Newly placed Owensville Public Works Director Derek Gruenloh received approval from the Board of Aldermen during their Feb. 17 meeting to replace the roof on the department’s shop at 402 S. Spring Avenue and to place the old street sweeper up for surplus. He also received a commendation on cost-cutting efforts.

“Last spring in March, we had a few shingles blow off,” Gruenloh said. “We had Moritz Roofing come out and patch them and we just need bids now. We’re probably going to replace the whole roof.”

He advised the board that last year, his predecessor in the role, Jeff Fahrenholtz, obtained an estimate for replacing shingles on the “main big portion” of the shop, but that there are nails pulling up in other locations.

Gruenloh told the board that he created a sheet with options for both.

A motion to approve Gruenloh’s request to seek bids for the project was made by Ward 2 Alderman Denise Bohl, seconded by Board President and Ward 1 Alderman Dr. Cathy Lahmeyer and passed with all in favor.

With the recent purchase of a new street sweeper, Gruenloh also sought permission to place the department’s 2000 Elgin Pelican sweeper up for sale.

“We can’t wait to see it go,” he said.

Gruenloh and city officials do not expect to get a large return from the sale, citing city of Hermann sale that brought in $1,500-$1,800 for a street sweeper.

The motion to approve placing the street sweeper on Purple Wave for auction was made by Ward 2 Alderman Matthew Kramme, seconded by Bohl and passed with all in favor.

City Administrator Randy Blaske recognized Gruenloh for a recent idea he shared during a conversation on cost-cutting and suggested he share it with the board.

“I think that we’re looking and leaning towards maybe a part-time guy, somebody for grass-cutting and spring weeds – just miscellaneous maintenance stuff – instead of a full-time guy year-round,” Gruenloh said. “I don’t know of any big projects of our own that we got down the road with the bond money that I think we passed and got that ‘we’re going to all contract that stuff out’ so you just don’t see the manpower full-time.”

Blaske shared that the department has been short one staff member so they know that during the winter months, it makes sense, sharing that they would likely save $20,000 in benefits and a lighter wage.

“So basically, we’re putting the manpower where it’s needed and then where we don’t need it, we don’t need the manpower. It’s a strategic placement of the assets for the city,” Mayor Kevin McFadden said.