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Committee debates eight-page ordinance to consolidate duties under Public Works, including cemetery oversight
Summary
Councilors reviewed a proposed eight-page ordinance to combine water, sewer, streets/alleys and other functions under Public Works; members discussed simplifying committee structure and whether cemetery oversight should move under Public Works, and agreed to refine language and return the matter to the council.
Chair (speaker 1) presented a proposed eight-page ordinance intended to consolidate existing ordinances so Public Works would oversee water, sewer, streets and alleys as well as related areas such as sidewalk repair and tree maintenance. "The attorney did write out, proposed ordinance that makes all of the changes," the Chair said, noting the draft adjusts language to place responsibilities under Public Works.
Council members debated whether the city should reduce the number of standing committees and whether cemetery oversight should be moved under Public Works. One member suggested combining streets, cemetery and public property under a single umbrella to simplify oversight; others cautioned the change requires careful drafting and consultation with staff to determine how responsibilities and reporting lines would shift. The committee agreed to continue work on the draft for several weeks and to place a revised item on a future agenda for a recommendation or decision.
No ordinance vote was taken at the meeting; members asked staff and the attorney to prepare clarified language and to return the item for further consideration.
