Cambridge Public Works Director Steve Wegwerth, who is retiring after 30-plus years of service, will be the guest of honor at an open house April 3 at city hall
Cambridge resident Elna Hanson once took the time to type a letter to the city, recognizing a public works employee for his help, follow-through, pleasant demeanor and seemingly genuine care over a few problems she had been experiencing.
Steve Wegwerth, director of Cambridge Public Works, is calling it a career after 30-plus years of service. He is pictured just outside the front entrance of Cambridge City Hall. Photo by Jon Tatting
“In the course of our every day lives,” Elna began, “it seems like we have to deal with people that are incompetent, uncaring or both. Then there are others that seem to restore our faith in humanity.”
She was talking about Steve Wegwerth, who is retiring from his position as director of Cambridge Public Works after 30-plus years of service in that department. He also spent 25 years in keeping the community safe by serving with the city’s volunteer fire department.
The public is invited to visit with Wegwerth at an open house from 2-4 p.m. Friday, April 3 at Cambridge City Hall Council Chambers.
“He has seen so much in his tenure here at the city of Cambridge,” City Administrator Lynda Woulfe said. “In my eyes he is an unsung hero.”
In an interview at city hall last week, Wegwerth recalled moving to Cambridge in the early ‘80s with wife, Liz, from the east side of St. Paul. After talking with Chuck Johnson, he went to work for Bob Johnson at what is today, TM Johnson Bros. Plumbing Heating & Air.
Steve Wegwerth was part of the Cambridge Fire team that was awarded in a water barrel fight competition in earlier years. He is pictured with trophy in hand, along with (from left) Jim Towne, Steve More, David Johnson and Doug Larson.
On Nov. 19, 1984, he acted on an ambition to try something new and took a position with the city’s street department in the old Larson Cycle building. Climbing the proverbial ladder, it was a matter of time before he was named director of Public Works.
“When I first started, we had two plow trucks and 23 miles of street,” Wegwerth said. “Now we have six plows covering 65 miles of street.”
He experienced a lot of changes over the years, working under four city administrators and many different members of City Council. From countless street projects and utility jobs, his involvement included work on the city waste water treatment upgrade for phosphorus removal.
For his efforts, Wegwerth was honored with the city’s Employee of the Year award in 2007. Another recognition occurred when the City Council applauded him and his department for their work following the July 1, 2011 storm that hit Cambridge.
Outside of regular duties, he served alongside the business community in serving brats at the Cambridge Downtown Customer Appreciation event. In August 2010, he and building department official Jeff Pleski were recognized for assisting a 17-year-old on his Eagle Scout project.
In a letter dated April 23, 1987, to council members, the writer noted Wegwerth was prompt in following up on, inspecting and repairing a “dangerous sidewalk condition” near her home. “The way he handled himself left a very good impression on me. I’m sure he is one who can be the peace in his department and with our citizens.”
Another letter, in June 2009, informed Woulfe of an incident where Wegwerth, as airport manager, “went above and beyond” to help a pilot, who was struggling with a battery issue, get off the ground at the Cambridge airport.
“It would have been easy for Mr. Wegwerth to come up with an excuse not to help us, but he didn’t do that,” the pilot said. “He left home on a Friday evening to help someone he knew wasn’t a city resident. The city of Cambridge is very lucky to have a person with such a deep sense of service.”
Life on the fire department
When asked about his time on the Cambridge Volunteer Fire Department, Wegwerth said it was “one of the best things I’ve ever joined, with some great friendships. You become like family at the department.”
In addition to his years firefighting, he embraced roles as chief for a few years and training captain for 10 years. He once earned Cambridge Firefighter of the Year, and he was a certified member of the Fire Instructors Association of Minnesota.
His interest in firefighting should probably come as no surprise to those who know him and his background. He grew up with it, with a grandfather, father and two brothers all serving on the St. Paul Fire Department.
One of the most memorable fires, he recalled, was the March 25, 1983, blaze that completely destroyed the old Oak Grove Motel, nestled between the bridge and Goldenwood on the south end of Cambridge. He helped fight the fire with a crew that included then Fire Chief Art Guthrie and firefighter Dave Johnson.
“That was a difficult fire,” said Wegwerth, noting windy conditions and the structure of the building made for a tough fight.
The firefighting lifestyle can be challenging, as well, especially when fire calls come at inopportune times.
“The tough part is leaving family during the holidays or birthdays,” Wegwerth said. “Once I had to leave on Christmas Eve. It’s also tough to see families out of a home because of a fire.”
Moving forward
Wegwerth tendered his resignation months in advance to help in the transition for existing department staff.
Taking over as director of Public Works will be Todd Schwab, with Lucas Milz assisting in street maintenance, parks and airport duties and Rob Bredeson assisting on the waste water and water side.
“One of the best parts of the job is the people I’ve worked with,” Wegwerth said. “It’s not an easy job, as I learned early that you got to have thick skin and you’re not going to make everyone happy. You surround yourself with good people, and I’ve been fortunate. It especially makes a difference on the tough days.”
In retirement, Wegwerth looks forward to spending more time with Liz and their sons Jason, Matthew and Timothy and their families. He has three grandchildren, also all boys, and “two girls are on the way,” he said with a smile.
“We try to spend as much time with family as we can,” he said. “We enjoy camping and fishing, and I’ll do projects with the sons. The plan is to stick around Cambridge.”