Monte Brachmann

In professional circles, a person can't get much higher praise than being described as the "perfect" employee.

And that is just one example of the kinds of accolades that are being heaped on Camas Public Works Director Monte Brachmann, who will close out a 37-year career with the city at the end of the month.

Mayor Paul Dennis, who has been a Camas elected official since 1997, holds Brachmann in high regard.

"His contributions, in my opinion, stem well beyond his position in the city," Dennis said. "He's been phenomenal.

"He defines what a perfect department head is," he added. "He represents the quality of this organization. It would be hard to find anybody that would not have positive things to say about Monte."

That, as it turns out, is very true. From current and former local elected leaders to supervisors and peers in the public works field, Brachmann has developed a reputation around Clark County and beyond as a person who is "honest," and "dedicated," with "a heart to serve."

Brachmann, 58, grew up in Canby, Ore. He graduated from Canby High School and then earned an associate's degree in water quality management from what at the time was known as Oregon Technical Institute. He was hired by then Public Works Director Louie Angelo in 1972 as a wastewater treatment plant operator when the new plant located off of Highway 14 was just coming online.

Over the years, he has held several positions within the city including senior water maintenance worker, water-sewer supervisor and operations manager. In July 2003 he was promoted to public works director to replace Doug Quinn, who is now the director of water services for Clark Public Utilities.

Quinn worked with Brachmann for 16 years, and said he leaves a positive legacy marked by a number of milestones.

"He's done a wonderful job of building the next generation of leadership within the city and leaves the city far better off than when he got here," Quinn said. "He's exceptionally bright, in a common sense way, especially when it comes to public systems. Monte's achievements have really shown through, not just in one or two projects, but in his daily work and the relationships he's built."

Read the rest of the story in the March 2 issue of the Post-Record

Brachmann retirement party is April 1

The public is invited to wish Camas Public Works Director Monte Brachmann well in his retirement during an open house event on Thursday, April 1, from 2 to 4 p.m. The event, which will include cake and refreshments, will be held at the Camas Public Library's upstairs meeting room, 625 N.E. Fourth Ave.

For more information, call City Hall at 834-6864.