Public Works

About the Public Works Department

The Department employs 32 full-time and 6 seasonal part-time employees.  The primary responsibility of the Department is to maintain the city's infrastructure throughout five divisions.  The following is an overview of the Department structure as it relates to the primary functions of those divisions:  

• Highway Maintenance:  Primary responsibility is the maintenance of 210 miles of local streets. The division is responsible for maintaining traffic signals, signage, storm drainage, road pavements, pavement markings, snow and ice control and right of way vegetation maintenance.
• Park Maintenance:  Responsible for the maintenance of all city parks, including ball diamonds, football fields, soccer fields and picnic areas.
• Buildings Maintenance:  Responsible for the infrastructure of 10 community owned buildings. Provide electrical, mechanical, and physical plant maintenance services.
• Fleet Maintenance:  Responsible for the procurement, maintenance and fuel needs of the City's motorized fleet as well as support equipment such as pumps, compressors, generators and tools. All police, fire, ambulance, rescue and public works equipment is maintained by this division.
• Sewer Division:  Responsible for the operation and maintenance of the city's many miles of sewer collection system. The system contains 23 sanitary sewer lift stations that are maintained by sewer staff.

Department Mission and Values Statement

Mission: The Public Works Department strives to continually maintain and improve city streets, parks and sewer services. We do this through organizationally shared values, doing the right thing, at the right time, for the right reason.

Values:  The Public Works Department is committed to:

• Fulfilling those self-interests of our people that are aligned with the goals that serve the best interests of our community.
• Providing a safe and respectful work environment.
• Insuring collaborative partnerships and open communications.
• Promoting the diverse talents of our work force through shared leadership, internal commitment and informed choice.
• Balancing the need for urban services and preservation of our natural environment. 

Department Objectives FY2026

Highway Maintenance

• Complete all planned Highway Division Projects.
• Reduce salt usage through efficient anti-icing and pre-wetting operations.
• Replace street signs to meet FHWA guidelines.
• Replace all failing crossroad culverts.
• Paint all roads centerline and fog lines.
• Shoulder reclaim/shoulder all our main roads.
• Trim and prune street trees.
• Clean and inspect all catch basins.
• Sweep City streets at least once a month.
• Fill all potholes that show up.
• Keep up our roadside mowing for visibility for driver. 

Fleet Maintenance

• Provide cost-effective vehicle and equipment repairs for all divisions/departments including Police and Fire.
• Manage the DPW Equipment replacement Budget to replace necessary vehicles and equipment that are past the expected service life.
• Spec out and build a replacement plow truck to enhance the capabilities of our plow fleet.
• Implement a new fleet management software to expand repair order capabilities, help track repairs, reduce time spent on redundant paperwork and ease the process of chargebacks to other departments.
• Expand the shops abilities and equipment to be able to keep repairs in house and done in a timely manner.

Building Maintenance

• Complete ongoing renovation projects on schedule and within budget (e.g., lower conference room repairs from flood damage).
• Upgrade lighting systems by continuing the conversion of all building and street lights to LED.
• Implement preventive maintenance schedules for HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems to reduce emergency repairs.
• Ensure compliance with safety and building codes through regular inspections and prompt corrections.
• Enhance facility cleanliness and functionality by coordinating with cleaning staff and addressing recurring maintenance issues.
• Support new construction or design projects (e.g., new pool design and installation) with input on feasibility, materials, and maintenance considerations.
• Track maintenance costs and resource usage to improve budgeting and efficiency.
• Develop staff training and cross-training programs to ensure coverage and proper handling of all equipment and systems.
• Maintain detailed maintenance records for audits, insurance, and operational efficiency.
• Improve energy efficiency and sustainability practices in all city buildings.

Yard Waste

• The City operates the brush site on Bonniwell Road.

Swimming Pool

• Evaluate 2025 pool operations to identify potential efficiency improvements and revenue gains.
• Assess food and vending operations to optimize offerings and profitability.
• Maintain temporary water-main valve body replacement to ensure proper water flow and system reliability.
• Revisit pool operating hours, adult swim times, and swim lesson accommodations to improve accessibility and user satisfaction.
• Ensure safety compliance by maintaining lifeguard certifications, safety equipment, and emergency procedures.
• Implement preventive maintenance schedules for pool systems, pumps, filtration, and chemical treatment.
• Monitor energy usage and water consumption to support sustainability and cost reduction.
• Enhance program offerings (e.g., swim lessons, aquatic fitness, community events) to boost participation and revenue.
• Maintain detailed records of operations, maintenance, and financial performance for accountability and planning.