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Joint board approves engineer technician role and authorizes publication of ordinance to split city engineer and public-works director duties
Summary
Board approved creating an engineer technician position and authorized publication of a draft ordinance to separate the city engineer role from the public-works director and to allow contracting with an engineering firm of record.
The joint board voted to approve the creation (and filling) of an engineer technician position and authorized publication of a draft ordinance to separate the city engineer function from the director of public works, enabling the city to contract with an engineering firm to serve as the city engineer.
"The duties of that position would be to conduct field surveys, inspect construction sites, monitor infrastructure projects, oversee reporting for Chapter 94 and related programs, GIS mapping, industrial sample monitoring, stormwater management, and program management," a staff speaker said while describing the engineer technician's responsibilities.
Staff told the board the technician would coordinate work that does not legally require a professional engineer (PE) and would manage projects to reduce long-term costs by avoiding use of a PE for routine tasks. The board discussed that state or local ordinance currently requires a PE for certain duties and that separating the roles would allow the city to hire a PE firm when needed and have a full-time technician for in-house work.
At the vote to create the engineer technician position, a member moved and the motion was seconded; the board approved the position by voice vote.
Later in the meeting, council members considered a draft ordinance to "bifurcate" the public-works director and city engineer positions so the city could engage an engineering firm as the city engineer of record. Staff said the change would streamline staffing when vacancies occur and permit contracting with a PE firm while retaining the ability to hire a full-time W-2 engineer in the future.
The board authorized publication of the draft ordinance so the city can follow the required public-notice and adoption process.
Ending: Staff said the engineer technician post will be funded from Sandy Township's budget and that the administration will begin recruitment; the ordinance will be published and return to council for subsequent readings and a final vote.
