When it comes to pesky potholes or serious snowplowing complaints, Minnetonka residents don’t hesitate to let public works know how they feel.

Public Works Administrative Assistant Delane Wetterlin is often the first person fielding those calls. Her inviting, helpful demeanor goes a long way in ensuring community members feel heard.

“Listening to her communicate with residents demonstrates her enormous capacity for empathy,” said Public Works Administrative Manager Hannah Aleman. “She truly cares about people and goes above and beyond in that capacity.”

Wetterlin, who joined the city in 2021, has made an enormous impact on the public works department—externally and internally. She’s the go-to person for questions and is well known for keeping everyone on task.

Public Service Worker Eileen Connors said Wetterlin daily demonstrates the city’s shared values, exemplifying what the Spirit of Minnetonka Award is all about.

“I personally have witnessed Delane being on the telephone talking to residents … and at the same time, she’s sewing buttons on people’s uniforms.”

Sixteen other employees also received awards for their achievements at the employee recognition lunch earlier this year.

ABOVE AND BEYOND

Josh Brunken, Jon Cerney, Adam Cordes, Neil Maddox, Andrew Sanvick and Chris Wiemelt | Public Works

EXCEPTIONAL CUSTOMER SERVICE

Jeremy Shimetz | Community Development

INNOVATION

Garith Scherck, Jason Tait and Ryan Engelen | Police and IT

LEADERSHIP

Kevin Hruby and Jared Niebuhr | Fire

TEAMWORK

Zach Haley, Shane Kerwin, Katherine Schlueter and Noah Murphy | Police