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City manager names Mike Morgan public works director; city updates on pavilion delay, artillery shell recovery and infrastructure work
Summary
City Manager announced promotion of Mike Morgan to director of public works effective April 21 and gave updates including a delayed Harris Pavilion project, a recovered Civil War artillery shell at Liberia House, paving and water‑line work, and Winterset Park playground closure.
City Manager Joe Burke announced on April 14 that Mike Morgan has been appointed director of public works effective April 21. Morgan has worked for the City of Manassas since July 1996, most recently as fleet management division manager and had served as interim director since February.
Burke also provided operational updates:
- Harris Pavilion: Replacement of piping and cooling equipment has delayed the pavilion project; equipment has been ordered and staff expect to proceed in January 2026.
- Old Town Inn parking lot: Leveling has been completed and paving was expected to begin pending weather, with a target to finish by May.
- Liberia House site: On April 9 a contractor discovered what appears to be an undetonated three‑inch artillery shell from the Civil War during a stream restoration project. The Virginia State Police recovered and neutralized the shell; the city expects to receive the inert item for future display as part of the Liberia House 150th anniversary commemoration.
- Utilities and roadwork: A contractor struck an 8‑inch high‑pressure gas line on Godwin Drive on April 9; Washington Gas completed repairs after fire and police responded. The city will install a new water line along Mathis Avenue requiring lane restrictions and nighttime Sudley Road lane reductions; milling/resurfacing of Liberia Avenue and the annual milling/resurfacing program are also scheduled. Residents were advised that Mathis Avenue work will require closures overnight and that Winterset Park Playground will be closed through April 25 for new equipment and rubberized surfacing.
- Public outreach: The city will publish a monthly development report and a consolidated events calendar online. Staff also urged residents to review and comment on the Mobility Master Plan and watershed TMDL action on the city website.
No council action was required for these operational announcements; the items were provided as updates from the city manager.
