TITLE
Commending and Expressing Appreciation to Daniel J. Rodefeld (Dan) on the Occasion of His Retirement from Madison Water Utility After 37 Years of Distinguished Service
BODY
WHEREAS, Daniel J. Rodefeld (Dan) commenced his employment with Madison Water Utility on April 11, 1988; AND
WHEREAS, Dan served Madison Water Utility with distinction in progressively responsible roles, including Equipment Operator I from 1988 to 1998, Water Utility Operations Lead Worker from 1998 to 2002, Water Utility Field Supervisor from 2002 to 2006, and Operations Manager from 2006 through his retirement in 2025; AND
WHEREAS, throughout his tenure, Dan demonstrated exemplary leadership, technical expertise, and dedication to public service, overseeing day-to-day utility operations essential to the delivery of safe and reliable drinking water; AND
WHEREAS, Dan was instrumental in advancing workplace safety by introducing advanced safety technologies and establishing a comprehensive safety training program that positioned Madison Water Utility as a leader in safety and health practices within the State of Wisconsin and beyond; AND
WHEREAS, Dan provided prudent fiscal and operational oversight of the Utility’s vehicle fleet, ensuring the acquisition, maintenance, and timely replacement of equipment through well-managed budgets and a systematic ten-year renewal cycle; AND
WHEREAS, Dan led the modernization and digitization of chemical management systems through the implementation of computerized Material Safety Data Sheet systems, significantly improving safety, compliance, and operational efficiency and serving as a model subsequently adopted by other City departments; AND
WHEREAS, Dan implemented the FASTer fleet maintenance management and asset tracking system, resulting in increased fleet reliability, reduced downtime, and improved operational efficiency; AND
WHEREAS, Dan played a substantial role in the City of Madison’s lead service replacement program, contributing to the replacement of the majority of lead service lines citywide and helping establish Madison as a national leader in lead service replacement efforts; AND
WHEREAS, Dan contributed to the planning, development, and construction of key Utility facilities, including the Operations Center and the VSB material storage shed, strengthening the Utility’s operational capacity; AND
WHEREAS, during his tenure as Operations Manager, Dan supervised, mentored, and managed more than 150 employees, leaving a lasting legacy of professionalism, institutional knowledge, and operational excellence; AND
WHEREAS, Dan’s career reflects a steadfast commitment to public service and the mission of Madison Water Utility;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Water Utility Board hereby formally commends Daniel J. Rodefeld (Dan) for his 37 years of exemplary service and leadership, expresses its sincere appreciation for his numerous contributions to Madison Water Utility and the City of Madison, and extends its best wishes to him for health, fulfillment, and success in his retirement.