BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION:
The 2019-20 Budget contains funding for 50% of the cost of Public Works Accreditation through the American Public Works Association. The 2020-21 budget provides the remainder of the costs that will be paid during the fiscal year. Additional future funding will have to be allocated at the completion of the internal accreditation process to fund an APWA audit of the Public Works department as described below.
Public Works Accreditation recognizes Public Works departments as having performed a self-review of policies, practices and procedures against recognized best practices. The process must be accomplished within a three year period and culminates with a field visit by APWA representatives to review the departments work and to determine if it should receive the Accreditation recognition.
The process is intensive as twenty one broad functional areas with multiple sub-functions are reviewed and documented. Some areas will require the formal development of policies, practices and procedures that exists today but may not be documented.
Accreditation is maintained for four years after which the department must apply for re-accreditation. The re-accreditation is similar in scope as existing practices are reviewed and updated as new “best practices” are identified by APWA.
Staff has prepared the Accreditation Application and Accreditation Agreement that is attached to the City Council memo.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The Fiscal Impact is $3,950. Funds are available in the Public Services Fund, Capital Outlay/Special Request Fund 01-7000-06-00.
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the City Council authorize the execution of the Accreditation Agreement and submittal of the Accreditation Application to APWA.