Public Works

Public Works Staff

	Mark Shahda Director of Public Works I have been employed with the City of Allentown for 24 years. During my 24 years of employment with the city, I have served and dedicated myself to numerous roles. I started as a Maintenance Worker and gradually elevated into different levels within the union and management positions within the Streets Department. These various roles include Streets Superintendent and Deputy Director of Public Works (2019). During 2019, I have taken charge of all operations and direction for all Public Works Departments such as Streets, Stormwater, Engineering, Fleet, Building Maintenance, Compliance, Recycling & Solid Waste, Traffic Planning, and Technical Services. I have most recently taken on the role of Director of Public Works in 2022.
	Dan Steckel Facilities Manager I worked for the city for almost 33 years. I started as a custodian while I was in college and worked in many different departments (Building Maintenance, Park Maintenance, Recycling, Streets and back to Park Maintenance) before moving into leadership. I started in Park Maintenance as a supervisor then went to Risk Management as a Claims Coordinator then on to Streets as Chief Maintenance Supervisor in charge of Fleet. I then moved on to DCED as a Project Manager and now back where it started in Building Maintenance as Facilities Manager. I have served on several Boards and committees as a bargain unit employee as well as a manager.
	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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