Description of Responsibilities

The Public Works Department is composed of four (4) employees whose duties include sanitation and recycling collection, provide cleaning assistance for the streets and roadways, and perform other water/wastewater related maintenance as necessary.

Eco-Friendly Lawn & Garden Tips for Hot Weather

As summer temperatures rise, maintaining a lush, beautiful landscape can become more challenging—and water use often skyrockets. Fortunately, there are smart, eco-conscious ways to keep your yard looking great while conserving resources. 

• Water Wisely 
  • Water Early or Late: Water lawns and plants early in the morning or after sunset to reduce evaporation. 
  • Deep Soaking, Less Often: Watering deeply 2–3 times a week encourages deeper root growth, which helps plants become more drought-resistant. 
  • Use Drip Irrigation or Soaker Hoses: These minimize water waste and deliver moisture directly to the roots where it’s needed most. 
• Choose Drought-Tolerant Plants 
  • Native and drought-resistant plants like lavender, black-eyed Susans, ornamental grasses, and sedum require less water and are better suited to summer conditions. 
  • Incorporate xeriscaping in problem areas—this landscaping style uses rocks, mulch, and minimal irrigation for a striking, low-maintenance look. 
• Mulch Like a Pro
  • Apply a 2–3-inch layer of organic mulch (like bark or straw) around plants to retain moisture, prevent weeds, and keep roots cool. 
  • Mulch also improves soil quality over time—win-win! 
• Compost for Healthy Soil 
  • Enrich your soil naturally by adding compost. This reduces the need for chemical fertilizers and helps soil retain moisture longer. 
• Mow High & Smart 
  • Raise your mower blade during summer. Taller grass (around 3 inches) shades the soil, reduces evaporation, and promotes stronger roots.
  • Keep blades sharp to avoid tearing grass, which can lead to brown, stressed lawns.
• Go Chemical-Free 
  • Minimize or eliminate the use of pesticides and herbicides that can harm beneficial insects and pollute runoff water. 
  • Encourage natural pest control by attracting birds and pollinators with flowering plants and birdbaths.
• Group Plants by Water Needs (Hydrozoning) 
  • Place plants with similar water and sunlight requirements together to avoid overwatering or underwatering parts of your garden. This strategy helps reduce waste and makes irrigation more efficient—perfect for hot summer months. 
• Create a Pollinator-Friendly Space 
  • Incorporate bee- and butterfly-attracting plants like coneflowers, milkweed, salvia, and sunflowers.
  • Avoid using pesticides on flowering plants to protect these beneficial insects, which also help gardens thrive