Frank Wiseman calls himself an “old utility guy” after 31 years in the public service industry. Retiring at the end of the August as director of Westerville’s Public Service Department, Frank leaves a legacy of service to the residents of Westerville as he prepares to spend more time in another role: “Grandpa.”
Where are you from?
I was raised in Chillicothe, and eventually made my way to central Ohio through job-related moves. I graduated from Miami University with a business degree and first worked in retail management for 10 years. Before I settled into utility work, we had moved seven times in 10 years.
How did you get into the utility/public service business?
I first started as a second-shift water treatment operator in Orrville, Ohio at the age of 30. It was a good transition for me and a new family. Within a few years, I had taken on the water and sewer operation in the village of Marshallville. During that time, I earned my class three operator’s license in wastewater and water management. From there, I had an opportunity to be chief water operator for Fairfield County, and we moved to Lancaster from Orrville. The next jump was to the service director position in Pickerington, where I stayed for six years before coming to Westerville.
How would you describe the Westerville community?
It’s a great community and well-deserving of the national rankings we receive as a great place to live and work. We made our home here and found that it’s really a community, not disconnected houses sitting next to one another. There is a strong spirit here and we noticed it the instant we moved in. We were invited to a block party with all our neighbors, who welcomed us with open arms and included us right from the start.
What do you think people would find most surprising about the Service Department?
It would be how easily accessible we actually are. It just takes an email or a phone call and we respond quickly. Sometimes because of the experience people have had with government or an agency, they don’t expect it. We take pride in being responsive and helpful to the community we serve.
Last winter was pretty tough. What was your strategy in managing staff and resources?
It’s all in being prepared, but it’s also in having the ability to adapt to the actual situation. We had to adapt personnel and equipment several times to meet needs and deal with both predicted and unpredictable conditions. And we are well set up to do that. Even years ago, when we had the high winds from Hurricane Hugo, we responded quickly with other departments and were done in a few days, while other communities were waiting days and weeks.
There’s strong cooperation between all departments in the City. We all help each other. That’s what we mean when we talk about service-oriented government. Providing prompt, courteous service starts from City Council and the City Manager, and all departments buy into that.
What is the accomplishment of which you’re proud?
The accreditation of the Westerville Public Service Department from the American Public Works Association. It shows that we truly have a Service Department that ranks among the best in the nation. A lot of work and time is involved in the two-year process to review all our policies and procedures and make sure we are meeting established standards. Then it’s a one-year application process and judging by our peers.
What do you think you will miss most about your position?
Working with true professionals. City staff really cares about the community and works to make it a great place to live.
What are your plans for retirement?
We’re in the process of moving to Lancaster to be closer to family. I plan to focus on the three G’s : golf, garden and grandkids. I’m reluctant to leave Westerville. It’s such a good community and in the center of everything, but honestly, grandkids take precedence. We have grandkids ranging in age from 21 years to 10 months, and this move puts us near seven of the eight.
