Jon Buxton and Derek Keys Receive City of Branson August Employee of the Month Award for Outstanding Work in Utilities Division

Branson, MO (August 9, 2017) – The City of Branson recognized two individuals for outstanding dedication to their work. Jon Buxton and Derek Keys of the Branson Utility division received the August Employee of the Month Award presented by Alderwoman Cris Bohinc at the August 8 City Council meeting.

During recent flooding, approximately 40-feet of a 30-inch sewer interceptor in the Roark Valley was washed out allowing an open end pipe to flow full with creek water to lift station 30 on Epps Road. After locating the break, Jon and Derek led in the planning to isolate the leaking sewer and the setting up of a bypass system to move sewer flow around the area of missing pipe. Approximately 1200-feet of hose was laid out by the Water Department and sewer crew to reach another interceptor located further down the valley. With Buxton and Keys’ planning and leadership, the sewer spill was quickly stopped shortly after being discovered.

The bypass system required continuous monitoring until the pipe could be replaced. Buxton and Keys took ownership of the situation, working long hours under less-than-desirable conditions. The men created a strategy to ensure essential monitoring of the pumping system while working to flush material from the interceptor downstream of the break during the bypass period, working long, overnight hours. Keys coordinated equipment suppliers to bring in a dozer while Buxton secured the assistance of Ace Pipe Cleaning to provide dredging services needed for the removal of rock and sediment that had accumulated inside the 30-inch interceptor below the pipe break.

Both men distinguished themselves by demonstrating the City of Branson Values of Teamwork & Cooperation, Service & Courtesy, Safety, and Leadership. Congratulations to Buxton and Keys for their devotion in maintaining the integrity of City of Branson infrastructure thereby preserving the region’s natural resources.

Media inquiries related to this content may be directed to Jennifer Langford, Communications Manager, City of Branson at JLangford@BransonMO.gov or by calling 417.337.0017.  

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About the City of Branson, Missouri:  Located in Southwest Missouri, the City of Branson is committed to its citizens and to those who visit here, to ensure a safe and environmentally sound community. We will work as a team to maintain and promote the growth of our City, and to provide professional, courteous service to all through fair and open communication. We look to tomorrow, remembering yesterday, dedicated to excellence today.