Before decisions can be made at council, committees are made up of city councillors and other members of the community.
All committees meet once a month and then report to council on matters that were discussed.
Committees analyze and discuss issues using reports brought forth in council and then present their findings at the council meetings before council can vote on an issue.
When it comes to infrastructure upkeep and operation of water, sewer and storm water systems, traffic signals, signs and lines, and general safety services are all researched and prepared by the Public Works & Utilities Committee.
“We manage that and we operate within the budget given to operate and maintain the assets.” Says Director of Public Works, Peter Bergquist.
Large issues, budget item fluctuations, or petitions for improvements, are brought forward to the Public Works and Utilities Committee who the department answers to which is chaired by councillor Roger Nordick.
“(Public Works) is more boots on the ground.” Says Nordick.
The committee has different options on where to take the petition or issue, says Bergquist.
“The (committee) either recommends it to city council, or requests staff to look at different options, or complete deny it depending on the nature of the report or the request.”
Items that have a risk of going over budget, especially when it comes to moving money from one area of government to another or maintenance work that has a large affects on the public needs to go to council, says Nordick.
Water awareness is also the responsibility of Public Works.
Water quality testing, and most recently a report on water losses within the system, are reported to committee, and therefore to council, says Bergquist.
These reports help staff and councillors understand where water is being lost, either by breaks, leaks or meter issues.
A lot of different committees are responsible for certain bylaws within the city. Public Works does not deal with bylaws as much as policies pertaining to their responsibilities.
Snow and ice control is one policy that directly involves Public Works and that, “has to do with the rate, the quality of what to be expected,” says Bergquist.
Bergquist called Public Works a core service, since they are core to everyone’s daily lives, if people know it or not.
“From getting to work, to drinking the water, to making sure the sewage goes away, to when we have major snow or rainfall events, our guys are the guys that are taking care of the situation.”
Core functions of the Public Works Department:
roadwork planning and construction, identifying street construction or repairs, as well as co-ordinating the pavement management program;
maintaining traffic lights, illuminated crosswalks and streetlights;
maintenance, snow removal and ice control for streets and sidewalks;
installation and maintenance of traffic signs;
repairs and maintenance to water and sewer systems;
management and control of water quality and water distribution network;
maintenance of water pumping stations, water reservoirs, sanitary sewer pumping stations and municipal lagoon system;
management of water meter program and annual flushing of water distribution system;
responsible for street marking; and
general municipal facilities maintenance.
- Humboldt.ca
