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Mayor Don Wesely today presented the Mayor’s Award of Excellence for September to Charles "Chuck" Turner, a 21-year employee of the Lincoln Water System. The monthly award recognizes city employees who consistently provide exemplary service and work that demonstrates personal commitment to the city. The award was presented at the beginning of today’s City Council meeting.
Turner, a Stores Clerk II in the Public Works and Utilities Department, was nominated in the categories of productivity and loss prevention by Robyn Cruse-Miller, also with the Lincoln Water System.
Turner took the initiative to solve an ongoing problem with dirt and debris collecting inside water valve boxes, a situation that required a two-person crew to clean on a regular basis. Turner contacted several manufacturers for samples of gasket seals, but none fit the need or Lincoln’s climate. Turner then contacted Michael Gathright of Gathright Marketing Company and suggested a seal be developed for the type of water valve boxes used in Lincoln. After eight months of development, the "Turner Seal" has been manufactured by Ametek. The seal is expected to prolong the life of the water valve boxes and reduce labor costs.
"Chuck went over and beyond his regular duties and responsibilities to find a solution that will result in potential cost savings for the city," Mayor Wesely said. "Chuck’s knowledge, creativity and persistence in resolving this problem is appreciated."
The other categories in which employees can be nominated are customer relations, safety and valor. All city employees are eligible for the Mayor’s Award of Excellence except for elected officials and some managers. Individuals or teams can be nominated by supervisors, peers, subordinates and the general public.
Nomination forms are available from department heads, employee bulletin boards or
the Personnel Department, which oversees the awards program. All nominations are
reviewed by the Mayor’s Award of Excellence Committee, which includes a representative
with each union and a non-union representative appointed by the Mayor. Award
winners receive a $100 U.S. savings bond, a day off with pay and a plaque. Monthly
winners are eligible to receive the annual award, which comes with a $500 U.S. savings
bond, two days off with pay and a plaque.
Media Release