Hiram public works reports fewer sanitation complaints, launches new work-order tracking

Public works staff presented the department—s February monthly report, outlining progress on sanitation, a new work-order system, staff certifications and several park and facility projects.

The department has begun using a new work-order system called iWork plus a utility-billing work-order feed to track sanitation and water tasks. Staff reported 163 total work orders recorded in the initial reporting window, with 24 still open; of those, 93 were maintenance work orders (16 open) and 70 were utility-billing work orders (8 open). The presenter described iWork as the system for nonroutine public-works tasks and said routine schedule tasks are not entered there.

The city reported a drop in customer-service contacts tied to sanitation: from an earlier contractor year figure the presenter said was about 218 down to 204 after the first year of the city—s contract, and 48 complaints recorded so far in the current six-month period. Staff said two sanitation positions remain open.

Public works highlighted recent promotions and certifications among staff: Chris Schaffer was named public works maintenance supervisor, Jeff Durham sanitation supervisor, Tim Brown team lead for streets and water, and Mason Knowles team lead for parts and facilities. Durham earned a Class A commercial driver—s license; Michael Broom recently earned a Class B CDL. Staff said additional Class 4 water and stormwater-inspector certifications are in process for some employees.

Planned and in-progress projects discussed included landscaping and retaining-wall work at 7076 Seaboard Street, a roof replacement scheduled for March 5, a Well No. 1 downtown replacement (parts ordered, date not yet set), and tennis-court and basketball-court resurfacing at Ben Hill Strickland Park in April or May with temporary pickleball striping. Staff also described yard and shop cleanup at the public-works facility, fence repairs and fountain repairs at Ben Hill Strickland Park, bench installations downtown and vehicle dispositions being offered on govdeals.gov.

Staff said fleet-maintenance tracking (vehicle work orders) is being added to iWork so the city can monitor labor hours, equipment hours and material usage per vehicle. The presenter said future monthly reports will include project photos and more detailed work-order analytics.

On parks, staff described plans to address playground inspections and parts replacement, brush clearing, and initial planning for a deep-patch on Nebo Road (estimates being gathered). On sanitation service changes, staff said vault-collection service began in January and operates on Mondays via call-in scheduling; any associated fee is charged to the resident—s account.

The presentation closed with a request for questions and an overview of the department—s divisions (streets, stormwater, water, facilities, parks, sanitation) and their responsibilities.

The report did not include a formal council vote in the transcript; staff said follow-up reports will provide additional metrics and photos.