City officials congratulated Lehman for 29 years of service to the Jamestown community during Monday’s City Council meeting.

While Mayor Eddie Sundquist was not at Monday’s voting session, he submitted an official proclamation to be read, honoring Lehman’s service to the Jamestown community.

The mayor’s proclamation said that for almost 30 years, from 1994 to 2023, Lehman helped reform the city’s Public Works facilities, completed a “record level” of investment in public infrastructure and Parks Department facilities and helped “transform and building” the Riverwalk in Jamestown.

“Over his 29 years of service, Mr. Lehman distinguished himself with a remarkable career, serving the community as a member of the Jamestown Babe Ruth World Series board of directors, member of the Board of Public Utilities, Planning Commission, and exhibiting a strong work ethic and exemplary moral character,” Sundquist wrote in his proclamation. “Mr. Lehman has shown a commitment to excellence and dedication to duty during his distinguished tenure, serving the city of Jamestown.”

Pictured, from left, are City Councilman Andrew Faulkner, R-Ward VI, City Councilwoman Kim Ecklund, R-At Large, City Council President Anthony Dolce, R-Ward II, Jeff Lehman, retiring Director of Public Works, and Crystal Surdyk, city director of development. P-J photos by Timothy Frudd

The mayor’s proclamation thanked Lehman for both his leadership and “proven expertise” throughout his time as the director of Public Works, describing his leadership as “invaluable” over the past three decades. Along with City Council members, Sundquist congratulated Lehman for his “remarkable career,” as Lehman prepares to enter retirement from the Department of Public Works.

City Council President Anthony Dolce, R-Ward II, who delivered the mayor’s proclamation, said it will be “strange” not having Lehman at City Council meetings and events, especially since both Dolce and Lehman joined the city the same year almost 30 years ago.

“Jeff has done a tremendous job throughout the year,” he said. “He’s been the go to guy anytime you have a question about the streets, parks, about anything that had to do with the infrastructure of the city. It’s been a huge challenge. We’ve gone through a lot of changes, restructuring of the departments over the years; he’s always been there to weather the storm. He’s been a constant calming affect; he always seems to know what to do.”

In addition to the mayor and the City Council’s recognition of Lehman’s long service to the community, the Jamestown Board of Public Utilities honored Lehman during the BPU’s monthly meeting on Monday.

Chairman Greg Anderson congratulated Lehman for his “long tenure” of serving on the BPU board and expressed the BPU’s appreciation for his efforts over the years.

“He’s done a tremendous job, and he will be greatly missed his years of service in the city,” Anderson said.

Dave Leathers, general manager, also thanked Lehman for his service, highlighting Lehman’s commitment to the BPU through 29 years of various board and committee meetings, as well as diligent communication between the Department of Public Works and the BPU.

“I think that you’ve been very supportive of our people and our work, so thank you very much,” he said. “Your service, your contributions, your leadership, from a staff perspective and the other board members, it’s certainly for the betterment of the utility divisions, also our customers. We really appreciate everything you’ve done for the BPU. We wish you well in your retirement.”