Randy Baker is appointed the City's Water Utility Director effective October 15, 2022. Randy has worked for the City of Russell since January 1999 in the Water Distribution Department as a maintenance worker, lead worker for water distribution and the wastewater system, and, most recently, as Water Distribution and Waste Water Superintendent.
Randy and his team produce over 300 million gallons of potable water each year for more than 2,400 customers by managing two water sources, maintaining thirty miles of raw water transmission line, and water at two water plants. The finished water goes to the City's two above-ground water towers, and from the towers, the water gets to customers through sixty-three miles of water distribution lines. In addition, Randy's department oversees the City's wastewater collection and treatment system. Russell's wastewater system is one of the largest lagoon systems in Kansas, treating more than 373 million gallons of wastewater annually. The City uses a significant portion of the treated wastewater to irrigate city parks and the municipal golf course.
The Waste Water Lagoon system and Plant A are undergoing major rehabilitation projects that will update equipment and keep the facilities useful for another twenty years.
"Under Randy's leadership and his comprehensive knowledge of the water and wastewater systems, the utility will continue providing high-quality community services with the highest degree of excellence and professionalism," said City Manager Jon Quinday.
Randy is originally from Salem, Missouri, and moved to Russell in 1999. He enjoys hunting, traveling to watch his son coach collegiate baseball, and spending time with family.