6.1. SR 07-01-2013 CASE' MAHON CCA
19631 Lowell Street NW
Elk River,Minnesota 55330
(763)241-3970
caseymahon @msn.com
Mr. Calvin Portner
Administrator
City of Elk River
13065 Orono Parkway
Elk River,MN 55330
Dear Mr.Portner,
To start out this is a positive and appreciative letter regarding one Superintendent and six City of Elk
River Street's Department employees. I had hoped to speak to you,the Mayor and the City Council
directly;however, as July 1 will be my first day with a new employer(located in Columbia Heights)I do
not expect I will be able to attend this coming Monday's meeting.
For nearly the past four years I tried to fix a significant water run-off issue from Lowell Street on to
several sections of my property. Every time a storm occurred,the run-off would result in significant
damage to my lawn,up to and including holes two feet deep and washing away newly seeded lawn. I
cannot even imagine how many hours as well as dollars I spent trying to fix this problem, including
purchasing nearly 200 feet of sod.
I did not consider this to be an issue of government(even though a slight portion may very well be city
property),but I decided to call Superintendent of Streets Mark Thompson for advice. Mr.Thompson
came to my house that afternoon and after surveying the site said he might have an idea that would work.
Several days later he called and said a crew would be out the following day, and they were on site at 8
a.m. I was shocked that they brought a front-end loader as well as a truck with I believe a mixture of
clay,topsoil and some form of experimental grass seed. The crew of Mike Zappa,Denny Toth,Matt
Miske and summer staff member Garrett Ott were superb,not only in their work,but also their customer
service responses. I believe they had the job done in about an hour; since that time grass is growing,but
most importantly there is no run-off and there is no damage.
As a government employee for more than 35 years(federal, state, county and city levels),I know all too
well that some members of the public would rather beat up then applaud government entities. I am of the
latter, especially as it relates to Mr. Thompson. I did not expect the work performed and more so he said
there was no cost to me. He exhibited what I consider to be among the best customer service skills I have
come across,not only with the City of Elk River,but any government agency. Mr.Thompson and his
crew fixed a significant problem and in doing so created greater good will. Please acknowledge all six of
these individuals publicly at your July 1 City Council meeting and by posting this letter in their records.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Ca ey Mahon Courtesy Copy:Mayor John Dietz