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Whereas, Section 5-70 of the Code of the Borough of Somerville, establishing the Department of Public Works, was adopted as part of Chapter 5, “Administrative Organization,” by Ordinance No. 839B on May 15, 1978, and has not been comprehensively revised in more than two decades; and

Whereas, it is a desire to update Section 5-70 to reflect the current organization, responsibilities, and professional qualifications of the Department and its Director, including the certification requirements for principal public works managers established by N.J.S.A. 40A:9-154.6a et seq.; and

Whereas, it has been determined that the fire maintenance function shall be placed under the supervision of the Department of Public Works, with full integration of the function commencing with the 2027 budget year, and with the Department providing administrative and operational support for the function during the remainder of 2026; and

Now, therefore, be it ordained by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Somerville, County of Somerset, State of New Jersey, as follows:

Section 1. Amendment and Restatement of Section 5-70. Section 5-70 of the Code of the Borough of Somerville, entitled “Department of Public Works,” is hereby amended and restated in its entirety to read as follows:

§ 5-70. Department of Public Works.

A. Establishment of Department. There is hereby established a Department of Public Works, the head of which shall be known as the Director of Public Works.

B. Director of Public Works. (N.J.S.A. 40A:9-154.6a et seq.; 40A:9-156; 40:87-30; 40:87-60)

  1. Creation of office; appointment; term. The office of Director of Public Works is hereby created. The Director shall be appointed by the Mayor with the advice and consent of the Council and shall serve as an at-will employee.
  2. Qualifications. The Director shall possess a valid certificate as a Certified Public Works Manager (CPWM) issued pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:9-154.6a et seq., and shall have demonstrated experience in the management of public works operations, including the supervision of personnel, the preparation and administration of departmental budgets, oversight of contracts and understanding of purchasing.

C. The Director of Public Works shall be in charge of and have supervision over:

  1. Parks and playgrounds.
  2. Roads, streets, and sidewalks.
  3. Road equipment, vehicles, trucks, and materials.