by Dennis Dalman
editor@thenewsleaders.com
Sartell Public Works Director Brad Borders will retire as of July 29 after more than a quarter of a century of service.
“It’s been a good run,” Borders told the city council. “Now it’s finally time to hang it up, pass the torch on and thank you for my time here.”
Borders thanked the present and past councils for their constant support for the public works department and thanked the “great group of guys out there” who work so hard for the city.
“I’ve had no regrets coming to Sartell,” Borders said.
The council and audience applauded Borders for his many years of service when he made his announcement.
Mayor Sarah Jane Nicoll thanked Borders for his hard work and praised him for his admirable dedication and his leadership and loyalty to the city, which she said will be greatly missed.
Councilmember Steve Hennes also praised Borders whose workload increased every year as the city grew – more miles of streets, to name just one. Hennes also thanked Borders for the many volunteer projects he did for the city.
Long-time Public Works Assistant Director John Kothenbeutel was approved by the council to replace Borders as director of the department; there are four divisions within the department: street, utility, maintenance and parks.
“Welcome, John, and congratulations on your promotion,” Nicoll told Kothenbeutel, who was at the council meeting.
Kothenbeutel will start as director on July 30.
The Sartell Public Works Department does planning, design, construction, operations and maintenance of city roads, water and sewer systems, storm sewers and the maintenance of city-owned equipment.
Brad Borders
John Kothenbeutel
