LEGAL REQUIREMENTS/PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

In accordance with City Charter Chapter XI, Sec. 1, the Department has charge of the following responsibilities: the construction, maintenance and repair of City streets, bridges, docks, buildings and all other structures not specifically assigned by charter to other departments; street lighting; street cleaning; collection and disposal of ashes, garbage and recyclable materials; and the provision of heat, light and janitorial care for all City-owned buildings except those under the jurisdictions of the Board of Education. Under the City Charter, Chapter V, Section 7, the City Manager is authorized to appoint a Traffic Engineer to oversee the day to day responsibilities of the Legal Traffic Authority which is also contained in the Department of Public Works. Additionally, the Department of Public Works is responsible for the functions associated with the Department of Engineering as defined by the City Charter, Chapter XIII, Section 1 & 2, including the charter requirements specifically required of the City Engineer.

The responsibilities specified in City Charter Chapter XV, Parks and Recreation Department, have been divided between Public Works and Human Services with Public Works having the responsibility to maintain parks and cemeteries as well as park utilization scheduling and forestry functions.

The Department’s primary responsibilities are the design, maintenance and cleanliness of City streets, buildings, sidewalks and properties; waste collection; fleet management; planning and installation of traffic control devices, and the physical maintenance of the park system.

BUDGET HIGHLIGHTS:

The decrease in the adopted budget is primarily attributed to adjustments operating supply, contractual and payroll accounts. The department has reduced the size of the work force from 353 to 350 positions. A vacant Civil Engineer III position was eliminated as well as two Engineering Technicians positions. As a result, survey requirements for construction projects will be contracted out and charged directly to each construction project. Other adjustments include a reduction in overtime expenses and equipment purchases.


DEPARTMENT BUDGET SUMMARY: