DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS

Kit W. Smith, Director
Gregg Harland, Supervisor
Address: 901 Champlain Street
Office Hours: 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM
Monday to Friday, except Holidays
Phone: 315-393-2300 or 393-2010
Fax: 315-393-0886

The Department of Public Works (DPW) is responsible for street cleaning, road maintenance, sewer and drainage maintenance, yard waste collection, snow and ice control, sidewalk construction, street lighting, maintenance of City-owned parking facilities, right-of-ways and City-owned property. Answers to some of the most commonly asked questions can be found here.

Right-of-Way Work

Any work proposed to be done within the City’s right-of-ways, including curb cuts for driveway installation, must be approved by the Director of Public Works. For right-of-way permits, please call 393-2300.

Street Cleaning

City streets must be kept clear and open for emergency vehicles and to promote pedestrian and traffic safety. The collection of brush, grass clippings and leaves from City right-of-ways is regularly scheduled on Fridays by request. To request collection of yard waste, Call 393-2300.

Snow Removal

In the winter, major thoroughfares receive priority, while secondary streets are plowed as soon as possible. The City operates a fleet of twenty plow and salt spreaders trucks. Sidewalk snow removal is the responsibility of each property owner. If the owner doesn’t live at the property, the tenant is responsible for keeping the sidewalk clear of snow and ice. Common public sidewalks on bridges and public facilities are maintained by DPW.

Street Repair

The Department of Public Works maintains and repairs 104 lane miles of streets and 5 miles of lanes. Potholes on City Streets should be reported to DPW, by calling 393-2300.

Sidewalk Repair

Repair and upkeep of sidewalks are the responsibility of each property owner. The City will pay 50% or half the rate of the City established rate of replacement.  The reimbursement program is available to all taxable properties; however, all tax exempt properties must pay 100% of the replacement costs.

The City also has a program available for residential property owners to finance their 50% of the cost of replacement at 3% interest. This program is also available to commercial properties.

For more information on the Sidewalk Replacement Program please call 393-7401.

Sewer Service

The Department of Public Works maintains 87 miles of sanitary sewer mains. The Department cleans storm sewers on an as needed basis.  Sanitary sewers are also cleaned as needed; however, some areas receive monthly cleaning.

If a sewer problem is encountered, it is the responsibility of the property owner to confirm the location of the problem within the sewer lateral before contacting the City Public Works.

The City is not able to assist with a blockage on private property.  Should the City be called and it is determined the problem is with the homeowner's lateral, the homeowner will be charged a service fee.  The service fee for regular time is no charge.  After hours, holidays and weekends is $120.00.  If it is determined a problem exists in the main, there will be no charge to the homeowner.

Water Service

The Department of Public Works maintains 80 miles of water main and 423 fire hydrants and is responsible for turning on or shutting off water service. To request sewer or water service or water shut-off, please call 393-2300.

Waste Water Treatment Plant

The City’s waste water treatment plant handles 4.1 million gallons per day.

Water Filtration System

The City’s Filtration Plant filters 3 million gallons of water per day.