- April 25, 2024
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“Ted has worn many hats and many types of suspenders.”
Mayor Ed Kelley, while honoring Public Works Director Ted MacLeod
Anyone who has attended a City Commission meeting has likely noticed the one person who seldom speaks from the dais. There is the City Commission, City Manager Joyce Shanahan, City Attorney Randy Hayes, and the quiet man with gray beard, Ted MacLeod.
MacLeod worked as public works director in New Hampshire for 21 years before coming to Ormond Beach in 1993. Now assistant city manager and director of public works, he is occasionally called upon to provide the location of a city well, or status of a project, but otherwise is known for his silence.
But MacLeod got his reluctant turn in the spotlight at the meeting on Nov. 17.
“Ted could help me with something?” Kelley said at the beginning of the meeting, standing in front of the dais.
“This involves someone you know,” Kelley said. Then, Kelley drew laughter from the audience as he said, “Surprise, it’s you.”
MacLeod said, “Is this a surprise retirement?”
Kelley then read the proclamation for his “service to the city and exemplary commitment to service.”
His statements made it apparent that though quiet at the meetings, MacLeod’s contributions were far from unnoticed.
“Ted has worn many hats and many types of suspenders,” Kelley said, referring to the garment for which he is known. “On three occasions he served as acting city manager for extended periods of time and did so superbly. He runs a tight ship. He responds to residents’ concerns and insists on courtesy to residents.”
Commissioner Richard Boehm pointed out that MacLeod has been proactive in alerting the commission about needed projects.
“We did a $16 million waste water treatment plant expansion in advance of when we need it because Ted said we need to do it now,” he said.
Another example of preventive maintenance suggested by MacLeod, Boehm said, is the current city-wide, two-inch water main replacement project.
“The City Commission goes along with projects he recommends,” Boehm said.
City Commissioner Troy Kent said that MacLeod may be quiet on the dais, but when he speaks everyone gets quiet and listens.
MacLeod slipped on a ladder recently and had a minor bump on this head and this was referenced throughout the ceremony.
“We owe him a great deal of gratitude and wanted to do this before he slipped on a ladder again,” Kelley said.
MacLeod said, “They must have thought that blow on the head was going to kill me.”
MacLeod said any success he has had is because of his employees.
“I don’t do any of this stuff. I just see it happen as my staff does it,” he said. “I appreciate your kind words.”
