Wasco honors public works for National Public Works Week; staff outline drain cleaning, graffiti and utility duties
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Summary
During National Public Works Week recognition on May 20 city staff described eight public‑works divisions and credited routine operations—drain cleaning with a vacuum truck, graffiti removal, sanitation and fleet maintenance—for reducing flooding and maintaining city services.
The Wasco City Council declared the week of May 2025 as National Public Works Week on May 20 and listened as public‑works staff described the department’s responsibilities, safety risks and recent accomplishments.
A city representative (identified in the meeting as the public works director) outlined eight divisions: water, wastewater, engineering/GIS, facilities, streets, sanitation, fleet/shop and animal control, and noted administrative staff who handle resident service requests. The director explained that routine drain cleaning using a vacuum truck has helped prevent historic flooding problems and that crews carry gas‑monitoring devices while working in drains because of hazardous gases.
Council members repeatedly praised crews for quick graffiti removal and for visible street patrolling. Multiple council members said prompt cleanup discourages repeat tagging and improves community perceptions of safety and order.
The proclamation cited the role of public‑works professionals in providing essential infrastructure and encouraged residents to attend related events; council members and the director recognized specific crew supervisors and thanked staff for early‑morning work and public service.
The discussion was ceremonial and affirmational; no budget or policy changes were proposed during the proclamation and recognition segment.