Public Works Director Josh Belnap recently briefed the Mayor and City Council on the Public Work’s Department extensive responsibilities and accomplishments over the past year, despite facing challenges such as staffing turnover, aging infrastructure, and supply chain issues. 

Belnap outlined management of Kaysville’s “Street Network,” which includes 137 miles of public streets, traffic signals, snow plowing, street sign maintenance, curb and street painting, and tree trimming. The department also oversees the city’s fleet and equipment, performs sub grade testing for new subdivisions, and coordinates with residents for curb and sidewalk repairs.

The stormwater division maintains approximately 310 miles of underground piping and is responsible for street sweeping, stormwater sampling, and compliance with the city’s Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit. A MS4 is defined as a conveyance or system of conveyances (including roads with drainage systems, municipal streets, catch basins, gutters, ditches, man-made channels, or storm drains). Each MS4 has its own operator that is responsible for maintaining and controlling pollutants that enter their system.

Belnap emphasized the importance of training city staff on stormwater requirements and coordinating with state and county officials on potential spills. The Water Department manages 165 miles of underground drinking water pipes, ensuring the city’s water quality and infrastructure. Kaysville receives one billion gallons of water annually from Weber Basin Water Conservancy District that is stored in seven underground tanks, with a combined capacity of 8.5 million gallons. The department focuses on maintaining water quality, addressing leaks, ensuring the functionality of the city’s 3,600 valves, 17 fire hydrants, and 9,000 service lines and home water meters.

Belnap highlighted several key projects, including the purchase of a new street sweeper and vac truck, which significantly increased the efficiency of street cleaning and debris removal. The department also undertook the internally engineered replacement of a waterline on 400 West. 

Belnap addressed challenges such as staff retention, increasing outside job offers, aging infrastructure, and rising costs. He highlighted the critical need for water source redundancy, given the city’s reliance on Weber Basin. The department is exploring alternative sources like wells to ensure a reliable water supply. Despite these challenges, the department has made considerable progress in maintaining and improving Kaysville’s infrastructure. 

Belnap concluded by acknowledging the hard work and commitment of the Public Works staff. Councilmembers expressed gratitude for the challenging work of Belnap and his team, emphasizing the importance of public awareness regarding infrastructure maintenance. They commended the department for managing approximately 130 water leaks annually and stressed the need for council support to ensure the provision of safe drinking water. They also noted the department’s outstanding work in snow removal over the past two years, noting their efficiency despite limited resources. 

Mayor Tamera Tran inquired about the city’s reliance on the almost one billion gallons of water received annually from Weber Basin, efforts to explore alternative sources, and how the council could support these initiatives. Belnap emphasized the financial aspect of pursuing new water sources, noting their focus on grants and external funding sources. He also noted the importance of support from elected officials when applying for changes with the State of Utah.