Highland Village Public Works director outlines department responsibilities

Scott Christen, director of Public Works for the City of Highland Village, outlined the department’s responsibilities and said he has been with the city for 30 years. "I've been with the city for 30 years," Christen said.

Christen said Public Works "focuses on enhancing community quality of life by building, maintaining, and operating essential infrastructure" and emphasized that the department works "safely, efficiently, and with sustainability." He listed core responsibilities including streets, utilities, drainage, fleet maintenance and facilities.

Christen described specific operations: street crews repair streets "for ride quality and longevity"; utilities crews pump potable water to homes, collect and pump wastewater to the treatment plant, and replace water pipes to provide a reliable distribution system; and Drainage monitors stormwater quality. He also said crews "trap and test mosquitoes to manage public health." Fleet maintenance keeps city vehicles operational so crews "can be on the job site," and Facilities "keeps the integrity of the building safe and operational."

Christen said city staff review plans for developments to facilitate PNC and city council approvals, monitor code compliance, issue permits, and follow up with inspections to maintain community standards. He closed by saying that these divisions together make up the Public Works department.

The remarks were delivered as an overview of the department’s functions; no votes or formal actions were recorded in the transcript.