Record #: R2016-336   
Type: Resolution Status: Adopted
Intro date: 5/18/2016 Current Controlling Legislative Body:
Final action: 5/18/2016
Title: Congratulations extended to Thomas H. Powers, P.E., on retirement as Commissioner of Department of Water Management
Sponsors: Emanuel, Rahm, Burke, Edward M., Laurino, Margaret
Attachments: 1. R2016-336.pdf

R resolution
adopted by The Gity Goundl
o/the Gity of Ghicago, Illinois

Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Alderman Edward M. Burke resented by &Alderman Margaret Laurino

Thomas H. Powers, P.E. officially retired from the City of Chicago as the Commissioner of the Department of Water Management on May 1,2016; and

WHEREAS, The Chicago City Council has been informed this event by Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Aldermen Edward M. Burke and Margaret Laurino; and

WHEREAS, Thomas H. Powers, P.E. began his career with the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) in 1996 as a Resident Engineer; and

WHEREAS, In 2005 Thomas H. Powers, P.E. was promoted to First Deputy Commissioner and Chief Engineer for CDOT where he was responsible for overseeing bridge reconstruction, roadway reconstruction, traffic signals and engineering, alley repairs and bridge emergency repairs; and

WHEREAS, In 2009 Thomas H. Powers, P.E. was named Acting Commissioner of Transportation and assumed responsibility for the overall management of operations, planning, and productivity; and

WHEREAS, Thomas H. Powers, P.E. while at CDOT took a personal role in projects to rehabilitate, repair and rebuild bridges including the North Avenue Bridge, Taylor Street Bascule Bridge, Wabash Avenue Bascule Bridge, Monroe Street Bridge, Chicago Avenue Bridge, Kinzie Street Bridge, Jackson Boulevard Bascule Bridge, Normal & Eggelston Bridge and Cortland Street Bascule Bridge; and

WHEREAS, Thomas H. Powers, P.E. distinguished himself by saving millions of dollars through reorganization of systems and resources; and

WHEREAS, In 2010 Thomas H. Powers, P.E. was appointed Commissioner of the Department of Water Management and vowed "to leave the department better than I found it"; and

WHEREAS, In his role as commissioner, Thomas H. Powers, P.E. has overseen the purification and delivery of drinking water through 4,300 miles of water main to the City of Chicago and 125 suburban communities as well as the delivery of waste water throu...

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