The quiet heroes of Pequannock

WHEN MOST PEOPLE think of the Department of Public Works (DPW), they might picture plow trucks clearing snow, crews fixing sidewalks, or maintenance workers tending to sports fields. But in Pequannock Township, Public Works manages all that—and much more.

Located at 66 Alexander Ave., the DPW team consists of 21 dedicated staff members, over half of whom live right here in Pequannock. Their wide-ranging responsibilities touch every aspect of community life.

Here is just a glimpse of what they do: Maintain approximately 400 acres of public land; service and repair all township-owned vehicles; manage road maintenance; provide tree and stormwater maintenance; manage street signage and street sweeping; oversee the township’s water distribution system, wells, and booster stations; manage the township’s garbage and recycling programs; and more!

A WELL-EQUIPPED OPERATION

To keep the township running smoothly, the DPW relies on over 60 specialized vehicles and machines—ranging from excavators and backhoes to salt spreaders, stump grinders, and even beach combers.

At the helm is Director of Public Works, Dave Seugling, who recently celebrated 20 years of service. When asked about the most challenging yet rewarding project he has overseen, he immediately pointed to the Greenview Park Pond Restoration.

Initially planned as a contracted job, cost estimates came in too high. Dave and his team decided to take on the massive task themselves—draining the pond, excavating silt and mud, recycling the material, installing a new liner, and constructing a berm wall to minimize leaf debris. They added two fountains and a removable floating dock for seasonal flexibility.

The result? A beautiful, serene setting now enjoyed by visitors to Greenview Park.

Seugling describes Public Works as vital to the “health, safety, and welfare of the community.” In addition to in-house operations, his department oversees outsourced services like waste management, ensuring contracts are executed efficiently.

COMMITMENT TO SAFETY AND TRAINING

 Despite some individual challenges, safety is a top priority. Seugling chairs the Township Safety Committee, which includes representatives from the police, recreation, and public works departments, as well as the township manager and secretary.

The committee meets quarterly to assess priorities and reinforce safety protocols.

The skills required of the DPW team are wide-ranging—encompassing maintenance, construction, environmental management, budgeting, planning, and engineering. Customer service is just as important, as the department frequently interacts with residents and vendors alike.

Many team members carry specialized certifications. Four employees are Certified Public Works Managers. All must hold at least a CDL B license (for operating vehicles up to 10,000 pounds), while some also hold CDL A licenses for heavy-duty equipment like the leaf vacuum.

Seugling says, “we take training and employee development very seriously, and we are always adding more and more certifications to the team to ensure we have the necessary skills to support the safety and well-being of the community.”

REPORTING AND FUNDING

The Department of Public Works reports to Township Manager Adam Brewer, who in turn reports to the Township Council. Brewer highlights Pequannock’s strong track record of securing grants. Over the past seven years, the township has received more than $15 million in state and federal grant funding for 67 successfully completed projects. Funding sources have included: NJDOT Transportation Trust Fund; NJ Senior Citizen & Disabled Transportation Assistance; FEMA Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA); and Morris County Historic Preservation Program.

WHAT’S COMING NEXT

The Public Works Department is continually working to improve township infrastructure. Here are a few upcoming projects:

• Complete renovation of the basketball courts behind Town Hall, including widening and lengthening

• Annual road resurfacing and sidewalk repairs

• Redesign of the Sunset and South Sunset to West Parkway area—an NJDOT-funded project involving milling, paving, ADA compliant sidewalks, and curbing

• Replacement of sidewalks along Manor Avenue

When asked what keeps him motivated, Seugling shares, “We focus on projects that benefit the community. From identifying a need, to budgeting, planning, and finally seeing a project come to life, it is incredibly satisfying. Watching our team take pride in their work and seeing residents enjoy the results is the best reward. Teamwork makes the dream work.”

BY DAN PICCOLI