ABOUT THE CITY ENGINEER

The City Engineer is responsible for assisting in planning and coordinating the engineering activities of the City of Cullman. This includes overseeing engineering design and construction activities on various types of public infrastructure projects and other construction projects. The City Engineer also assists with project budget and contract management. Some specific duties the City Engineer performs are:

  • Assisting in planning and coordinating the design and construction of public works projects including streets, traffic signal design, sidewalks, sewer systems, bridges, parks,drainage structures, etc.
  • Assisting in planning and coordinating the City’s Capital Improvement Plan programs.
  • Assisting with providing construction management for City contractors.
  • Assisting in projections for the annual operating and capital improvement budget.
  • Assisting in planning, design, and operation of the waste collection, treatment, and disposal system.
  • Preparing regular and special reports relative to the design, construction, and funding of public works projects and programs to ensure compliance and fiscal responsibility.
  • Assisting the Planning Commission in review of proposed site plans.
  • Producing traffic signal design plans, cost estimates, bidding, and construction supervision for City-funded traffic signal projects; providing technical support for the Cty traffic department; conducting traffic studies and reviews of City intersections and roadways, as directed.
  • Inspecting infrastructure to maintain compliance with federal and state requirements.
  • Communicating and coordinating with railroad companies, as necessary, regarding new and existing crossing maintenance and upgrades.
  • Regularly communicating with ALDOT with regard to planned improvements, funding sources, design requirements, and other matters of concern to the City of Cullman.
  • Assisting with traffic control plans for new projects, special events, and emergency routes.
  • Conferring on proposed and current public works projects and improvements.
  • Participating in project design review with staff, consultants, contractors, utility companies, government regulatory agencies, and other city departments to ensure compliance with scope, budget, and schedule.
  • Conferring with various administrative officials on needed, proposed, upcoming, and in-progress public works projects and programs.
  • Assisting in coordinating the funding of various public works programs involving federal, state, and local expenditures.
  • Reviewing and responding to complaints regarding deficiencies or problems with city infrastructure.
  • Conducting on-site reviews of public works construction projects to review progress, resolve conflicts, and ensure compliance with plans and specifications.
  • Approving and providing direction for the lighting of residential and major streets.
  • Supervising and participating in special studies and projects.
  • Assisting in developing and enforcing municipal construction standards.

The City Engineer is Erica York, P.E., CFM. Erica is a 2016 graduate of the University of Alabama in Huntsville where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil/Environmental Engineering. She previously worked with Alabama Power as a plant engineer.


TRAFFIC ISSUES

The City of Cullman strives to provide for the safe and efficient movement of motor vehicle, pedestrian, and cyclist traffic within the City of Cullman. The Engineering Department identifies and investigates locations for needed traffic improvements, performs detailed traffic studies (traffic signal warrant analysis,intersection safety, parking, etc.), and oversees the installation and maintenance of traffic signals, traffic signs, striping, and pavement markers on city streets. 


DRAINAGE ISSUES

The Engineering Department reviews drainage plan submittals for new subdivisions, commercial developments, and new streets in order to prevent future drainage problems caused by increased runoff on existing drainage facilities, erosion and sediment problems created by new construction, and so forth.

The following drainage issues should be reported to the Engineering Department:

  • Drainage problems associated with new residential development, commercial development, subdivision development, or new street construction; i.e., storm water runoff, excessive mud, erosion from new construction, etc.

The following drainage issues should be reported to the Street Department:

  • Ditches or inlets stopped up by debris.
  • Broken pipes, grates, lids, or gutters.
  • Missing or displaced storm drain lids or covers.
  • Standing water.
  • Erosion problems on existing ditches.
  • Holes in yards/lawns over existing pipe.
  • Flooding in a house/business, garage/storm shed, street, etc.
  • Requests for ditches to be piped or improved.

The following drainage issues should be reported to the Right-of-Way Maintenance Department:

  • Overgrown drainage easements/ditches.
  • Trees along drainage ditch that need to be trimmed or cut.

PLANNING & ZONING ISSUES

Contact the Building Inspection Department or visit the Planning & Zoning page.


UNSURE?

If you’re unsure who to contact about your issue, send an email to [email protected] that includes details about your issue, location of your issue, and your contact information. Your message will be directed to the appropriate department.