DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS.
Madison General Ordinances § 3.11
in effect3.11 - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS.
(1) There is created for the City of Madison a Department of Public Works.
(2) Duties of the Department. The Department of Public Works shall have charge of the supervision and control of:
(a) The construction, repair and maintenance of all streets, sidewalks, public alleys, bridges, viaducts, highways and rights-of-way.
(b) The construction, operation, and maintenance of all sanitary storm sewer facilities and appurtenances, including sanitary sewers and pumping stations, storm sewers, drains, ditches, culverts, and stream and water courses under the jurisdiction of the City.
(c) The control, management and supervision of all Public Works shops and garages, including all equipment and vehicles.
(d) The making of all necessary surveys, maps, public works plans, drawings and other documents.
(e) The preparation of contract drawings, specifications and cost estimates for all public works construction and maintenance and the supervision of such construction, including field inspection.
(f) The collection and disposal of all solid waste, and the cleaning of all streets and alleys, including snow removal operations and leaf and brush collection. (Am. by ORD-26-00020, 4-30-2026)
(g) Maintaining, protecting and growing the City's urban forest.
(h) The administration and maintenance of all public buildings.
(3) Exceptions. The provisions of this ordinance shall not be applicable to the activities of the Fire Department and the Community Development Authority.
(4) Divisions. The department shall consist of four (4) divisions and the Water Utility.
(a) The Engineering Division.
1. The Engineering Division shall be directly responsible for the performance of all engineering services, including the design and preparation of contract drawings and specifications for public works construction; the preparation of cost estimates; the setting of line and grade for all such construction; the supervision and inspection of all such construction; the establishment of all street, alley and walk grades; all City survey and mapping operations, including supervision and maintenance of all survey and control information; maintenance of the Official Map, street and utility records; the maintenance and supervision of all street name and address records; the review of all subdivision plats for matters requiring engineering determination; and the operation and maintenance of all sanitary sewerage facilities and storm sewer systems under control of the City.
(b) The Fleet Service Division.
1. The Fleet Service Division shall be supervised by the Fleet Service Superintendent.
2. The Fleet Service Superintendent shall have supervision over the Municipal Service Garage and shall be responsible for servicing, maintenance and repair of all municipal motor equipment. They shall advise the Mayor, Common Council and all City officials on all matters relating to municipal motor equipment, including replacement and procurement.
(c) The Streets Division.
1. The Streets Division shall be directly responsible for the maintenance of all streets, highways, alleys, walks, pavements and surfaces; street cleaning, street repairs; street snow and ice removal; the collection and disposal of garbage, recycling, rubbish and other wastes; leaf and brush collection; and the maintenance protection and growing of the City's urban forest.
2. The Streets Division shall be supervised by the Streets Superintendent. The Streets Superintendent shall have the supervision of the maintenance and cleaning of streets, and removal of snow and ice therefrom, the collection of garbage, recycling, and refuse materials, leaf and brush collection, the oversight of the City's urban forestry operations, and the performance of such other duties as may be prescribed. It shall be their duty to keep a permanent record of all work ordered and performed and notices given by them on behalf of the City. The Street Superintendent shall perform such other duties as may be directed in these ordinances or may be prescribed from time to time by the Common Council.
(d) The Water Utility. See Chapter 13.
(e) The Parks Division.
1. The Parks Division shall be responsible for and oversee the development, maintenance and use of the City's park system, as well as the City's golf enterprise, Forest Hill Cemetery, Olbrich Botanical Gardens, and Mall-Concourse maintenance. The Parks Division shall be responsible for the execution of all public works improvements in the parks.
(5) Composition of the Department. The Department of Public Works shall consist of the City Engineer, the Fleet Service Superintendent, the Streets Superintendent, the Parks Superintendent, and the Water Utility General Manager, which department heads shall perform their duties under the direction of the Mayor, and as otherwise provided by these Ordinances.
(6) Public Works Team Leader. A Public Works Team Leader shall be appointed by the Mayor. The Public Works Team Leader shall perform administrative oversight of the Department of Public Works and its divisions, and promote a positive departmental working environment through meetings, written communication, one-on-one contacts, and public contacts and relationships.
(7) Retention of Present Boards. The creation of this Department of Public Works shall not affect the functions of the various boards and commissions as presently constituted under existing statutes or ordinances.
(Am. by ORD-23-00019, 2-16-23)
Source: City of Madison, Wisconsin, Madison General Ordinances (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/wi/madison/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=COORMAWIVOICH1--10_CH3OFBOEMPURE_SUBCHAPTER_3AOROFDE_3.11DEPUWOFetched: 11/1/2026