May 21, 2019 11:41 AM
by Delana Gbenekama
In recognition of National Public Works Week, we are featuring 11 standout public works employees you should know! These employees are also being honored this week as Public Work's Employees of the Year.
Tim Purcell, Architecture Services
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| What does your job entail? |
| I manage large- and small-scale construction projects – everything from new ground-up buildings to minor furniture reconfigurations. I’m currently managing the construction of the City Services Building, which will be complete in April 2020; and the City Hall Third Floor HVAC and Electrical Improvements Project. I recently completed the GoSaMo Center on Fourth Street and the Camera Obscura Exterior Lighting Project. |
| What do you like most about your job (favorite thing to work on)? |
| I get satisfaction from seeing the completed projects and knowing that they will have a lasting impact on the community. |
| What does Public Works mean to you? |
| Public Works means to me what it says: working for the benefit of the public |
| How long have you been a Public Works employee? |
| I have been a Public Works employee since July 2015. |
| What do you wish people knew about your job? |
| It can be very hectic at times. A large portion of my time is spent on customer communication and collaboration. My customers are the city departments and divisions we’re building the projects for whether it’s Community and Cultural Services, Public Works or the City Manager’s Office. I devote a large portion of my time to work at City Hall. |
Margaret Talamantes, Civil Engineering
| What does your job entail? |
| Managing Capital Improvement Program budgets (CIP) and the Civil Engineering Division’s operating budget, federal and state grant funds, programming of federal transportation funds, the City’s Prevailing Wage Program and procurement of Public Works contracts. |
| What do you like most about your job (favorite thing to work on)? |
| My favorite thing to work on is preparing and managing Civil Engineering’s operating budget. I also enjoy ensuring that our public works procurement process fosters a fair and competitive bidding environment. The most rewarding part of my job is ensuring that the workers employed on City projects are paid prevailing wages and that the contractors teach their trades to younger generations by employing apprentices. |
| What does Public Works mean to you? |
| Public Works means that residents and visitors have equitable access to safe streets, sidewalks, sewer/water mains, public facilities and parks. |
| How long have you been a Public Works employee? |
| I have been a Public Works employee since May 2006. |
| What do you wish people knew about your job? |
| There is tremendous “behind the scenes” efforts involved in the building of capital projects including the development of budgets, processing payments and contract documents, editing of staff reports, grant management, procurement, labor compliance, intergovernmental relations, community outreach, public relations, internal department collaboration and much more. The Civil Engineering Division’s Administrative team diligently performs these tasks as a key function of capital project delivery. |
| Anything else you’d like to add? |
| I am fortunate to be part of a such a hardworking and dedicated team, who genuinely care about what we do and making a positive difference in Santa Monica. |
Authored By
Delana Gbenekama
Equity and Communications Program Manager