HomeMy WebLinkAboutSimmons, Gary - Resume
GARY W. SIMMONS, SR.
1410 E. 18th Street
Norwalk, IA 50211
(515) 981-3188 (home)
(515) 664-0038 (cell)
_______________________________________________________________________
February 5, 2010
Colin Baenziger & Associates
12970 Dartford Trail, Suite 8
Wellington, Florida 33414
Dear Mr. Baenziger,
Please accept this letter and the enclosed documents as my application for the position of City Manager with the City of Cape Canaveral. It is with great interest and excitement that
I read of the qualifications you seek for this position. I feel that my strong background in public works, coupled with my varied administrative experience, professional contacts,
and community volunteerism, could be just what you are looking for in a City Manager.
In 2002, I was named one of the Top Ten Public Works Leaders of the Year by the American Public Works Association. This national award recognized my many career accomplishments in
the area of public works, including the administration and oversight of many projects and programs. I have enclosed for your information three letters that were included in my nomination
packet. They are all from people with whom I worked closely over several years: a financial advisor, an engineer, and an economic development coordinator. These people are still
presently in their same positions, and their letters are as pertinent today as they were when originally written.
I have also developed a good working relationship over the years with Iowa Senators Chuck Grassley and Tom Harkin and their staffs, and with many of Iowa’s Representatives. In nearly
10 trips to Washington DC I have been able to obtain federal and state funding for a variety of community needs and projects, including:
$67 million allocation for the City of Waterloo, Iowa, towards construction of a new wastewater facility
$12 million allocation for the City of Postville, Iowa, towards construction of an industrial wastewater facility
$400,000 allocation for the construction of a Child Care Center in Postville, Iowa, working as partners with the local school district and the Diversity Committee
$500,000 allocation for downtown street lights, new curbs/gutters, and complete reconstruction of the portion of Highway 18 within the Postville city limits
In both Postville, Iowa and Norwalk, Iowa, I was instrumental in creating and conducting a citywide survey of public concerns and priorities. These surveys were invaluable in determining
the commitment of city funds in relationship to the priorities and input of the citizens. It also helped foster a partnership between the City and the residents which I believe is
very important in the success of any community.
During my career I have been involved in housing task forces whose members included contractors, banks, land owners, and city personnel, working with them to offer incentives in the
form of tax rebates and TIFs to encourage construction of new housing. I have also been the overseer of water and sewer installation to new housing developments, along with inspections
of new construction.
During the floods of 1993, I was serving as Waterloo’s Superintendent of Water Pollution and Flood Control. As the coordinator of the entire flood fighting operation I was involved
in critical decision-making on an around-the-clock basis, and am proud to note that while other Iowa communities were partially or completely under water, the City of Waterloo suffered
minimal flood damage overall and no flooding to their downtown business area.
One of the most meaningful highlights of my career has been my ability to develop good working relationships with city employees in all areas I have worked. I have been a union employee
and steward and later a union president before joining the administrative side of things, giving me a good background in both sides of situations. I believe in encouraging employees
to feel ownership in their work and pride in not only what they do, but who they work for. I feel they should be recognized for jobs well done, and not just in times of emergency or
on extraordinary projects. I have been pleased that citizens, business owners, and administrators alike have welcomed my “open door” policy, and have recognized my ability to bring
out the best in my employees through communication, delegation, and trust.
Both my wife Wanda and I believe in community involvement and volunteerism. We have been both out front and behind the scenes on many community events and projects. In 2006 we were
recognized by the local school district and chamber of commerce for our “contributions of time and energy, and our devotion to the community and the schools.”
These are just a few of my career highlights that I think would fit well into your search for a City Manager. I have enclosed my full resume and letters of reference from a school
superintendent, an attorney, and a former state representative with whom I have worked over the years. If you would like more information or references, please do not hesitate to contact
me.
I look forward to hearing from you and welcome the opportunity to interview for the position of City Manager.
Sincerely,
Gary W. Simmons, Sr.
Gary W. Simmons, Sr.
Enclosures: Resume
DD 214
Salary History
GARY W. SIMMONS, SR.
1410 E. 18th Street
Norwalk, Iowa 50211
(515) 981-3188 (home) (515) 664-0038 (cell)
“APWA Top Ten Public Works Leader of the Year” Award Winner
Email: dpwsimmons@Gmail.com
Objective: To obtain a government managerial position that utilizes my experience in administration, operations, program management, process improvements and implementation, and public
relations.
EMPLOYMENT RECORD
2006-2009 Director of Public Works
City of Norwalk, Iowa
Organize, direct, and coordinate the activities of the divisional operations and field operations groups of the Public Works Department. Oversee the procurement, management, and maintenance
of the City's fleet of equipment, construction, water division, wastewater division, street maintenance, building and grounds of City-owned facilities and park maintenance. Administer
and supervise departmental service contracts including solid waste collection and citywide service contracts and regulations. Manage recycling and household hazardous waste programs,
and citywide cleanup days operation.
Responsible for determining major departmental policies, planning long-term programs, preparing plans and specifications for City improvements, investigating complaints, and managing
the departmental budget. General direction is received from the Mayor and City Council.
Special Accomplishments: Developed the City Survey and worked with all departments for their input. Remodeled new wing and offices at City Hall. Updated job descriptions for all Public
Works employees. Worked on the website committee, communication committee, and served on the regional safety committee and the Iowa Municipal Utilities (IAMU) stormwater committee.
Contributed to the development of the new CIP. Adoption of the Middle Creek Watershed study (joint effort with Community Development). Built a Fire Proof Records Room (file storage)
at City Hall. Near completion of installing water meter radio reads to all water meters in the city. Worked on community events (Norwalk Soap Box Derby Street Race and the Fourth
of July Celebration). Celebrated Public Works Week with display of equipment at City Shop open to the public. Coordinated the new Premium Yard Waste Program with Metro Waste Authority.
Coordinated Public Works contributions to the development of Billy O. Phillips City Park. Coordinated Public Works cleanup effort following the tornado that passed near Norwalk in
July 2007 (with assistance from surrounding communities). Implementation of new Building and Grounds schedule and manpower to accommodate concerns of all department heads and City
facilities needs.
1997-2006 Public Works Director (City Manager)
City of Postville, Iowa
Supervise and inspect all improvements and work on streets, alleys, sewers, and public grounds of the City. Supervise and direct employees of waterworks, wastewater, streets, solid
waste, parks, pool, trees, and lagoons. Supervise performance of contracts for work done for the City; purchase materials and supplies as needed. Prepare plans and specifications
for city improvements; supervise maintenance/repair of sidewalks, alleys, and streets; investigate complaints; supervise snow and ice removal. Compile written records of purchases,
accomplishments, disposition of equipment and manpower, inventory, and activities of street, water and sewer departments. Present monthly oral and written reports and keep City Council
advised of the City’s condition and future needs. Attend regular and special council meetings. Represent City of Postville in Mayor’s absence.
Special Accomplishments: Having worked with Iowa Department of Transportation, Iowa Department of Economic Development, the federal Economic Development Agency, and the USDA, among
other state and federal agencies, I was instrumental in acquiring grant funding totaling over $22 million over the last five years. Projects completed with these funds include: a $12
million industrial wastewater facility; downtown street improvements including new curb and gutter, sidewalks, and street lights; funding for complete reconstruction of Highway 18
in the city limits; completion of a new Child Care Center which also houses a local radio station and Diversity Center. Through these experiences, I have developed a good working
relationship with Iowa Senators Tom Harkin and Charles Grassley and their staffs, also with Iowa Representatives, and with many state and federal agencies, having made several trips
to Washington DC over the last decade. I have also met the challenge of working with over 30 different nationalities in Postville. The City of Postville had experienced a 54% growth
rate in a 10-year period, a rarity in rural Iowa today. Coordinator of Taste of Postville annual celebration which was recognized by the Iowa League of Cities with a Star City Award.
1995-1997 Technical/Marketing Director
Municipal Pipe Tool/Nutri-Ject Systems, Inc.
Hudson, Iowa
Plan, direct, and coordinate programs and personnel in the Technical and Customer Service related areas of a full service sewer maintenance and biosolids management company. Visit more
than 140 contract cities, investigate job site, assist in bid preparation, attend conferences and exhibits, provide equipment demonstrations.
Special Accomplishments: Increased the number of contract towns for the company from 80 to 145 in less than two years.
1994-1995 Facility Manager, RUST Environment & Infrastructure
Headquarters, Sheboygan, Wisconsin
(For the City of Jesup, Iowa - Contract Operation)
Plan, direct and coordinate programs and personnel of the City’s wastewater and water departments, including operation and maintenance of the collection and distribution systems, lift
stations, water tower, activated sludge treatment facility, laboratory testing.
1991-1994 Superintendent of Water Pollution/Flood Control
City of Waterloo, Iowa
Plan, direct and coordinate programs and personnel in the Water Pollution/Flood Control Department. Supervise operation and maintenance of City’s storm and sanitary wastewater collection
systems, wastewater plant, and environmental laboratory. Develop programs, goals, and training courses for the department; perform administrative duties including budget preparation,
union contract administration, personnel evaluation, and coordinate wastewater collection, flood control, and wastewater treatment operations and activities with other public works
and City departments. Confer with engineers, developers, and business community about wastewater and flood control procedures and plans.
Special Accomplishments: During the flood seasons of the early 1990s, this department kept the City of Waterloo, located on the Cedar River, from suffering major flood damage by managing
the flood control system, lift stations, and flood gates. Wrote grant and made trips to Washington DC to meet with Iowa senators and representatives to present request for funding
of a new wastewater treatment facility. This resulted in a $67 million allocation for the City of Waterloo, Iowa.
1990-1991 Sewer Department Superintendent
City of Waterloo, Iowa
Plan, direct and coordinate programs and personnel in the Sewer and Flood Control Department. Operation, maintenance, and repair of sanitary and storm sewers and pumping stations, flood
gates, manholes, catch basins, and related structures. Perform various administrative duties including budget preparation, union contracts, personnel evaluation. Confer with engineers,
developers, utility company representatives and business community on long-range sewer planning. Direct flood fighting and coordinate flood control activities with local, state and
federal agencies.
RELATED EMPLOYMENT HISTORY
Assistant Superintendent of Maintenance
Theresa Street Water Pollution Control Plant
Lincoln, Nebraska
Operator II
City of Lincoln, Nebraska
Senior Operator
Metropolitan Sewer District
Morris Forman Wastewater Treatment Plant
Louisville, Kentucky
Water Plant Operator
City of Jamestown, North Dakota
PAST CERTIFICATIONS
Class IV Wastewater Treatment Plant Operation Certification, Commonwealth of Kentucky
Grade 4 Operator Certification, State of Nebraska
Grade II License, State of Iowa
MILITARY SERVICE
US Marine Corps, Honorable Discharge
AWARDS/HONORS
2006 “Heartfelt Volunteer Service Award” presented to Gary and Wanda Simmons by the Postville Community Schools and the Postville Chamber of Commerce for “generous contributions of time
and energy.”
2002 “Top Ten Public Works Leader of the Year” recipient from the American Public Works Association. Honored at annual APWA Meeting in Kansas City for my years of public works accomplishments.
2002 Certificate of Recognition from the State of Iowa House of Representatives for public works leadership and accomplishments.
2001-2005 Honored invited guest of the Annual Meeting of the Colel Chabad, Jewish humanitarian charity, in New York City
1994 Outstanding Service Award (Newsletter Editor), Iowa Water Pollution Control Association
1992-1993 Certificate of Appreciation, City of Waterloo, Iowa, for Valuable and Dedicated Service.
PUBLICATIONS AND PRESENTATIONS
“Video Inspection of Collection Systems” - Illinois Rural Water Association, Peoria, Illinois
“IWPCA/ABC Collection System Examination Overview” - Wastewater Collections Systems 1st Annual Conference, Waterloo, Iowa
“Collection System Voluntary Certification & What It Means To You” - Iowa Water Pollution Control Association 77th Annual Meeting, Waterloo, Iowa
“Trenchless Technology–No-Dig Pipe Relining” - American Public Works Association, Iowa Chapter Conference, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa
“Great Flood of 1993-Waterloo’s Story” - IWPCA/ISU Wastewater Course, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa
“Cost of Improvements vs. Environmental Impact” - 39th Annual Great Plains Conference, Omaha, Nebraska
PRESENT COMMUNITY SERVICE
Member, American Legion
Past President Honorary Board Member, KPVL-89.1 FM Postville Radio
PAST COMMUNITY SERVICE
Coordinator, Taste of Postville Annual Ethnic Celebration
Volunteer Sports Writer/Photographer, Postville Herald-Leader Newspaper
Member, City Image Committee, Waterloo, Iowa Chamber of Commerce
Member, Leap to the Future Committee, Waterloo, Iowa
YMCA Basketball Coach (Youth Program), Waterloo, Iowa
Partners in Education (Inspire Mentor), Waterloo, Iowa
Cubmaster, Pack 59, Lincoln, Nebraska
YMCA T-ball and Basketball Coach, Lincoln, Nebraska
Credit Union Representative, Louisville, Kentucky
Red Cross Volunteer, Louisville, Kentucky
MSD Employees Association (past president), Louisville, Kentucky
National Association of Government Employees Union (NAGE)
Chief Steward, 3 years
Union President, 2 years
Gary Simmons, Sr.
1410 E. 18th Street, Norwalk, Iowa 50211 - 515 981-3188 - dpwsimmons@gmail.com
EMPLOYMENT AND SALARY HISTORY
City of Norwalk
705 North Avenue
Norwalk, Iowa 50211
Director of Public Works
2006 - 2009
Starting Salary: $57,000 plus benefits
Ending Salary: $64,500 plus benefits
City of Postville
P.O. Box 242
Postville, Iowa 52162
Director of Public Works/City Manager
1997 - 2006
Starting Salary: $30,000 plus benefits
Ending Salary: $52,000 plus benefits
City of Waterloo
3505 Easton Avenue
Waterloo, Iowa 50702
Superintendent Water Pollution/Flood Control
1990 - 1994
Starting Salary: $28,000 plus benefits
Ending Salary: $40,000 plus benefits
City of Lincoln
2400 Theresa Street
Lincoln, Nebraska 68521
Operations Supervisor/Maintenance Superintendent
1985 - 1990
Starting Salary: $24,000 plus benefits
Ending Salary: $27,000 plus benefits