Public Works gets review

According to City Manager Julie Krueger, public works was chosen to be first because it’s the city’s largest in terms of both employees and budget, which has multiple revenue streams. It has 43 full-time employees and a budget of $41 million this fiscal year.

“I’m excited to see where it goes,” she said.

Krueger said the primary purpose of the review is simple.

“Are we being the most organized and efficient; is this the best we can do?” she said. “We’ll review all our systems and operations.”

Public works is critical to the city’s operations. The department takes care of city streets, provides clean water to residents and industry, and handles wastewater.

Public Works Director Dave Anderson said he doesn’t have any preconceptions about the upcoming review.

“The proposal that was accepted identified a work plan of interviewing relevant parties, reviewing department policies and processes, and then comparing current practices to industry standards,” Anderson said. “From the information developed, the consultant may make recommendations intended to improve the efficiency of

Public Works Department operations.”

Mayor Steve Lawrence said the analysis would be “a 360 review.”

“It’s always good to take a look and see if they can be better,” said Russ Brown, council member.

Anderson said he was curious to see what the analysis would reveal.

“I’m primarily interested in the big-picture results, what’s best for all concerned, rather than any particular aspect of the review,” he said.

The council approved up to $25,000 for an extensive study of the department’s operations.

Krueger said the city already has funds set aside to cover the cost.

Most of the other departmental reviews will be handled in-house, she added.

Lake Oswego-based TKW, a company that provides business advisory services to the public and private sector, is the contractor that will conduct the work. TKW’s review is designed to increase its subject’s production, efficiency, and effectiveness.

“We should all be looking for that,” Krueger said.

Anderson said the department constantly focuses on ways to be more effective, and is hopeful the review can offer some positive suggestions.

“I believe efficiency in operations is always important; it’s always one of our guiding principles as we develop and implement projects and conduct ongoing maintenance work,” Anderson said.

“If this review, being conducted with a fresh set of eyes, identifies some new opportunities to improve the efficiency of our operations without compromising level of service, it will be a good thing.”

According to Krueger, the TKW’s study is expected to get started in mid-September or early October. Once it begins, the review of the PWD will take about six weeks.