Plymouth Public Works Crews Get the “Nitty-Gritty” Done

Plymouth Public Works crews perform a variety of tasks in any given month. A quick glance around the public works facility gives you an idea of the size and scope of jobs. There are snow removal trucks, dump trucks and trucks that flush storm drains.

“I wish people knew the nitty gritty work we do,” says Michael Thompson, public works director. “I think a lot of things we do are taken for granted.”

Thompson mentions people don’t think about simple items like flushing toilet or clean drinking water unless they don’t have that function. Public works crews are “behind-the-scenes heroes” who literally keep the city’s streets, sewers, buildings and more in working order.

Crews just finished prepping the water tower near the Zachary Playfield. Contracted workers will paint it from top to bottom this summer. Next year, crews will paint the central water tower.

Plymouth Public Works Crews Out in the Elements

Drivers notice public works crews when they are pushing around snow or asphalt.  Crews are finishing up a five-week stretch of repairing potholes from winter wear.

“Working with blacktop is like working with Play-Doh,” explains John DeMarais, one of the workers. “As you work it, it kneads itself together.”

Pothole patrol is a hot and steamy job and many of the workers say they prefer the cold of the winter. If they had a message they could relay to the public for Public Works Week, it would be for drivers to slow down when they see crews at work.

“We are on the road and that’s where the potholes are,” says Pat Dehmer, one of the workers. “When you have flashy lights and vests and you are working out on the street, people need to know we are there.”

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