Blizzard throws new Hoffman Estates public works director into fray

Joseph Nebel assumed the top spot in Hoffman Estates' public works department last month after longtime director Ken Hari retired from the post.

So much for the honeymoon.

About 19.5 inches of snow fell on the village Tuesday night through Wednesday morning, officials said, and Nebel led the effort to clean it up.

While Nebel says he's had better days than Wednesday, Hoffman Estates Mayor William McLeod is lauding him and the public works department for their response.

“It was an epic battle, but our public works did a great job,” McLeod said.

The battle is continuing through the weekend as village crews work to move snow off roadways and public areas. Nebel said the effort will take weeks.

“This was probably the worst storm we've had in a number of years,” said Nebel, 40.

With all the prepping and organizing before the storm, Nebel didn't go home to his wife in Crystal Lake Tuesday night. Instead he spent the night Hoffman Estates where he got a solid two and a half hours sleep after going to bed at 5 a.m.

“There's more responsibility, more accountability, more meetings,” he said of his new role.

Village Manager James Norris promoted Nebel to acting director after Hari accepted a village buyout and retired in a cost-cutting move offered to several employees.

Nebel is no stranger to the pressures of leading an important facet of local government. His father, Richard Nebel, served as the Crystal Lake Fire Chief until his retirement in 1999 and Joseph Nebel worked 15 years for his hometown, most recently as water superintendent.

Hoffman Estates hired him in 2007 and in that time Nebel has distinguished himself, officials say.

“He is bright, articulate, a good listener and has developed strong working relationships with the employees of the public works department, other village departments and important agencies in and around the village,” Norris said of Nebel.

Norris said he doesn't know when he'll name a permanent public works director.

In the run up to the blizzard, Nebel joined officials from the police and fire departments, as well as emergency management, to plan the village's response.

Hari, who spent 17 years in Hoffman Estates, said he nervously paced back and forth before the blizzard, as he was used to preparing his crews for snow removal.

“The adrenaline gets going and there's apparent reason for it,” said Hari, who worked for 40 years in various public works departments. “It's not like it's a huge crisis; just a few flakes and it triggers that.”

Hari is pursuing a graduate degree in clinical psychology at Argosy University in Chicago. He has the utmost confidence in Nebel and is thankful to have worked in Hoffman Estates.

“The 17 years in Hoffman Estates were the most memorable, enriching experience I've ever had in life,” he said.

Besides having to contend with the snow, village staff worked with the Hoffman Estates Park District to set up the Triphahn Community Center and Ice Arena as a warming center throughout the blizzard. About four blocks of Payson Street, which is northwest of Roselle and Schaumburg roads, were without electricity after the storm.

“Things have evolved,” McLeod said. “It's as sophisticated as any big-city operation.”

Meanwhile, Nebel says he hoped to catch up on some sleep this weekend and is thankful Hoffman Estates avoided any major accidents or injuries in the blizzard of 2011.

“Other than the 20 inches of snow, we've had no major problems on village roads,” he said.