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Bob Anderson devoted almost a half-century to the city of Ely.
That service was noted and saluted - Tuesday night as city officials recognized Anderson on his retirement.
Both mayor Heidi Omerza and clerk-treasurer Harold Langowski, who joked that he was in kindergarten when Anderson began his tenure in 1980, recognized the longtime engineer and boiler operator at the start of the city council meeting.
Omerza noted that Anderson’s employment lasted 44 years and 22 days.
“As I look at the date when he started, he must have joined when he was two, or 10,” Omerza joked.
T he mayor quick ly changed her tenor and voiced appreciation for Anderson’s service.
“I remember relying on Bob, especially when we were looking at the building known as the Community Center and trying to decide what was our next step,” said Omerza. “I shudder to think how many times I asked him how can we make that building more efficient. I apologize for all those questions.”
Omerza said Anderson “was the go-to person when it came to boilers,” whether it was the City Hall or the Community Center and also buildings such as the Revenue Building in Ely’s business park, facilities owned by the Ely Housing and Redevelopment Authority and even the Ely School District.
“It’s really hard to think of these people I see day in and day out, whether they are shoveling or behind the plow, filling in the gaps wherever they are needed and knowing they will be there day after day after day to make sure the city runs the way it needs to run,” said Omerza. “Bob Anderson is one of those people.”
Langwoski thanked Anderson as well as his wife Michelle, who were both present for the recognition at City Hall.
“I look at the hours and dedication Bob had to the community for all the facilities that Bob had a boiler’s license on,” said Langowski. “That took a lot of time away from his family. And for four-and-a-half decades. That’s a long time. I want to show my appreciation as well Bob. Thank you very much.”
