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| Public works director leaving |
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| News | |||
| Written by Brian McCauley | |||
| Tuesday, 10 November 2009 08:00 | |||
Paola Public Works Director Gerry Bieker will always have a special place in his heart for Paola, but now he’s ready to be the one calling the shots in a city of his own.  Bieker recently announced that he has accepted a job as city administrator in Chapman, Kan. In doing so, Bieker will be making history as Chapman’s first city administrator. “I really have enjoyed building relationships here,” said Bieker, who began his job in Paola in 2004. “I’ve enjoyed working and living in Paola.” Bieker has been busy the past few years as several routes in Paola have been improved during a recent emphasis on street repairs. He’s also played a role in several of the city’s recent projects, including the ongoing joint water project with the city of Louisburg. Paola City Manager Jay Wieland knows it won’t be easy to replace Bieker, who is scheduled to continue working in Paola through November. “He’s done a very good job with public works, specifically upgrading the road system,” Wieland said. Although he has enjoyed the work, Bieker knows there are new challenges waiting for him in Chapman, which still is rebuilding from tornado damages last year. Chapman has a population of about 1,400 people and is located east of Abilene, Kan., and west of Junction City, Kan. Chapman Mayor Bob Gaetz said until recently the town has gotten by without a city administrator. “The mayor and council worked well enough for a sleepy little town of 1,400,” he said. But after two floods and a tornado last summer followed by an ice storm in December, the city needs a little more help with the rebuilding process. “We’ve been hammered,” Gaetz said. “That’s what brought it to a head.” Gaetz said he has had a chance to speak with Bieker, and is confident he is the right man for the job. “I think he’s ready to go,” Gaetz said. “We have plenty of challenges for him.”
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