Engineering Division

The Engineering Division is the branch of Public Works that oversees construction activities in the city right-of-way. This construction can be both City initiated, such as major street and sewer reconstruction projects; or privately initiated, such as gas or telephone company projects. The Engineering Division does not get involved in maintenance performed by the Public Works Operations Division.

The staff of eight is located on the second floor in the City Hall and consists of the City Engineer, three project Civil Engineers and four Engineering Technicians. The division is divided into two sections: Projects and Right-of-Way permits. The latter section is responsible for the issuance of permits and inspection of private sector construction in the right-of-way. Typical permits issued by this section include driveway approach, driveway culvert, sanitary sewer connection, and excavation in the right-of-way. The Right of Way/Permits section also investigates problems in the right-of-way, is the City liaison with the Corps of Engineers concerning levee maintenance and coordinates with the Building Division on building permits.

The Projects section has overall responsibility for the planning and implementation of the City's Capital Improvement Program for infrastructure. Working closely with the Mayor, City Council and the Finance Department, the City's infrastructure needs are prioritized and budgeted. Engineering staff then manages the engineering consultant contracts for design and also the construction contracts for each project. Other responsibilities of the Projects section include commercial and residential development project review, grading plan review, coordination with the City Planning Department, and maintaining "as-built" construction drawings for public streets and sewers.

Engineering Division