Longtime city stalwart Hickel eager for retirement

Patty Hickel has left the building.

The last day at city hall for Colusa's longtime parks and recreation guru, turned public works director, was Friday.

Hickel officially retires Dec. 31, after more than 30 years of service with the city.

"I've worked a lot of years," Hickel said. "I've seen a lot of changes."

Hickel, 56, started with the city as a lifeguard in 1971, while in high school.

She became a full-time employee as a recreation supervisor in 1977, after completing her bachelor's degree from California State University, Chico, in recreation administration.

Hickel was born and raised in Colusa.

Colusa Mayor Bob MacKaben said Hickel has been one of the city's longest and most dedicated employees.

"I take my hat off to her," MacKaben said. "She is going to be missed."

Throughout most of Hickel's employment, she served as administrator of the city's recreational programs, including swimming, softball, soccer and other activities. She was also called to serve as interim city manager on occasion.

In 1996, Hickel accepted the position of public works director following the retirement of Mel Totman.

Under Hickel's direction, the city completed Colusa's wastewater treatment plant in 2008, which was named an "outstanding" project by the American Society of Civil Engineers.

The $15 million, state-of-the-art wastewater treatment plant processes 7 million gallons of sewer waste each day before discharging clean, recyclable water into the Colusa Basin Drain. The plant is the first in this area to use ultraviolet light technology to remove bacteria from wastewater without the use of chemical disinfectants. It took about 13 months to build, was completed three months ahead of schedule and came within $300,000 of the original budget.

The city's efficiency in completing the project was also considered in selecting the Colusa project for other awards. The American Public Works Association named the plant as "Project of the Year," in February.

Hickel said that while she has seen many changes in Colusa in her 32-year tenure, one thing has remained constant.

"The city has very good, long-term employees," Hickel said. "The staff is very dedicated. That is the city's biggest asset."

Hickel said she has not made any specific plans for the future, but may consider doing some volunteer work.

"I'm looking forward to not working," she said. "I'm going to enjoy retirement."

Contact Susan Meeker at 458-2121 or smeeker@tcnpress.com.