D3’s Servatius recognized for helping Wilder greet visitors


When Michael McGarvin contacted District 3 Right-of-Way Manager Lana Servatius in late June for assistance on a compliance issue she was surprised and impressed by the quick response.


The question related to upgrading community signs in Wilder.

“The rules provide the criteria for official community signs located outside the highway right-of-way and, according to our records, both of your existing Wilder official community signs are located outside the highway right-of-way and in compliance with the rules,” Servatius wrote to McGarvin. 
 
The Welcome to Wilder signs are three feet by eight feet treated plywood construction at the city's entrance. 
 
“Thank you for taking time to review the rules with me and for your concern that the new signs remain in compliance with the rules. Being proactive always works best,” she added.
 
Servatius sent McGarvin copies of the existing official city sign permits, followed up by sending copies of the highway plans that showed the width at the location of U.S. 95 facing northbound traffic, and provided contact information for the ITD foreman who manages the section of highway.

She also sent him the highway plans that showed the width of a section of Idaho 19 that McGarvin was considering for placement of another sign.
 
McGarvin was so impressed by the rapid, thorough customer service that he contacted Idaho Sen. Patti Ann Lodge, who in turn relayed a message to ITD Governmental Affairs Manager Mollie McCarty.
In typically modest fashion, Servatius downplayed the interaction:
 
“He just called and wanted to talk about the Wilder community signs. They’ve been in place for a long time and no one really knew the details about them.  I just pulled the files and emailed copies of the permits, etc. so he would have the information. The city wants to do some new signage or update the old signs, so I emailed a copy of the rules. He had some questions about alternative locations and additional signage so I answered his questions.”
 
“I am happy to hear he was satisfied with my assistance,” Servatius said.  “I really enjoy the interaction with the public and being helpful.”
 
“It is not often we are told of the great job our state workers do,” Lodge wrote to McCarthy in an email.  “I just wanted to pass this compliment along. Michael said she really went the extra mile. Needless to say, the community is thrilled.”
 
McGarvin said members of the sign committee will tour prospective sites next week.

Published 7-19-13