The Public Works Department is responsible for the following operating functions: Public Works Administration, engineering, streets, traffic signs and signals, sanitation, parks, Civic Center grounds, street trees and equipment maintenance.

PUBLIC WORKS ADMINISTRATION
Public Works Administration includes general support services for all operating divisions of the Public Works Department and administration of the City's recycling programs.

STREET MAINTENANCE
Street Maintenance is responsible for streets, sanitary sewer and storm drain maintenance; street sweeping and painting, traffic signs and signals, and vehicle maintenance. This involves such procedures as street patching, pavement reconstruction, sidewalk and crosswalk repair, grading of road shoulders, cleaning and repairing drainage catch basins and channels; application of pavement markings, sign fabrication and installation.

Traffic Signals and Signs provides maintenance and oversight of City traffic signals and street signs to ensure the safe and efficient movement of vehicular and pedestrian traffic throughout the City.

Sanitation services are responsible for contributing to the health and welfare of the City through effective maintenance of the City's sanitary sewers, storm drains, and the sweeping of streets and parking lots.

Equipment Maintenance is responsible for providing an economical and effective mechanical maintenance system for the Public Works Department. The division also manages the State mandated safety and air quality programs.

PARK MAINTENANCE
Parks Maintenance/Special Events and Projects is responsible for the development and maintenance of municipal parks and playgrounds; lawns, trees, and plants situated at and around all public buildings and sites in the City.

Civic Center Grounds maintenance includes the caretaking of the lawns, trees, and plants situated at and around the Civic Center, including landscaped areas and medians in close proximity to City Hall.

Tree Trimming is responsible for planting, removing, spraying and trimming of parkway trees and maintaining medians in a manner that enhances the physical appearance of the City.

ENGINEERING DIVISION
Engineering is responsible for surveying, drafting and the drawing of all plans and specifications for public works improvements including streets, sanitary sewers, drainage structures, curbs, gutters, sidewalks, and traffic signals constructed by the City. Engineering is also responsible for the processing of permits and inspection of all street right-of-way improvements done by private owners or developers, and for the creation of various property maps and other documents needed for official record keeping. Engineering also provides effective street lighting through the Consolidated Lighting District.

The Engineering Division is also responsible for the City's Capital Improvement Program, which ensures the maintenance and continual improvement of the City's infrastructure and public facilities, consisting of street, sanitary sewer, storm drain, traffic signal and street lighting programs.

PUBLIC SERVICE GOAL: To continually maintain the safety and aesthetics of city streets, facilities, parks, medians, and equipment at the highest-level possible and at the lowest possible cost.

MAJOR ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN FISCAL YEAR 2006-2007

Engineering
Completed the Restroom Rehabilitation for the following parks: Rowley Park,
Freeman Park, Mas Fukai, and Thornburg Park. These restroom rehabilitation projects rehabilitated the existing restroom facilities. The project also added a new
unisex restroom at Mas Fukai and Freeman Park.
Completed Street Improvements for:
Western Avenue from Redondo Beach Blvd to Artesia Blvd.
Vermont Avenue from 164th Street to Artesia Blvd.
182nd Street Improvedment- 500' West of Vermont Ave.
Normandie Avenue from Artesia to 177th Street
Normandie Avenue from 169th to Redondo Beach Blvd.
144th Street Improvement from Crenshaw Blvd. to Western Ave.
147th Street Improvement from Crenshaw Blvd. to Van Ness Ave.
Halldale Avenue from El Segundo Blvd. to 135th Street
Marine Avenue from Western Ave to Vermont Ave.

These projects improved the various arterials and collectors by providing new
curb ramps, curbs, gutters, sidewalks, pavement overlays, striping, and trees, as
well as coldmilling and paving various residential streets with asphalt concrete
pavement.

Street Maintenance
Continued to maintain over 104 street miles and 199 curb miles.
Maintained the City's traffic signals, regulatory signs, and street markings.
Maintained sanitation of sewers, storm drains, and streets.
Maintained the City's aging fleet of vehicles and heavy equipment at the lowest
possible costs.
Removed approximately 276,181 square feet of graffiti in a timely manner

Park Maintenance
Maintained 52 acres of City parks, public grounds and medians.
Aided in the set up and tear down of City events when needed.
Organized the 5th Annual Gardena Beautiful Day.
Maintained the Civic Center grounds and parkette.