Chris Bieker has navigated many life crossroads.
Now he finds himself at another crossroad as he prepares to retire from 38 years working for Upper Thompson Sanitation District. His last day is Jan. 2, 2025.
Bieker’s first crossroads decision wouldn’t have been supported by many. He dropped out of a Denver area high school and moved to Estes Park with his brother, Layne because they had a “rough, rough childhood.” The boys took jobs at Nicky’s and lived rent-free in a three-walled uninhabited lean-to they found and named Fort Freedom. While both brothers remained in Estes Park for several years, Chris made the community his permanent home.
A few years after his early employment at Nicky’s, now the Wapiti Colorado Pub, he found a better position and a good friend in co-worker and server Linda Harrison, when flipping eggs at the Mountain Man restaurant, now Ed’s Cantina. That could be considered his most important crossroads decision.
“There’s a lot to be said about ‘behind every good man is a good woman,’ he said of the gal who became his wife. Following their marriage, his restaurant responsibilities grew; the wages were good, and he enjoyed the work. But it was clear the time had come for year-round wages, health insurance, and a career ladder.
Linda encouraged Bieker to take a Larimer County vo-tech class on water and wastewater. With that motivation plus several enthusiastic recommendations, he applied to the Town of Estes Park, Estes Park Sanitation District and UTSD.
“I practically begged (then UTSD director) Bob Cheney for the job. I told him, “Look, I need this job. I’m the best candidate. You can’t go wrong with me.”
Years later, when Bieker became district director, he found a pile of 27 applications that had been submitted for the job he got in 1987. A notation on his paperwork read, “This guy has no math or science background. Could he get state certifications?”
That’s because wastewater certifications involve memorizing mathematical equations and applying them to complex, hypothetical treatment scenarios. Exams can last a full day. Bieker proved he was capable. He earned all four certifications in four years.
He started as an operator, shoveling fecal matter, gophers, and anything else that could get into a sewer.
“It’s not a clean job. You’re constantly working around sewage. It’s just something you deal with,” Bieker said.
As the years rolled by, he learned to design and fabricate parts to keep the unique and aging plant running. He also learned the art and science of waste processing, an education he says never ends.
Decision points continued. Though there were times with tremendous mentors and co-workers, other experiences led him to consider leaving the job.
“That’s where Linda came in. She said, ‘Just stick it out, and things will turn around.’ And they did.”
When tragedy prompted a series of personnel changes at UTSD, Jeff Hodge became district manager. According to Bieker, Hodge’s outside perspective and leadership positioned the district to navigate increasingly complex environmental regulations.
“I became his right-hand man.” Bieker said of that time when he and Hodge worked together closely. Bieker was promoted to interim district manager when Hodge resigned and was named district manager in 2008.
The Flood of 2013
Even with five years’ experience as head of the agency, the September 2013 flood was more of a trial-by-fire incident that put Bieker squarely front and center in the public’s eye.That was when flooding caused by 9.3 inches of rain knocked out sewer service to over 75% percent of UTSD’s customers.
“Sewer is something that nobody thinks about,” Bieker said. “It’s underground. You take it for granted. You flush a toilet and it’s gone out of your life. Well, the flood threw us from underground to on top. Because during the flood, it was the most important thing on anybody’s plate.”
“Sewer is something that nobody thinks about,” Bieker said. “It’s underground. You take it for granted. You flush a toilet and it’s gone out of your life. Well, the flood threw us from underground to on top. Because during the flood, it was the most important thing on anybody’s plate.”
Chris Bieker
District engineering consultant Steve Ravel found the Gold Hill-Central City route to Estes Park and was able to assess damage and develop project lists while Bieker worked with town government, regulatory agencies, and the public. Staff picked up the slack.
“It was the craziest time,” Bieker said. “The office received cookies, cards, and emails. The great majority were supportive and appreciative.”
A few weren’t. Someone — Bieker doesn’t know who — contacted Denver7 News. The informant suggested that sanitation district missteps and inefficiencies would make a good story.
“We started pointing at maps and collection systems and showing the damage, just to provide the magnitude of what we were faced with,” he said. A field tour of the recovery effort followed, and the story aired live from the Fish Creek corridor.
The anticipated expose turned into a feel-good story, Bieker said.
In less than three months, a few days before Thanksgiving, temporary sewer connections were restored to 75 percent of the customers, but it took another two and a half years for permanent repairs to be completed.
What’s next
The next big chapter in the UTSD story involves a new plant that Bieker has been instrumental in planning. The design is complete and bid specifications have been advertised. Now Bieker finds himself at another crossroads.
He says it’s time to enjoy being with Linda, so retirement is the decision. They want to know their newest grandbaby, Oliver, who lives in Tennessee.
Bieker plans to finish modifications on their Sprinter Van, and then pick up and go. He’ll bicycle his way into the best physical condition of his life. He plans to put his spatula to good use again.
Thirty-eight years is a lot to leave at the crossroads. His crew knows they’re prepared to lead without him. “I’m not leaving them hanging there. Our district is so strong. It won’t be an issue.”
He says he appreciated Suzanne Jurgens’ capabilities and character when he hired her nearly 11 years ago, qualities he sees as essential for a successful manager. The board of directors obviously agreed and in July named Jurgens to succeed Bieker as the next district manager. Her duties begin Jan. 2.