Department Overview

The Department of Public Works staff consists of 25 employees in eight Divisions responsible for the maintenance of North Reading’s infrastructure and public facilities.  The Divisions within the Department include Administration; Cemetery, Parks and Grounds; Engineering; Machinery Maintenance; Road and Street; Solid Waste and Recycling; Town Buildings; and Water.  The Department is also responsible for the care and maintenance of Town trees, snow and ice removal, and street lighting.

The Public Works Administration is responsible for providing continuous coordination to all divisions of the Department of Public Works through effective leadership in order to ensure that all the functions of the Department are carried out completely and efficiently.  The Administration consists of the Director of Public Works, an Executive Administrative Assistant, and an Administrative Assistant/Bookkeeper.

The specific functions of this office include:

• Preparation of the annual operating budget for the Department and overseeing expenditures of all divisions;
• Providing clerical and accounting support to the Department for the processing of payrolls, purchase orders, invoices and the management of the Departmental budget;
• Developing and updating the Department’s long term Capital Plan for all divisions;
• Supervising Department personnel, including ensuring that personnel are properly trained and motivated;
• Ensuring compliance with federal, state and local laws and regulations relative to Public Works Operations;
• Receiving inquiries and complaints from citizens relative to the Public Works infrastructure and forwarding the information to the appropriate Division for action; and
• Interfacing with Town Boards, Commissions and other Departments, as well as providing coordination with State and  Federal Agencies, other municipalities and outside utilities relative to Public Works projects.