Bloomington's streets and sewers are in capable hands with Mike Kalis, who after two decades of service, has climbed the ladder to become assistant maintenance superintendent. Kalis and his crew are the gears keeping the city running smoothly with their year-round vigilance on infrastructure. The veteran employee's recent job accolade was highlighted by the City in an announcement on their website.
Those who know Kalis are aware that he's not just another city worker; this guy has been knee-deep in everything from storm sewers to street sweeping. Now, as he oversees the work, he keeps the city's pulse by staying in tune with staff needs, stakeholder interests, and community updates. Having put in 21 years, Kalis has firsthand experience with every task he delegates, a vital feature in their management, especially with Minnesota's notorious freeze-and-thaw climate.
The city's infrastructure demands fluctuate with the mercury. When the white blanket covers Bloomington, Kalis' team is out there plowing and pruning the city's vegetation. Come spring and fall, the team switches gears to sweep streets and patch up what winter cracked open. Once summer beams are down, it's time for repairs and storm sewer work as outlined in the Pavement Management Program. The man knows the cycle like the back of his hand, having been part of it for over two decades.
It's not just the changing seasons or the hands-on work that keeps Kalis engaged. "I enjoy the people and all the new technology that allows us to keep the city’s infrastructure in great shape for our residents," Kalis concluded, according to the city's statement. It's clear that for Kalis, his work is all about making sure that when Bloomington's residents step out onto the streets, they're stepping onto solid ground.
