Public Works

Message from the Director

It is my pleasure to serve you as the Public Works Director. We are "Your Public Works Department." We are proud of the services we provide and hope you are as well. Should you have any questions from traffic signal timing to garbage pick up, please don't hesitate to call.

Public Works Director, Adrian Niles
P. O. Box 2496
Gainesville, GA 30503
Phone: 770-535-6882
Fax: 770-531-2674
aniles@gainesville.org

Solid Waste — While serving approximately 15,000 accounts the City’s Solid Waste Department may appear to be much like a private household garbage service, but it goes beyond that.  The Solid Waste Division helps maintain a clean and healthy environment for everyone who comes to and lives in the City through regularly scheduled collection and proper disposal of residential solid waste.  Some of the ways that this is accomplished include:  *Twice per week household garbage pickup * Once per week curbside trash pickup * Chipping of yard waste items as needed * Litter control * Dead animal pickup * Special pickup of large bulky items which are called “White Goods” (requires advance notice) * Coordination of recycling services between citizens of Gainesville and BFI

Engineering Services — The Engineering Division is responsible for the planning, design, project management, and construction of public improvements funded by the City.  This responsibility includes streets, culverts, alleys, storm drainage structures, lighting, airport improvements, parking, industrial parks and many others.  Construction plans for both public and private projects are reviewed to insure compliance with all federal, state, and local ordinances for the issuance of development permits.  The Engineering Division assists other departments with  project management and engineering and surveying needs as directed by the Public Works Director and City Engineer.

Traffic Engineering — The Traffic Engineering Division’s main mission is to plan, build, manage, and maintain an effective, safe, and efficient transportation control system that meets the needs of Gainesville’s traveling public and commerce. Traffic Engineering is responsible for the effective installation and operation of traffic signs and signals for pedestrian and vehicular activity. Traffic signs and roadway markings and traffic signal maintenance includes preventive maintenance, 24-hour emergency traffic signal and down sign response, new construction inspection, minor construction and improvements, citizen service response, and the operation of traffic signal communication systems for the City of Gainesville.

Street Maintenance — The Street Maintenance Division is responsible for the repair and maintenance of city streets, sidewalks, storm drainage infrastructure, rights-of-way, and other facilities located within the corporate City limits.  This division assists with planning the construction of new streets and drainage facilities.  Street Maintenance personnel provide 24-hour emergency response services during inclement weather. Other responsibilities include curbside leaf pickup and the sweeping of city streets and roadside litter control.

Airport — The mission of the Airport division is to provide safe operation of the Lee Gilmer Memorial Airport, make the airport self-sufficient, provide a vital connection for national and international businesses based in and around Gainesville, actively contribute to the City’s efforts in attracting tourism, and satisfy the hangar needs of the local general aviation public.  It is the responsibility of this division to maintain, improve, and upgrade all airport facilities, navigational devices, meet or exceed the FAA standards and requirements, solicit and administer Federal and State grants for airport improvements, and aggressively administer the airport and airport industrial park leasing programs.

Cemetery — The Cemetery division’s mission is to provide the public with affordable cemetery spaces in a perpetual care cemetery environment. Alta Vista provides perpetual care for two City owned cemeteries. The cemetery staff also plans for future expansion, manages cemetery grounds, coordinates services between family and funeral home personnel, provides for sales of new spaces, keeps records necessary for the efficient operation of the division, and assist visitors locating spaces and answering questions as to regulations and ownership.

Vehicle Services — The Vehicle Services division is responsible for providing preventive maintenance and repairs to approximately 300 various vehicles and equipment ranging from automobiles to specialized department equipment such as fire engines, garbage packers, a street sweeper, and transit buses. The duties of this division include overseeing the fuel management system, repair and maintenance of the fleet wash bay, and provide 24-hour Emergency Service repair on the City’s vehicles to insure safety and reliability.

Public Lands and Buildings Division — PL&B’s main focus is to provide a safe and pleasant environment in all City owned buildings.  PL&B is responsible for the planning, coordination, renovation, and maintenance of all buildings owned by the City of Gainesville except where a particular department retains the responsibility. PL&B personnel specialize in carpentry, plumbing, electrical, heating-ventilation, and air-conditioning, grounds keeping and custodial service.  They also perform minor repairs and renovations on City facilities and provide supervision of the City’s contractor repair and renovation projects.