Carmel-by-the-Sea introduces new public works director, outlines staffing and capital priorities

Ken, the new public works director for the City of Carmel-by-the-Sea, introduced himself to the Forest and Beach Commission and summarized priorities after four weeks on the job.

Ken said he has been assessing operations, staffing and capital projects and described a background in natural resources and urban forestry work including previous roles with a national forest and regional park district. He said the public works department is small and that staff will prioritize hiring for a maintenance worker focused on forestry and a project manager to handle the large number of capital projects currently in the budget.

“I'm trying to be very strategic,” Ken said, adding that he plans a public-facing dashboard so residents and council can see project status and timing. He told commissioners the city’s most recent budget is roughly $39 million, with about $8 million earmarked for capital improvements; staff later confirmed that figure as part of his overview of priorities for forest and beach projects.

Ken highlighted near-term and longer-term priorities: assessing and repairing beach stairs and sand ramps for public access and safety, addressing the Fourth Avenue outfall, and reviewing the scenic pathway program. He said staff will prioritize emergency access and seasonal needs ahead of the summer, and he welcomed commissioners’ involvement and advocacy.

Commissioners asked Ken about coordination with the commission on forest-and-beach priorities; the chair said the commission intends to hold a dedicated discussion in July or August to create a commissioner-level consensus list to share with city council.

Ken also said public works is recruiting for openings and will coordinate with human resources to fill funded positions; he asked commissioners to expect more regular project-status updates.