By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Ripon Public Works Director retiring Dec. 3
Ted Johnston
Ted Johnston

Ted Johnston received plenty of accolades at Tuesday’s Ripon City Council meeting.

And for good reason. After 42 years with the City including the last 20 as Director of Public Works, he’s retiring effective Dec. 3.

This was Johnston’s final council meeting after all these years.

“Ted’s been an amazing role model for all of us,” said City Administrator Kevin Werner, who was among the many well wishers. “He’ll sorely be missed.”

Added Councilman Jake Parks: “Ted, you’ve always been helpful to me anytime I came to you with questions.”

Johnston’s plans as he soon enters retirement is “to just take it easy,” he said.

Engineering Supervisor and Deputy Public Works Director James Pease will move into Johnston’s post.

“James will have some big shoes in filling the role that Ted played for the City,” Mayor Leo Zuber said.

For Johnston, this meeting was the last time he provided water usage monthly update to the elected leaders, including the 12-month running average.

Incidentally, Ripon’s water usage for October was down 11.9 percent, using the 2013 water levels as a baseline comparison.

At 24.5 percent, the City continued to stay close to that 12-month running tally.

Councilman Daniel de Graaf also wished happy retirement for Johnston.

“You’ve made a huge impact on the City of Ripon,” he said.