City Creates Advisory Public Works Panel

A new Public Works Commission to review infrastructure and capital improvement projects won final approval from the City Council on Tuesday.

Public Works Director Les M. Jones said the panel will advise the council and will work with the city staff to plan changes in roads, sewers and storm drains.

The seven-member commission also will give the public a place to turn to learn about city projects, he said.

“We spend a lot of money. I’m excited to have a forum to explain how we spend money and why we’re spending it,” Jones said.

Mayor David Sullivan said Wednesday that, because of the large sums that go for public works, “it will be helpful to have a citizens board look at them and make a recommendation.”

Sullivan and Councilman Victor Leipzig have worked with city staff for the past two years to form the panel, which will encompass and expand the mission of the previous Transportation Commission, whose members will be on the new board.

Duties of the new commission, which expects to have its first meeting in February, include:

* To review and comment on the city’s long-term infrastructure maintenance and repair program.

* To review oil pipeline permits and traffic control permits issued by public works staff.

* To recommend to the council capital projects valued at $50,000 or more and to review capital project repairs as well as construction project change orders that exceed $50,000.