plaque bearing the certificate of appreciation, as well as an engraved Bulova mantel clock.
“On behalf of the citizens and stakeholders of the city of Caro, I can’t imagine all the hours and all the time you’ve put in for this community, in cold temperatures and hot temperatures,” Pouliot said. “Most of them were (spent working on) hazardous jobs. You were faithful and committed to the city of Caro and its citizens. I appreciate everything you’ve done. Thank you very much.”
Sundblad said he’d worked with Schniers for 25 years.
“He’s been a good employee,” Sundblad said. “Like the mayor said, he’s been very dedicated and he’s done good. We’ll miss him and his knowledge. He’s one of the last ones of the ‘old guard’ so to speak that’s leaving. He will be missed for his knowledge of water. But, like the rest of the older guys that have left: they’re only a phone call away. They’re very helpful in coming back if need be, and I have, I’ve used a lot of their knowledge. He was a good employee. I wish him well on his retirement.”
Because of the snowstorm and white-out conditions on Feb. 17, Schniers’ recognition was postponed to the next meeting. He said the emotional part was saying goodbye to his co-workers.
“It’s been a long ride,” Schniers said. “I’ve been here quite a few years; I’m going to miss the place. I couldn’t believe i was saying goodbye to the guys a couple weeks ago. I almost came to tears. It’s been nice.”
Schniers said he plans to spend time running his cleaning business and enjoying some ice fishing as long as the ice holds out.
In other action at Monday’s meeting:
• Council heard from Dr. Matt and Mary Jo Shelson, owners of Shelson Natural Health, LLC, 21 North Almer Street. Shelson explained to council about his business and answered questions.
• Council voted 7-0 to hire Maid to Order cleaning services to clean the city’s buildings at the rate of $294.12. Councilman Mike Henry questioned whether the city has enough funds budgeted to cover the costs, and it was determined to report after the first quarter to see if the contract needs to be adjusted. Clerk/Treasurer Karen Snider recommended the city hire Maid to Order because they had done well in a previous job for the city, and also are bonded, carry liability insurance and worker’s comp.
• Council passed Traffic Control Order 2014-01, which will turn the intersection of Green Street, Montague Street and Columbia Streets into a temporary four-way stop in anticipation of the reconstruction of Columbia Street from the Frank Street intersection to the railroad tracks.
Bill Petzold is the editor of the Tuscola County Advertiser. He can be reached at petzold@tcadvertiser.com.