Public Works man retires after 39 years with the city
Frank Contreras has retired after 39 years working for the City of Redondo Beach; his final position as Public Works manager/streets and sewers.
He was presented a Key to the City May 2.
Contreras began with the City in 1982 as a part-time maintenance worker, going full-time in 1984. He became a pump station operator in 1987 and a sewers lead worker in 1999, then in 2015, Public Works Manager.
His sewer crew employees were named 2007 Redondo Beach Employees of the Year.
Public Works Director Ted Semaan praised Contreras at last week’s city council meeting as “Doctor Frank,” before Semaan pulled the tie off his neck and gave it to the honoree.
“Wastewater and stormwater maintenance efforts became a simple routine (under Frank), making the efforts seem simple,” said Semaan.
Mayor Pro-Tem Nils Nehrenheim presented Contreras the Key to the City and the crowded council chambers gave a standing ovation.
City council members added their own tributes.
“Sometimes I got a response from Frank before I hit send,” said City Councilman Todd Loewenstein.ER