Tiffin Talk – Episode 7: Behind the Scenes of Tiffin’s Water & Wastewater Systems

What really happens after you flush the toilet or turn on your faucet? 💧🚽

In this episode of Tiffin Talk, Mayor Tim Kasparek and Mayor Pro Tem Tim Orris sit down with Brett Mehmen, Tiffin’s Water & Wastewater Superintendent, who has spent more than 30 years helping keep Tiffin’s water and wastewater systems running.

Brett takes us behind the scenes to talk about everything from Tiffin’s wells, water treatment and water quality to the surprisingly complex biological process that happens at the wastewater treatment plant. He also shares how Tiffin’s rapid growth has impacted the system, what challenges come with planning for the future, and what residents can expect from the City’s new water treatment facility.

The conversation also covers the science behind water hardness, chlorides, nanofiltration, water softeners, the future expansion of the wastewater system, and why the new water treatment plant is such an important investment for Tiffin’s future.

And, of course, there are plenty of lighter moments—including the strangest things Brett has found in the wastewater system, the infamous “flushable” wipes, unusual calls from residents, and a few stories that prove working in water and wastewater is never quite as boring as it sounds!

Most importantly, Brett talks about what he finds most rewarding about his job: providing Tiffin residents with safe, clean drinking water and helping build a system that can serve the community for generations to come.

Tune in for a fascinating look at the people, science, technology and infrastructure working behind the scenes to keep Tiffin flowing.

Hosts:

Tim Kasparek, Mayor – ⁠⁠⁠tkasparek@tiffin-iowa.org⁠⁠

Tim Orris, Council Member & Mayor Pro Tem – ⁠⁠⁠torris@tiffin-iowa.org⁠ ⁠⁠

Producer: Ashley Platz, Assistant City Administrator – ⁠⁠⁠aplatz@tiffin-iowa.org⁠

Guest: Doug Boldt, Tiffin City Administrator

Summary:

In this episode, city administrator Doug Boldt shares insights into the role of city administration, ongoing projects in Tiffin, and how community growth is managed responsibly. Discover how leadership, infrastructure, and development shape the future of Tiffin.

Keywords: City administration, Tiffin projects, community growth, infrastructure, leadership, urban development.

Key Topics:

• Role of city administration in community growth
• Major projects in Tiffin: North Park Road, Rec Center, Water Treatment Facility
• Balancing growth with community character
• Leadership and decision-making in city governance
• Development incentives and attracting new businesses

• Inside Tiffin's Growth: An Interview with City Administrator Doug Boldt
• Managing Community Growth: Tiffin's Future Unveiled

• "It starts with leadership at the mayor and council level."
• "Growth is managed through organized, controlled processes."
• "Good leadership keeps the city moving forward."

Titles

• Inside Tiffin's Growth: An Interview with City Administrator Doug Boldt
• Managing Community Growth: Tiffin's Future Unveiled

Sound Bites

"It starts with leadership at the mayor and council level."

"Growth is managed through organized, controlled processes."

"Good leadership keeps the city moving forward."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and overview of Tiffin's growth

01:52 Background of Doug Boldt and his career path

07:11 Understanding the role of city administration

20:00 Major current projects in Tiffin: North Park Road, Rec Center, Water Facility

40:02 Balancing growth with community character

45:14 The importance of leadership in city planning

47:04 Community involvement and how to stay informed

49:12 Closing remarks and future outlook

Hey Tiffin! Ready to stay in the loop? Welcome to Tiffin Talk—the podcast that brings you behind the scenes of our growing city. We’ll cover everything from new developments to community events and feature interviews with the people shaping Tiffin’s future. Don’t miss out—subscribe today and catch our new episode soon! Host Mayor Tim Kasparek & Co-Host Tim Orris, City Council Member (Mayor Pro Tem)

Episode 5: Meet the Party People!

Hosts:

Tim Kasparek, Mayor – ⁠⁠tkasparek@tiffin-iowa.org⁠

Tim Orris, Council Member & Mayor Pro Tem – ⁠⁠torris@tiffin-iowa.org⁠ ⁠

Producer: Ashley Platz, Assistant City Administrator – ⁠⁠aplatz@tiffin-iowa.org⁠ Guests:

Bri Wilkerson, Deputy City Clerk - bwilkerson@tiffin-iowa.org

Ashley Platz, Asst. City Administrator

This week on Tiffin Talk: The Official Podcast of the City of Tiffin, Iowa, Mayor Tim Kasparek and Mayor Pro Tem Tim Orris sit down with two of the City's biggest community champions—Deputy City Clerk Bri Wilkerson and Assistant City Administrator Ashley Platz, better known as members of Tiffin's unofficial event-planning crew, "The Party People."

From the origins of RecFest to the launch of the new Tiffin Summer Socials: Parties in the Park series, Bri and Ashley share how the City is creating opportunities for neighbors to connect, families to make memories, and residents to experience the community spirit that makes Tiffin special.

Learn about upcoming summer events, including live music, food trucks, ice cream socials, movie nights, bingo, and the expanded two-day RecFest celebration. You'll also hear why community events matter, how volunteers can get involved, and how the City is working to preserve Tiffin's small-town feel while continuing to grow.

Whether you're a longtime resident or new to town, this episode is packed with exciting ways to get involved, meet your neighbors, and make the most of summer in Tiffin.

Topics include:

• The story behind "The Party People"

• Tiffin Summer Socials: Parties in the Park

• RecFest 2026 updates and new additions

• Building community through local events

• Volunteer opportunities

• Summer fun, food, music, and more

Tune in and discover why summer nights in Tiffin are all about community, connection, and creating memories together.

Full Transcript for this episode can be found here: https://tiffin-iowa.org/city_government/tiffintalk_podcast.php

Hi everyone, I’m Tim Kasparek, Mayor of Tiffin. I’ve had the privilege of serving our community during an exciting time of growth and change. My role is all about making sure Tiffin continues to be a great place to live, work, and raise a family. From supporting new development to improving city services, I work closely with our council and staff to keep things moving forward. I’m passionate about building a strong, connected community, and I’m excited to share updates and answer your questions today. Thanks for tuning in!

Meet Co-Host of Tiffin Talk - The Official Podcast of the City of Tiffin, Iowa.

Hi everyone, I’m Tim Orris, Mayor Pro Tem & City Council Member of the City of Tiffin, Iowa. I’ve called Tiffin home for the past 10 years, and for the last four years, I’ve had the privilege of serving on the City Council. I truly love this community and all the things that make Tiffin unique. Being part of the team that helps guide Tiffin’s growth in a structured, thoughtful way—while keeping a strong community mindset—is something I’m passionate about. I’m excited to share conversations that matter and help keep you connected to what’s happening in our city.

Episode 1: Welcome to Tiffin Talk – The Official Podcast of the City of Tiffin, IowaJoin us for the very first episode of Tiffin Talk, where we bring you inside updates, community news, and conversations that matter to Tiffin residents.

Hosts:

Tim Kasparek, Mayor – tkasparek@tiffin-iowa.org

Tim Orris, Council Member & Mayor Pro Tem – torris@tiffin-iowa.org

Producer: Ashley Platz, Assistant City Administrator – aplatz@tiffin-iowa.org

Special Guest: Brian Detert, Director of Public Works (Celebrating 25 years with Tiffin PW!)

In this episode, we cover:✅

City Project Updates – Learn more: https://tiffin-iowa.org/city_government/city_projects.php -Tiffin Water Treatment Plant

Upgrade (Reverse Osmosis)-Tiffin Recreation Center progress-Economic

Development news✅ Special Census – Knocking & calling starting soon! Details here: https://tiffin-iowa.org/city_government/special_census.php✅

Community Reminders:

Report a Concern: Submit here: https://webgen1files1.revize.com/tiffinia/Document center/STANDARDS & PERMIT FORMS/Other Forms/Complaint-Comment-Issues Form.pdf

Annual Pet Renewals & Dog Park Registration: Info here- https://tiffin-iowa.org/residents/pets___animal_control.php✅ Council Updates:Welcome new Council Member Tony Johnson – Meet the Council https://tiffin-iowa.org/city_government/city_council.php

A heartfelt thank you to Oliver “Al” Havens for 11+ years of dedicated service to Tiffin!🎙 Coming Up Next: Meet our new Parks & Recreation Director starting January 7th!

Subscribe & Listen:

• Spotify

• Apple Podcasts

• YouTube…and more platforms soon!

Visit us online: www.tiffin-iowa.orgQuestions or feedback? Email us anytime!

Full transcription of Episode 01: https://webgen1files1.revize.com/tiffinia/Tiffin%20Talk%20-%20Episode%2001%20-%20Public%20Works%20Director-%20TRANSCRIPT.pdf?t=202601101905190&t=202601101905190

🎙️ Tiffin Talk – Episode 4: Building Smarter with the City’s Building Official

Ever wonder when you actually need a building permit—or what really happens during an inspection?

In Episode 4 of Tiffin Talk, we’re joined by Brian Shay, Tiffin’s Building Official, for an inside look at the Building Department and how it impacts everyday projects around town. From decks and basements to fences, sheds, and DIY renovations, Brian breaks down what homeowners need to know before starting a project.

This episode covers:

• Which projects require permits (and which don’t)
• Common DIY mistakes that can cause big problems later
• Why inspections matter more than people realize
• How zoning rules affect what you can build and where
• Real‑world examples and memorable inspection stories

Whether you’re a seasoned DIYer, planning your first home project, or just curious about how Tiffin grows safely and smartly, this episode is packed with practical info straight from the source.

👉 Pro tip: When in doubt—call before you build.

🎧 Tune in and learn how to make your next project smoother, safer, and code‑compliant.

FULL TRANSCRIPT can be found at: https://tiffin-iowa.org/city_government/tiffintalk_podcast.php