DepartmentsEngineeringInspections

Inspections

The Engineering Division currently has two Public Works inspectors to handle the construction of new developments and City projects for the entire town. This means they often have more requests than they can accommodate on a particular day. It is important that contractors give our inspectors as much advanced warning as possible, and at least 24 hours. The inspectors’ normal working hours are Monday through Friday, 7:00 am to 4:00 pm. Any deviation from this schedule will require the approval of the Assistant City Engineer, and may involve overtime charges to the contractor or developer.

Typically, each inspector handles a specific area of town:

• Mike Rodriguez handles the area of town north of Paige Avenue and east of the Union Pacific Railroad
• Rodney Goertzen handles the area of town south of Paige Avenue and west of the Union Pacific Railroad

However, from time to time, workload requires work assignments outside their normal area.

While our inspectors will try to witness as much of the work as practical, it is essential that they inspect the following key elements before the contractor may proceed to the next step or before backfilling:

Water, Sewer, and Storm Drain Pipelines
Pipe bedding, hand compaction to 1 foot above pipe, backfill material used, trench compaction methods, sub-grade compaction, placement of aggregate base materials, trench paving

Water Pipe Only
Prior to connecting to City mains, new mains must pass a pressure test. Then, after passing purity tests, the Contractor may make the tie-ins to the existing City main, with the inspector present.

Concrete Work
Forms or string line, proper location and widths of sidewalk and driveway approaches, compaction of native material, sand placement, concrete mix

Street Paving
Scarification and compaction of sub-grade, placement and compaction of aggregate base material, grade checks, and your initial pavement runs (including thickness, suitability of materials, and proper compaction).

In addition, our survey crew will be spot checking pipeline grades for gravity lines (usually sanitary sewer and storm drain lines). Do not backfill any gravity lines without prior approval of either the inspector or the survey crew. If possible, advise the survey crew what time of day you plan to backfill the trench.

Before requesting a final inspection for a subdivision, the contractor should review our pre-check punch list to be sure all applicable items have been addressed. Once the contractor has completed this check-off list, and corrected and/or completed any deficiencies, a final job walk will be scheduled. The contractor or developer must be present for this final inspection.

Prior to any work within City right-of-way, there must be approved plans and/or an encroachment permit issued by the Engineering Division. Only State licensed Contractors, with proper insurance forms on file, may work within City right-of-way.