Chapter 2.32
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT

Sections:

2.32.010    Department established – Organization and duties.

2.32.020    Director – Appointment and duties.

2.32.030    County road engineer designated.

2.32.050    Personnel practices.

2.32.060    Issuance of warrants on public works fund.

2.32.070    Preliminary engineering studies.

2.32.080    Use of engineering consultants.

2.32.110    Handling of complaints.

2.32.010 Department established – Organization and duties.

(1)    A public works department is established. The organization of such department shall be established by resolution of the board of county commissioners.

(2)    The duties and responsibilities of the public works department shall be as follows:

(a)    Administration and operation of county roads and bridges;

(b)    Administration and operation of the equipment rental and revolving fund (ER&R);

(c)    Administration and operation of county-owned sewer facilities;

(d)    Administration and operation of the county surface and storm water program and facilities;

(e)    Administration and operation of the county solid waste program and facilities.

In addition, the department of public works shall perform other functions and services as directed by the board of county commissioners from time to time.

(Ord. 378 (2007) § 1, 2007: Res. 72-1968 (part), 1968)

2.32.020 Director – Appointment and duties

The department will function under a public works director, appointed by the board of county commissioners and reporting directly to the county administrator. The public works director’s duties shall include administration and management oversight of all department activities. The director, or designee as provided for in Section 2.32.030, shall assume those duties and responsibilities set forth in state law to be performed by the county road engineer and for the administration of the equipment rental and revolving fund.

(Ord. 378 (2007) § 2, 2007: Res. 72-1968 § 1, 1968)

2.32.030 County road engineer designated.

The public works director, or subordinate designated by the director and approved by the board of county commissioners, shall serve as the county road engineer and is responsible for statutory duties and responsibilities of the county road engineer as well as other duties as may be assigned by the board of county commissioners.

(Ord. 378 (2007) § 3, 2007: Res. 155-1971 § 1, 1971)

2.32.050 Personnel practices.

Personnel policies applicable to the public works department, such as recruitment, appointment, promotion, dismissal, hours of work, overtime, annual leave, sick leave, military leave, holidays, classification, and union relationship, and other topics are outlined in the county’s personnel manual and/or collective bargaining agreements. The department may also adopt general work rules as may be applicable to a particular division, section, or unit. Copies of such policies and work rules shall readily be available to all public works department employees and prospective employees.

(Ord. 378 (2007) § 6, 2007: Res. 155-1971 § 2, 1971)

2.32.060 Issuance of warrants on public works fund.

The county auditor is authorized to issue warrants on the public works fund upon the presentation and certification by the public works director of properly executed vouchers.

(Res. 72-1968 (part), 1968)

2.32.070 Preliminary engineering studies.

The public works director is authorized to proceed on preliminary engineering studies for public works projects as may be directed by the board of commissioners.

(Res. 72-1968 (part), 1968)

2.32.080 Use of engineering consultants.

The public works director is authorized to obtain further engineering assistance from consultants in the event permission is first obtained from the board of commissioners.

(Res. 72-1968 (part), 1968)

2.32.110 Handling of complaints

(1)    The public works director shall establish procedures for receiving and responding to complaints. Complaints shall be managed in a timely and impartial manner. The director shall establish a database to record complains and the outcomes. The information recorded must include the following:

(a)    The date the complaint was made;

(b)    The name of the complainant, and the complainant’s contact information;

(c)    A description of the complaint;

(d)    A description of the action taken or referral made;

(e)    The outcome of the complaint; and

(f)    The date the complainant was notified of the action taken or referral.

(2)    If complaints are not resolved to the satisfaction of the complainant, the complainant may appeal to the director of public works. Decisions of the public works director may be appealed to the county administrator.

(3)    All complaints, responses, and records relating to complaints shall be maintained by the public works department for a minimum of three years.

(Ord. 378 (2007) § 4, 2007)