Overview
This department provides technical support for 21 City departments and various outside agencies. An important function is that this Department is the record keeper for the City's infrastructure records, as well as an archive for the engineering-related construction drawings (an extensive historical record dating back some 80 years). Roadway, drainage, traffic, utility, environmental and structural design work is taken on by this Department, including bidding duties. With approximately 55 staff, the Engineering Department is functionally divided into the following divisions and departments:
- Engineering Design
- In-house design of infrastructure improvements such as roadways, drainage facilities, water distribution systems, wastewater collection systems, traffic signals and environmental mitigation projects.
- Construction
- This division provides construction inspection and oversight to determine if all quality control and quality assurance requirement are meet for public infrastructure. All public infrastructure and facilities construction is inspected by members of this division to ensure adherence to approved plans and specification. The inspections are for streets, drainage, water distribution and wastewater collection systems. Additionally, utility coordination is provided by this group to assure right of ways are cleared for any proposed improvements.
- Development
- This division performs review of proposed streets and drainage for commercial and residential subdivision development. McAllen 's high growth is generating some 100 to 150 such reviews annually. The review process is extensive with dozens of issues to review for each application to subdivided. In addition to subdivision reviews, this division also determines reimbursements to the City required from developers for the extension for storm sewer and roadway networks. This division also oversees the review of Buildings Permits and Utility and Driveway Permits.
- Architectural
- This division provides oversight and construction inspection for City facilities. This includes design, review, bidding and inspection for public buildings such as the proposed Convention Center, Fire Administration and the recently completed Public Safety Building. This division also provides in-house design for new facilities, additions, renovations and re-models.
- Traffic Operations Department
- This department is responsible for the installation, operation and maintenance of all traffic signal, pavement marking and signage in the City. Design, installation and maintenance of all traffic control devices is provided by in-house staff.