Public works outlines staffing, inspection and project updates; council adopts county roadway design standards

Public Works Director Harry Hulbert introduced members of the public-works crew at the May 15 council meeting and outlined current and upcoming infrastructure work, inspection practices, and staffing needs.

Hulbert said the crew averages about 26 years of experience and noted recent projects: using milled asphalt from King Avenue to resurface Rogers Park parking and other local lots, installing concrete picnic tables at the boat ramp near the river and canoe launch, and ongoing work at the River Lofts area (Mason Morrow) where a road-widening project encountered an unexpected gas-line issue discovered during excavation. He said Duke (utility) will relocate gas for the turn lanes, and the electric division will replace 11 utility poles near the bike trail over roughly six weeks, which may cause delays in that corridor.

Hulbert emphasized the city’s practice of camera-inspecting sewer and water lines before repaving to avoid tearing up newly paved streets, citing a recent failure on Morrow as an example. He said that pre-paving inspection adds to project cost and that the next year’s street program may include fewer street projects unless additional grants are obtained. Hulbert and the administrator said they expect to pursue more grants for infrastructure work.

Council also considered an amendment (Ordinance 2025-12 amending Ordinance 2025-9) to adopt Warren County’s requirements and standards for the design and construction of streets and roadway facilities; the council waived two readings and adopted the amendment, bringing city roadway standards into alignment with county requirements. Councilors asked questions about timing and project impacts; staff said time constraints justified emergency designation for several items on the agenda.