Untitled - Town of Windham

MAINTENANCE DEPARTMENTAs I write this report for the maintenance department I am unfortunately reminded that this will be my finalannual report. I came to work for the town in March of 1998, and while working for the town has beensometimes difficult it has also been enjoyable and rewarding. Unfortunately, beginning on August 19, 2011,my employment became extremely difficult due to ongoing circumstances beyond my control which weredirectly related to my work environment; including an onslaught of unfounded negative remarks andcommentaries. These circumstances, combined with my age and desire to spend more time with family,resulted in my decision to retire on December 31, 2012. Actually, I miss working for the town and with myco-workers, but I also look forward to going fishing with my five year old grandson.Looking back over the past fifteen years, I am proud of the accomplishments of the maintenance department.In addition to the routine daily activities the department took on a number of projects such as:• Remodeling the living quarters of the old fire station to accommodate the Planning and DevelopmentDepartment now known as the Community Development Department• Remodeling the first floor of the Town Hall• Planning and overseeing renovations to the Bartley House• Modifications to the entrance of the Cable Studio at the Armstrong Building• Assembling all of the picnic tables and benches at Griffin Park• Building of the bridge at Griffin Park• Construction of the deck for the freight building at the Windham Depot• Construction of the attendant shed at the Transfer Station• Remodeling of the break room at the Transfer Station• Repairs to the entrance pillars at the Nesmith LibraryThe list could go on but I hope you get the idea that we enjoyed our work and were proud of the end product.There was always ongoing criticism that the work should have been contracted out, but we enjoyed the workand we believe we saved the town money. The past year, we were involved with working on some of theitems highlighted on the energy audit such as insulating the Senior Center first floor, construction of a walland door to seal off the Senior Center second floor, repairs to insulation at the Bartley House, replacement ofthe rear door to the Bartley House, and we began evaluating insulation issues at the Armstrong Building. Inaddition, we completed the handicap ramp at the Windham Depot, installed a concrete walk from the parkinglot to the ramp and relocated some of the shrubs at the Depot. We also cleaned out the actual Depot buildingand installed temporary lighting for a scheduled open house.In conclusion, a heartfelt “Thank you” to all the elected officials who supported the Maintenance Departmentover the years, to the citizens who went out of their way to comment favorably about our projects andespecially, to Dave Sullivan who pushed us to succeed. To the Maintenance staff, continue to work as a team,do the best you can and be proud of your work. To my follow Department Heads who were alwayssupportive—thanks for the memories. To all the employees with few exceptions, as a retired employee who isnow a citizen taxpayer, you are the town’s greatest asset.Respectfully submitted,Allan BarlowAllan Barlow, Maintenance Manager RetiredClearly, there were far more projects than those mentioned by Mr. Barlow; and the job of MaintenanceSupervisor involved far more than, probably, the average person realized. We thank you for your hard work,and hope you enjoy your retirement. Best of luck to you in all your future endeavors.Respectfully submitted,Jack McCartneyJack McCartney, Acting Maintenance Manager2012 ANNUAL REPORTS 92 TOWN OF WINDHAM, NH