Commission receives and files Public Works operations overview detailing streets, sewer, parks, harbor and fleet responsibilities

The Public Works and Sustainability Commission received and filed an informational presentation on the department’s operations division, which described maintenance responsibilities for streets, sewer and storm drains, building facilities, parks, pier and harbor, solid waste and recycling, and fleet services.

Mike Clenn, deputy director for operations, told commissioners the operations division maintains street and traffic assets, sewer pump stations and storm catch basins, park sites and playgrounds, pier and harbor facilities, and the city’s vehicle fleet and fuel system. Clenn said the division maintains roughly 27 miles of streets and more than 1,900 street lights, 56 traffic signals, 160 miles of sewer lines and 784 storm catch basins; he described the division’s on‑call work for sewer spills, storm preparation, pavement and concrete repairs, and special event support. “We take a lot from the engineering department and especially this commission when they suggest that we do things,” Clenn said in his overview.

Clenn described several operational details and recent work: vacuuming and power‑washing after a vehicle fire to prevent runoff to the ocean, pier pile repairs and paver maintenance, multiple roof replacements for aging facilities, and routine playground and median landscaping work. He noted the department’s coordination with contractors (for tree trimming and specialized equipment) and with other South Bay public‑works teams on fire and ash cleanup following regional wildfires.

Commissioners asked about storm‑season preparedness and catch‑basin cleaning; Clenn said the department tracks known “hot spots,” performs preventive maintenance and cleans catch basins at least annually per the city’s stormwater permit, and increases patrols for heavy rain events. Commissioners also asked about integrating potential street slurry or pavement work with a future bike‑lane installation; staff said slurry or pavement overlay could be considered as part of design if funding allows, but a quicker striping/installation approach would be cheaper and faster.

The presentation concluded with staff offering to return with additional details on specific projects when requested. The commission moved and seconded to receive and file the report; the motion passed on a voice vote.

Key operational figures and notes provided by staff: - Service responsibilities cited: maintenance of sidewalks and 27 miles of city streets; 56 traffic signals; 1,900+ street lights; 160 miles of sewer lines and 16 sewer pumps; 784 storm catch basins; parks, pier and harbor maintenance; and a city fleet of roughly 250 units. (Figures provided by staff in presentation.) - Storm and sewer work: on‑call response to spills, use of vacuum and vector equipment to prevent discharge to the ocean, and more frequent cleaning of identified hot spots during rainy periods. - Facilities and pier work: roof replacements on multiple buildings, pier pile repairs and pier substation remodels; tenant leasehold coordination at the pier. - Solid waste: Athens provides trash collection and street sweeping under contract; the city runs seasonal household hazardous waste, e‑waste and compost distribution events.

What’s next: The commission received and filed the informational report. Staff said it will return with project‑level updates when appropriate or upon specific referral from the commission.