Dave Johnson, City of Bloomington sign shop, explains how changing technologies are making signage more effective.

Labor and management at the City of Bloomington teamed up recently to give 20 residents a crash course in Public Works. AFSCME local 699 President Brad Peiffer and Public Works Director Jim Karch collaborated on the effort Sept. 11 as part of City Hall’s first Citizens Academy. The academy gives interested residents in-depth knowledge of city government.

Mr. Karch headed the first part of the session, held at the Osborn Room at the Police Department. He ran the citizen students through a PowerPoint on long-range planning for Bloomington infrastructure.

At the Public Works garage, AFSCME members at six work stations explained their jobs and worker achievements. Participating at the stations were Bobby Poplett, Snow Events; Kenny Herman, Automated Refuse Trucks; Jason Kennedy, Permanent Pavement Patching; Dave Johnson, Sign Shop; Scott Fortney, Camera Truck & Vactor; and Joe Spidle, Traffic Line Painting.

Mr. Peiffer said of the event: “Since we work for the citizens of this great community it was beneficial for all involved to meet and discuss not only what we do but how we can better serve the residents of the city of Bloomington. We are here to serve them.”

Mr. Karch remarked that the first-hand look at equipment, with informal discussions with workers, was essential to give students a complete picture of Public Works operations.

Citizens Academy students received a parting gift: Street signs with their names on them. The participants were impressed with our operations and appreciative.