Public Works departments

PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT

The Public Works Department is responsible for the management, operation and maintenance of the city's public infrastructure. This includes the transportation, wastewater, drinking water and storm water systems, parks & recreation, and building and grounds maintenance. Individual Customer service has been identified as the department's number one priority.

Street Maintenance - The primary function of this activity is to maintain the transportation network. Street restoration responsibilities include sweeping, grading, base repair, crack and slurry sealing, pothole patching, sanding, snow and ice removal. Traffic control and public safety responsibilities include right-of-way maintenance, street lights, signs, and pavement markings. The administration and inspection services for the sidewalk program are also a function of this activity. Funding is provided by the city's portion of state gasoline taxes.

Wastewater Collection - This activity provides for the safe and efficient operation and maintenance of the wastewater collection piping system by regular cleaning, structural defect repairs, and manhole sealing. All service connections and laterals are inspected and maintained to individual property lines. A complete and accurate inventory of the collection system is maintained with recorded inspections and mapping updates. This activity is funded through sewer user fees.

Wastewater Treatment Facilities - These facilities pump and treat all the wastewater from the city and several residences and businesses outside of the city limits. The facilities are operated within the strict guidelines established by state and federal agencies through a waste discharge permit for the discharge of plant effluent to the Mary's River. Routine water sample collection for laboratory analysis is performed, and monthly reports are sent to the Department of Environmental Quality to insure regulatory compliance. Preventive and corrective maintenance is performed at three pumping stations throughout the collection system. Funding is provided through sewer user fees.

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Water Distribution - This activity includes the operation and maintenance of the network of pipes, valves, meters, and fire hydrants that deliver drinking water to consumers at all times. Water meter reading is performed monthly, and utility billing field support occurs daily. The cross-connection control program is administered within this activity. To ensure compliance with the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act and the Oregon Health Division (OHD) rules and regulations, water is routinely tested at representative sites in the system. Monthly reports submitted to the OHD include results of four microbiological samples, daily turbidity measurements, and chlorine residuals. A complete analysis of all organic and inorganic compounds is done yearly, and water is tested for radiological contaminants every four years. Staff performs sampling and reporting, while laboratory analysis is contracted to a private lab. This activity is funded through water user fees.

Water Treatment Facilities - These facilities treat, pump, and store water for domestic, commercial and fire fighting purposes, both inside and outside of the city limits. The primary goal of this activity is meet or exceed water quality standards to remain in full compliance with state and federal regulations, while providing adequate quantity and pressure for fire fighting. The design capacity of the treatment plant is 1 million gallons per day (MGD). Average production was 0.7 MGD in 2001, while peak demand was 0.8 MGD. The storage capacity of the reservoir is 1.25 million gallons. Preventive and corrective maintenance is routinely performed at these facilities for safe and cost effective operations. Funding is provided through water user fees.

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Storm Water Maintenance - To minimize or reduce the potential of neighborhood flooding during periods of high water, the storm water system provides for the transport of surface water. Maintenance activities include repair and cleaning of the public storm water piping system, culverts, manholes, catch basins and open channel ditches. Funding for storm water maintenance is provided by a storm drain user fee.

Parks & Recreation - Operation and maintenance of the city park system is a function of the Public Works Department. Four separate park locations comprise a total of approximately forty-one acres. Existing restroom facilities, shelters and playground equipment are cleaned and maintained as needed, while grounds maintenance and mowing is performed regularly throughout the peak festival months. State Revenue Sharing helps fund this activity with the balance coming from the General Fund.

Buildings and Grounds - This activity provides janitorial services and supplies, grounds and building maintenance to the Library, City Hall, Justice Building, and Public Works Buildings. Funding for this activity at the Public Works compound is shared among the street, water and wastewater funds, while the General Fund supports the other buildings.

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Customer Service - Identified as the department's highest priority, this area involves all employees and includes tasks such as: telephone and walk-in reception, development and plan review, dispensing information, inspection services, purchasing, underground utility locating, and interacting with a variety of external and internal Customers. Problem investigation and resolution frequently requires field representation and may involve water line flushing, sewer line cleaning, public safety concerns, or plumbing repairs at city owned facilities. Line locating, on the other hand, is a matter of complying with state law. Contractors and utilities are required to request line locates 48 hours prior to any excavation, while utility companies are required to locate and mark their respective lines, pipes and appurtenances in the field to prevent damage and/or interruption of service. CS is primarily funded through the water and wastewater funds.

Staffing - The department functions under the administration of the Director of Public
Works. Operational staff includes one supervisor, one office specialist, one facilities
operator, five field representatives, and one custodian/park caretaker. Temporary
seasonal employees are utilized during the summer months to accomplish a variety of programs. Personnel funding is shared proportionally among the appropriate funds.

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