City of Marietta employees recognized for service

The City of Marietta recognized a special group of employees in front of City Hall Friday morning to mark May 22-28 as National Public Work Week.

Five employees from the Utility, Water and Engineering departments were nominated by supervisors and fellow employees for their outstanding public works service, and were presented with framed proclamations from Mayor Joshua Schlicher.

The mayor read individual achievements and commendations of each employee in the written proclamations they received:

Darren "Shane" Cochran, Marietta's utility maintenance electrician motor mechanic, started full time with the city in 1992 and moved to the Utility Department in 1998 as maintenance technician.

"He can be found repairing traffic signals and overhead signage, making electrical repairs at either of our plants, making sure the electric motors and pumps at the Aquatic Center are in check, making sure all city buildings are up to electrical code, trimming trees or assisting street crews with snow removal." He plans to retire in January 2024.

Jan Cunningham, a clerk in the Utility Billing Department, started as a part-time employee in June 2010 and in January 2015 became a full-time employee in the same department. She has assisted with the transition to digital meters and a new software program. "She always has a smile on her face and is always polite, friendly and compassionate with citizens."

Michael Haught, wastewater treatment utility mechanic, started with the city as a meter reader in January 2003 and moved into his current post in January 2013.

"Mike does a great job keeping equipment in good working order and has assisted with the replacement of equipment, pumps, blowers and other items. He has real world experience fixing and repairing whatever he is given. His great work ethic and sense of humor are enjoyed by all who come in contact with him."

Tina Lones, Marietta's engineering office manager, started with the city in August 1989 in the Development Department and moved into engineering in November 1994. "She has been an essential employee of the Engineering Department for more than two decades and the department could not do their jobs without her."

Justin Williams, an equipment operator at the Water Treatment Plant, "is a hard working, dependable employee who always goes above and beyond whatever task he is given. He is also very knowledgeable about the water distribution system." He has Class I Water Supply and Distribution II certification. He is going on 34 years of service for the city.

In the final words of the proclamations, Schlicher said, "I urge all citizens to join in and recognize the substantial contributions these employees have made in their careers as public works employees protecting our health, safety and quality of life."