Stephen “Dew” Bonetti began his career with the City of Baytown on November 1, 1990 as a Utility Maintenance Worker in the Sewer Department, unstopping main lines, checking manholes and smoke testing lines to check for inflow and infiltration in the sanitary sewer system.
In March of 1993, he transferred to the garage as a Maintenance Helper where he changed oil, repaired or changed tires, assisted the mechanics and kept the shop clean and in order.
Dew’s next move was in November of 1996 when he went to Streets and Drainage as an Equipment Operator where he worked on the concrete crew installing and repairing sidewalks, curbs, gutters and streets and he is proud of his many years on the CDBG crew installing sidewalks in areas of town where there were none, giving residents a safe place to walk.
By March of 2014 Dew was promoted to Heavy Equipment Specialist II and was given the responsibility of operating and maintaining the concrete truck. In his current role, he is responsible for making, delivering, and pouring concrete for the City’s in-house projects, helping save costs by reducing the need for outside contractors. Known for his pride in workmanship and attention to detail, he keeps the City’s concrete truck in exceptional condition, so much so that it likely looks even better today than when it first arrived brand new.
Aside from his daily responsibilities, Dew also has numerous “other duties as assigned.” He makes coffee, unlocks the doors, maintains and lowers the flags at Public Works and carries all keys associated to the Public Works buildings. Dew is also HAZMAT certified and drives the diesel tanker truck refilling generators and pumps around town as needed. Perhaps his most impactful “other duty as assigned” is to work with all Public Works employees to obtain their CDL, not only teaching them how to operate the heavy equipment while pulling a trailer but also scheduling their appointments at DPS and insuring they have all needed documents to complete the driving test. To date all employees Dew has trained have passed their driving test and obtained their CDL. His commitment to train new employees has reduced the employee turnover rate approximately 35-40%. He does all of these “extra” duties with pride and is truly missed when he takes time off.
In his spare time, he is a baseball coach for team Texas, Texas Rangers and Texas Longhorns. He also mows and maintains Highlands Pony League fields and serves as a board member for the Highlands Pony league. He likes to hunt, fish and spend time with his family and has been married to his wife Kim for 35 years and they have two sons.
Thank you, Dew, for 35 years of dedicated service to our community and for the countless ways you make Baytown better every day. Your commitment and care inspire all of us.