Public works staff said the department is implementing iWORKS to create weekly work schedules and an internal maintenance-tracking system to improve accountability and documentation of daily tasks. The department plans monthly compilations of weekly logs, spot checks, and mobile schedules for sewer and grounds maintenance. Staff said the system will provide better transparency on what crews accomplish and will allow elected officials to review work reports.

Public works also introduced a building and grounds manager who will be present at a future council meeting.

During public comment a resident described finding a contractor operating heavy equipment in her drainage ditch and trimming limbs from a tree she said is on her property. The resident said the contractor told her they were contracted to trim limbs for the utility and offered to stop when told the tree was private. The resident said the contractor later returned to pick up the trimmed limbs.

A council member explained the utility trimming was requested earlier in the season to address limbs before storm season and freezing weather and said the mayor had asked Walton EMT (the utility/contractor identified in the discussion) to do early trimming to avoid backlog during storms. Councilmembers and staff agreed to note the resident’s concern and said they had asked the contractor to address limbs early for safety and reliability reasons.

Public works staff said they will implement spot checks and include weekly administrative reporting to track work and provide accountability to the council.