Public Works

Public Works Staff

	Craig Messinger Director of Public Works Craig Messinger has been employed with the City of Allentown for over 30 years. Throughout his tenure with the city, he has shown remarkable leadership skills as he has progressed through managerial roles such as Fleet Manager, Streets Superintendent, and Deputy Director of Public Works. In his current position as Director of the Department of Public Works for the City of Allentown, he directs numerous sub-departments, including Streets, Stormwater, Engineering, Fleet Maintenance, Compliance, Solid Waste & Recycling, Traffic Planning & Engineering, Building Maintenance and Technical Services. Craig’s notable accomplishments as Director have made him a crucial contributor to the revitalization of Downtown Allentown. Craig has been an essential leader in the development and implemental of the Downtown Allentown Traffic Mobility and Event Management Plan; a plan which was developed to accommodate the influx of visitors and patrons to the PPL Center and surrounding areas. Additionally, he has served as a representative of the Allentown City’s Administration; effectively collaborating with entities such as the Allentown Parking Authority, Allentown Police Department, PPL Center operator and the business community in all stakeholder engagement efforts. Craig has also been responsible for budgeting, procurement, and contract administration regarding traffic signal systems, pedestrian accommodations, and the newly-created Traffic Management Center. Furthermore, he has identified and pursued grants and other funding sources to expand these cost-effective improvements throughout the remainder of Downtown Allentown. Craig’s efforts have been critical to the overall improvement and revival of Allentown’s Downtown area.
	Mark Shahda Deputy Director of Public Works Mark Shahda started his employment with the City of Allenton 21 years ago as a Maintenance Worker and worked his way through the different levels of management within the Streets Department. In May of 2012, Marks was promoted to Streets Superintendent with oversight of 70 employees and administering Bureau programs to include; street paving and maintenance, snow plowing, leaf collection, street cleaning and storm water operations. Marks goal is to provide quality and effective customer service with courtesy and understanding to our citizens and internal departments.
	Theodore Berger Facilities Manager Theodore Berger started with the City in October of 1977 as a laborer in the Streets Department, where he worked in for 6 years. Ted moved up to Engineering as a Construction Inspector in 1983; in 2012, he was promoted to the Construction Manager. Ted became the Facilities Manager for Building Maintenance in April 2019. Teds goal for Building Maintenance is to streamline the work process with my background in construction and project management. Ted has been a manager for the City for 7 years and is NICET Certified as a Level IV Senior Engineering Technician.
	Ann Saurman Manager, Bureau of Recycling and Solid Waste Ann Saurman began working for the City of Allentown in 1988 in the Bureau of Health. In 1992 Ann joined the Recycling Program as the Education and Enforcement Manager for the Bureau of Recycling and Solid Waste; she managed and coordinated all of the Bureau's public education and enforcement efforts. In 2005, SWEEP (Solid Waste Education and Enforcement Program) was created and Ann developed and managed the program. The program focuses on the compliance of the Solid Waste Ordinance, Residential and Commercial Recycling Ordinance and the Neighborhood Improvement Ordinance. In 2006 Ann was promoted to Bureau Manager overseeing 20 employees, administering the Solid Waste Enterprise Fund and all bureau functions and programs. Bureau programs include curbside residential trash and recycling collection and disposal; commercial recycling; a recycling drop off center; the hauling of recyclable materials to market; yard waste drop off, grinding and screening operations; the SWEEP program, graffiti abatement, public space recycling and litter collections from public receptacles; collection of trash and recycling from city facilities, young and adult education programs, illegal dumpsite cleanups, Keep Allentown Beautiful and animal control. Ann has a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from Pennsylvania State University, 1983.
	Dale Tretter Streets Superintendent Dale Tretter started with the City over 23 years ago as a Maintenance Worker 1 in the Streets Department. Continuing on with his career in Streets, he moved his way up to an Equipment Operator, and in August of 2007, he was promoted to Chief Maintenance Supervisor. In this role, he was responsible for overseeing paving and maintenance of streets, street cleaning, fleet maintenance, and snow operations. His goal is to provide services in the most efficient, cost effective manner possible, all while providing quality customer service
	Nelson Varughese Traffic Control Superintendent Nelson Varughese began working with the City of Allentown as the Traffic Control Superintendent since June 2013. His previous work includes experiences in both the public and private sectors. Prior to joining the City, Nelson held the position of Traffic Control Specialist at Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) for 13 years and was a Senior Project Engineer/Manager in an engineering Consulting firm, also for 13 years. As a citizen of this great nation and a Traffic Control Superintendent for this celebrated City Nelson’s goal is to provide Safety for citizens and visitors driving, bicycling, or walking the City streets. He finds it a great privilege and honor to be a part of the City of Allentown and the City’s Public Works Team.

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