PUBLIC WORKS COMMISSION PROPOSAL

Recommendation:

That the City Council review the attached material concerning the formation of a Public Works Commission and direct staff to return with a draft ordinance.

Background:

The City Council, at the meeting of April 13, 1999, discussed the idea of the formation of a Public Works Commission and directed staff to provide information for further review and consideration. I have attached some information from other cities that have commissions. In some cases, the ordinance or resolution spells out the function in a fair amount of detail; in others, there is only a general statement of the purpose and intent.

The discussion that the City Council had at the last meeting seemed to show that a Public Works Commission would review all public construction projects, set standards for improvements done by others in the public right-of-way and assist the City Council in setting priorities for public improvements. If such a commission is approved, it would be staffed by the Public Works Department and probably meet once a month. Such a commission would also serve as an opportunity for the public to propose ideas and projects. The Commission could also deal with operational issues such as traffic, safety or maintenance.

Ideally, such a commission would reduce the City Council work load and ensure that the policy of the City Council is reflected in the projects that the Commission reviews.

Agendas / Minutes Menu | Back to Agenda