OLLI Presentation No. 7, Fall 2025 – Public Works

The City of Ashland Oregon's Public Works Director, Scott Flurry, provided a comprehensive overview of the city's public works operations, including infrastructure management, capital planning, and maintenance. Key topics included the development and adoption of master plans for various city systems such as water, wastewater, storm drain, and transportation, which guide capital improvement projects and budgeting. The city follows a structured procurement process for engineering and construction services, involving solicitation, consultant selection, and contract negotiation. The presentation detailed the operations of the street division, water treatment and distribution systems, wastewater collection and treatment, and miscellaneous services like fleet management, cemetery maintenance, and airport operations. Budget discussions highlighted the two-year budget cycle aligned with a six-year capital improvement plan. The meeting also addressed regulatory compliance with environmental permits and coordination with state agencies for road maintenance. Community engagement through advisory committees and public feedback is integral to planning processes. Questions from attendees covered topics such as water usage, infrastructure maintenance responsibilities, and future projects, reflecting active public involvement in city infrastructure management.