The men and women of Public Works are often overlooked because they seemingly work behind the scenes, but they are an integral part of our city's operations. Their duties include (but are not limited to) road and street maintenance, parks and recreation, public buildings and facilities, environmental services, and sanitation.
Regarding road and street maintenance, Public Works employees repair potholes, resurface roads, prepare for inclement weather, and maintain 17 miles of right-of-way every two weeks. They also maintain 4.7 miles of trails, 11 parks, and Canton's public boat ramp. That's 182 acres that are mowed and maintained every two weeks.
Additionally, the Public Works staff manages stormwater, waste disposal, and pollution control, which keeps environmental and sustainability practices a top priority. Another responsibility is the collection site and brush/bulky item pick-up. Almost everyone in the city of Canton has taken advantage of brush pick-up. In April alone, 186 brush orders were recovered, 723 residents utilized the collection site, and 69 bulk items were picked up.
As I type this column, I definitely recognize that it's much more pleasant to be in an air-conditioned office than it is to be working hard outside in the summer heat. So, if you attend any City of Canton-sponsored event, walk on the trails, or visit any local parks, you will see Public Works staff members in their "Team Canton" attire. Please take a moment to say "hello" and thank them for their dedication to our city.