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Commending and Recognizing Margaret Kraege, Equipment Operator III with the City of Madison Parks Division, upon her retirement after over 42 years of dedicated service to the City of Madison.
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WHEREAS, in 1980, Margaret started her employment with the City of Madison as a Life Guard Seasonal Employee; and,
WHEREAS, in September, 1994, Margaret began working for the City of Madison as the first woman Equipment Operator in the Parks Division; and,
WHEREAS, for over 28 years, Margaret has found her passion for serving the public as a vital member of the Madison Parks’ operations team as an Equipment Operator III, specializing in building parks and improving the City of Madison park amenities.
WHEREAS, throughout her career, Margaret worked diligently to support construction projects and heavy equipment needs of the Parks Division, learning how to use various types of heavy equipment, including front-end loaders, bull dozers, and dump trucks; building parks; bike paths, soccer and football fields, and parking lots; and,
WHEREAS, Margaret was a trail blazer by being the first woman to be employed in the position of Equipment Operator in the Parks Division; and
WHEREAS, Margaret was a role model for other women by demonstrating that a position that was historically held by men could be held by a woman; and,
WHEREAS, Margaret’s ability to create a welcoming environment to staff and her passion for building great spaces for our community will be greatly missed; and,
WHEREAS, throughout her service, Margaret prioritized safety for City workers and residents; serving on the Parks Safety Committee for a total of over 30 years; and,
WHEREAS, Margaret supported the City of Madison Streets Division with their street snow removal requirements, removing snow from the City streets for 28 years; and,
WHEREAS, Margaret was a continuous learner and was always excited to learn new skills; including becoming an excellent trail builder supported by attending seminars across the country on her own time; and,
WHEREAS, Margaret has consistently demonstrated a high-level of professionalism and strong work ethic in working through challenging situations; and,
WHEREAS, Margaret has been an excellent and devoted steward of the public’s resources in working to ensure materials and tools were used wisely; and,
WHEREAS, Margaret has been an exemplary public servant who always worked to provide the best possible Parks system to the Madison community; and,
WHEREAS, Margaret shall retire from Madison Parks on March 17, 2023; and,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Mayor, Board of Park Commissioners and Parks Superintendent commend Margaret Kraege, Equipment Operator III, on her retirement from the City of Madison after 42 years of exemplary City service; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Mayor, Board of Park Commissioners, and Parks Superintendent express deepest gratitude to Margaret for her dedicated service to the City of Madison, its residents and partners, and wish her all the best in her future endeavors; and,
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that the Mayor, Board of Park Commissioners, Parks Superintendent, and the entire Parks Division wish Margaret a healthy and enjoyable retirement full of new and exciting adventures with her family and friends.