Allan Orsen P.W. Facility

Longtime resident of Victoria, Allan Orsen, received yet one more honor in regard to his many years of service to the City of Wayzata.  He retired in April 2012, exactly one year ago.

The City of Wayzata, where Allan worked for over 35 years — first as City Engineer and Public Works Director (1976-1984) and then as City Manager (1984-2012)— named the $5 million facility constructed in 2005, the “Allan Orsen Public Works Facility.”

Two friends unveiled a bronze plaque sculpted and installed at the entrance to the P.W. facility.  That’s John Flora on the left and Lloyd Pauly on the right.

John is the retired City Engineer/ Public Works Director for the City of Fridley.  Lloyd is the retired Director of Public Works Operations for the City of Minnetonka.

The bronze plaque in raised relief reads:  “Over 35 years, Al Orsen served the City of Wayzata first as the public works directory/city engineer and then as city manager.  Throughout his distinguished career, Al championed the betterment of Wayzata Public Works by promoting ongoing education and training for public works personnel.  The professionalism of the Wayzata Public Works department will benefit Wayzata for years to come, always ready to serve the city when called upon.  In recognition of Al's dedication to the growth of all public works personnel, this facility is hereby named:  Allan Orsen Public Works Facility.”

All three friends have served as President of the Minnesota Public Works Association.

Mayor Ken Wilcox was the Mayor of Wayzata when Allan retired last year, and he remains the current mayor.

Dave Dudinsky is the Wayzata Director of Public Service, hired by Public Works Director Al Orsen in 1979.  In a manner of speaking, they “grew up together” in Wayzata Public Works.

Time for cake.

Gina Holman, center, arranged a delicious lunch for everyone at the Allan Orsen Public Works Facility and then helped serve the cake.  Gina was hired by Allan several years ago to be the Manager/Director of the Wayzata Bar and Grill and Wayzata Wine and Spirits — known together as The Wayzata Muni.

Left to right, that’s Barb Bieto (Wine Sales), Gina, and Connie Weizel (Waitress at the Bar and Grill).

That’s Dave and his wife Debby, and in back I see Terry Schwalbe (Watershed Manager), Butch Johnson (City Electrician), and I know Mike Kelly (City Engineer) is seated at that table.

Left to right:  Don Johaneson (Wayzata Building Inspector), Jeff Lambert (Wayzata City Prosecutor), Bill Nelson (Lions Pulltab Coordinator), Bob Ice (former Assistant Manager of Wayzata Muni), Dan Distel (Wayzata Assessor), Dave Lentz (tennis friend).

Jan and John Flora of Fridley, Lloyd Pauly of Chanhassen, Kurt Johnson (Design Engineer of Wayzata Water Treatment Plant), and Tim Phenow (friend and owner of SRF Consulting).

Our last big trip together with Floras and Paulys was a cruise to Nova Scotia and Quebec City

Retired City Manager Al Orsen and Current City Manager Heidi Nelson who came from the City of Ramsey.

From the Wayzata Bar and Grill we see the progress of the multi-million dollar project that is making much progress.  Allan worked with the owners (Presbyterian Homes) and plans for five years before his retirement, getting it shovel ready.  The old Muni and the old Foursome plaza were demolished to make way for what is to become a retail, office, restaurant, and condominium plaza.

The End

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