Public Works details center‑area cleanups, drainage work and new facilities manager hire amid staffing pressures
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Summary
Superintendent Jay Duran told the Finance Committee the Department of Public Works has focused recent work on downtown center cleanup, major drainage projects and improving coordination with schools; he reported a new facilities manager has started and said recruitment remains selective because of union and long‑term staffing implications.
Public Works Superintendent Jay Duran briefed the Finance Committee on May 28 about recent center‑area cleanups, drainage projects and coordination with school facilities, and he said the department has filled a newly approved facilities manager position.
Duran highlighted drainage improvements and in‑house work on downtown parking and said the department avoids hiring just to fill a slot: "I'm not just gonna hire to hire. I'm gonna hire for people that wanna be here and and are gonna do a good job because with union, you're stuck with them for a long time." He said the new facilities manager started the previous Tuesday and will help bridge departmental work with schools.
The superintendent said DPW accounts are generally in the red under the city's WUSTAT reporting and that the department has requested increases in many lines (roughly 10% in several areas, he said) because of workload, with water and sewer enterprise budgets included. Duran praised his crew and listed key staff in attendance.
Councilors thanked the DPW for the Mann's Court/downtown parking work done in‑house and for rapid emergency response during storms and other incidents. Several councilors noted unfilled positions on DPW payroll and urged more resources next budget cycle; Duran said he prefers to hire candidates who meet long‑term needs rather than a quick fill.
No formal vote was recorded. Duran said project work will continue and that capital requests and staffing needs will be revisited in future budget cycles.