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Every two weeks, the City of Watertown proudly highlights the incredible individuals who keep our community running strong. Through the #WatertownWorks series, we showcase the talented professionals behind the scenes who make a difference every day. With over 250 full-time employees across diverse departments, their dedication and stories reflect the spirit of Watertown.
This week, the city is excited to feature: Nick Weyh (Information Technology), Maria Gruener (Library), Craig Mitchell (Wastewater) and Jennifer Collins (Finance Office).
Nick Weyh – Helpdesk Technician, IT Department
Weyh began his journey with the City of Watertown as an intern in 2022 and transitioned to full-time in April 2024. As the first point of contact for the IT Department, Weyh handles incoming tickets, assists colleagues with larger projects, and provides vital tech support across departments.
His favorite part of his job is connecting with the hardworking teams throughout Watertown, from the Landfill to the Golf Course. A highlight of his time with the city was managing the IT setup at the new Ice Arena, a rewarding challenge he embraced during his internship.
Outside of work, Weyh has been a drummer for over a decade, playing rock, heavy metal, and jazz. He’s currently performing with a local metal band in Watertown. If he had a superpower, he’d choose flying to make traveling easier. His favorite local restaurant? Labbie’s. Fun fact: Nick loves traveling, especially long road trips.
Maria Gruener – Library Director
Gruener has dedicated 15 years to enriching the community through her work at the Library. As Library Director, she oversees the facility’s operations, from budgeting and planning to managing staff and programming. She loves assisting patrons in finding answers to their questions and making knowledge accessible to all.
She takes pride in securing grants and coordinating major exhibits at the library, such as the Lincoln: The Constitution and the Civil War traveling exhibit and the Americans and the Holocaust exhibition.
In her free time, Gruener enjoys reading, baking, and watching Korean dramas. Her favorite local spot for a London Fog? Backroads Coffeehouse. She believes everyone has their own “everyday superpower,” whether it’s baking perfection or finding a great parking spot. Fun fact: Her kitten, Lucy, is named after Lucille Ball and has a personality to match!
Craig Mitchell – Assistant Wastewater Superintendent
Mitchell has spent his entire 30-year career serving the City of Watertown. As Assistant Wastewater Superintendent, he plays a key role in maintaining the city’s wastewater system, ensuring environmental compliance, and overseeing major upgrades and rehabilitation projects at the treatment facility.
He enjoys the camaraderie within his team and the larger Public Works Department. He’s especially proud of two major facility upgrades and earning EPA/DNR approval for the city’s pretreatment program.
Family time is his favorite pastime, and when it comes to superpowers, he proudly claims his role in transforming poop into clean water for reuse in the Big Sioux River. His go-to coffee shop is Caribou, and his fun fact? Craig has been with the City of Watertown his entire adult career!
Jennifer Collins – Records and Licensing Manager, Finance Office
Collins’s passion for organization and efficiency shines in her role as Records and Licensing Manager. With 7.5 years of experience, she ensures council agendas are accurate and timely, oversees business and alcohol licenses, and manages critical records.
Collins loves being part of the city’s growth and appreciates the supportive Finance Office team. She’s particularly proud of helping implement new records software, modernizing how Watertown manages information.
At home, She enjoys family time with her husband, kids, and their puppy, often cheering on Minnesota sports teams. If she could have a superpower, it would be the ability to be in two places at once to balance work and family life. Her favorite restaurant is Downtown Sushi, and she once announced at a Minnesota Twins game as a Junior Public Address Announcer!
