Robert Ott, the long time Director of Public Works for the City of Manhattan, died Wednesday, following a five year battle with cancer. He was 50.
Ott began his career with the City in 2005, serving as City Engineer until 2014, when he was promoted to Director of Public Works. His service to Manhattan included a number of accomplishments, as he led redevelopments of the Downtown and Aggieville districts, utility relocations for the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility, expansion of major roadways along the Edge Collaboration District, and years of partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to bolster the Manhattan levee system.
In a Friday statement, City Manager Ron Fehr recalled Ott’s dedication to the community he served.
“Rob was an amazing, dedicated and trusted leader who we could always count on to be ready and ahead of any challenge we might be facing, regardless of the time of day,” said City Manager Ron Fehr. “His accomplishments are monumental, some which can be easily seen and others that are not so obvious, but equally important. Rob’s cancer battle was heroic and inspiring; he will be greatly missed.”
The City was able to secure millions in state and federal funding, thanks to Ott’s leadership, to help enhance the city’s streets and infrastructure.
In February, the City opened a new joint maintenance facility bearing Ott’s name that houses more than 100 City employees from public works and parks and recreation. City officials say Ott was a champion of seeing the project become a reality.
Ott is survived by his wife, Kim ,and son, Landon. City staff will join with his family and friends for a celebration of life from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 4 at the Robert Ott Municipal Services Facility, located at 1000 Levee Drive.
Funeral arrangements are being handled by Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home of Manhattan.
