01/08/2025
#𝘞𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘵𝘰𝘸𝘯𝘞𝘰𝘳𝘬𝘴 𝘌𝘮𝘱𝘭𝘰𝘺𝘦𝘦 𝘚𝘱𝘰𝘵𝘭𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵: 𝘊𝘦𝘭𝘦𝘣𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘛𝘦𝘢𝘮 𝘉𝘦𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘊𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘞𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘵𝘰𝘸𝘯
Every two weeks, the City of Watertown proudly highlights the amazing individuals who keep our community thriving. Through the series, we shine a spotlight on the professionals who make a difference every day. With over 250 full-time employees across diverse departments, their dedication and hard work contribute to the heart of Watertown.
This week, we’re excited to feature:
‣ Chaz Spellman (Engineering Division), Laura Moore (Public Works Department), Trevor Barthel (Watertown Police Department), Jaime Stricker (Bramble Park Zoo)
• 𝘊𝘩𝘢𝘻 𝘚𝘱𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘮𝘢𝘯 – 𝘌𝘯𝘨𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘳 𝘐
Chaz has been with the City of Watertown for almost one year. In his role as an Engineer I, Chaz helps manage the construction and updates that keep the city growing. He loves the variety of challenges and projects he works on and finds satisfaction in helping solve problems for residents. When asked about what he’s most proud of, Chaz says it’s the rewarding feeling of assisting people with their questions and concerns.
Outside of work, Chaz enjoys reading, writing, photography, working on trucks and motorcycles, welding, and learning languages. If he could have any superpower, he’d choose to be a good husband and father above anything – and he’s already mastering that one! His favorite local spot? Downtown Sushi. A fun fact about Chaz: He started his travels after serving in the Marine Corps. He and his wife chose Watertown as their home after living in the Micronesian Islands, and they’re proud to be part of the community.
• 𝘓𝘢𝘶𝘳𝘢 𝘔𝘰𝘰𝘳𝘦 – 𝘌𝘹𝘦𝘤𝘶𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘈𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘵, 𝘗𝘶𝘣𝘭𝘪𝘤 𝘞𝘰𝘳𝘬𝘴 𝘋𝘦𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵
Laura has been with the City for 2 years and provides administrative and management support to the Assistant City Manager and Public Works Director. She assists with invoices, bid tabulations, agenda creation, and much more. She’s also involved in organizing National Public Works Week, which she’s particularly proud of. Laura loves the variety of services and projects her team works on, and she likes contributing to the city’s success.
When she’s not working, Laura enjoys attending concerts, creating art, and spending time with her husband and friends. If she had a superpower, it would be teleportation – perfect for winter or when she's running late. Laura’s likes a lot of places in Watertown, but her go-to local spot is Gather, a unique local restaurant. Fun fact: She was one of only six Randall Scholars at Dakota Wesleyan University, earning the highest academic award achievable.
• 𝘛𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘰𝘳 𝘉𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘭 – 𝘈𝘥𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘚𝘦𝘳𝘨𝘦𝘢𝘯𝘵, 𝘞𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘵𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘗𝘰𝘭𝘪𝘤𝘦 𝘋𝘦𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵
Trevor has been with the City for 12.5 years and is responsible for training coordination, policy development, and managing various administrative duties within the police department. He enjoys the diversity of challenges his job offers and is especially proud of his wide range of experiences across all police department divisions.
Outside of work, Trevor is passionate about hunting, fishing, and spending time outdoors. If he could have any superpower, he’d choose teleportation – to quickly get from place to place. His favorite local spot? The Wheel Inn for a hot beef sandwich. A fun fact about Trevor: He originally went to college to become a game warden but ended up joining the police force.
• 𝘑𝘢𝘪𝘮𝘦 𝘚𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘤𝘬𝘦𝘳 – 𝘡𝘰𝘰 𝘌𝘥𝘶𝘤𝘢𝘵𝘰𝘳, 𝘉𝘳𝘢𝘮𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘗𝘢𝘳𝘬 𝘡𝘰𝘰Jaime has been with the City of Watertown for 24 years and is responsible for the zoo’s educational programs, including on-site tours, special events, outreach programs, and more. Jaime loves that her job is never the same two days in a row, from teaching preschoolers to visiting nursing homes or speaking to service groups. She is especially proud of growing the zoo’s programs which reach about 27,000 people annually.
In her spare time, Jaime enjoys traveling and spending time with her family and friends. If she could have any superpower, she’d choose to fly, making her travel dreams come true. Jaime’s favorite local restaurant is Willy’s, and a fun fact about her: She once fell into a crevasse while hiking Mt. Cayambe in Ecuador, hanging by her harness for hours until help arrived!
Thank you, Chaz, Laura, Trevor, and Jaime, for your commitment to making Watertown a better place! Your hard work and dedication help shape our city.
