PUBLIC WORKS

110 S. Pine Street
Santa Maria, CA 93458

The Department of Public Works/Engineering is responsible for ensuring that City-owned transportation infrastructure and facilities, transit services and capital improvement programs are designed, engineered, constructed, maintained and/or modified in a presentable and safe condition. The department coordinates a variety of activities and services including the preparation of plans and specifications for public works related construction projects; the design and inspection of public facilities; ensuring the proper installation of all public improvements made in new subdivisions, such as streets, curbs, gutters, sidewalks, water mains, sewer lines, and drainage; and provides custodial service to City facilities. The Streets division is responsible for preventive and regular maintenance of streets and appurtenant facilities. Santa Maria Area Transit (SMAT) system provides a regional public transportation service.

photo of David J. Whitehead, Director of Public Works DAVID J. WHITEHEAD
Director of Public Works/City Engineer

City Phone: (805) 925.0951 x227
City Fax: (805) 928-4995
E-Mail

EDUCATION & EMPLOYMENT:

  • Registered Professional Engineer, State of California
  • BS Civil Engineering, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
  • Director of Public Works/City Engineer - City of Santa Maria
  • Principal Civil Engineer, Construction & Development – City of Santa Maria
  • Senior Civil Engineer, Construction - City of Santa Maria
  • Senior Civil Engineer, Development - City of Santa Maria
  • Associate Civil Engineer, Capital Projects - City of Santa Maria
  • Assistant Civil Engineer, Design – Santa Clara County Transportation Agency

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT:

  • American Public Works Association
  • American Society of Civil Engineers
  • Autumnwoods Homeowners Association, President
  • Orcutt School District, 7-11 Committee

DESCRIPTION OF RESPONSIBILITIES:

Manager of Public Works Department, streets and facilities maintenance; transit system; and engineering.

Mission Statement
To effectively provide public works services to all City residents in a courteous, responsible, responsive and efficient manner.

2010-11 Goals/Objectives

  1. Complete the design and initiate the construction of the northwest and northeast fire stations.
  2. Complete the construction of the new Intermodal Transit Center and continue to expand public transportation and encourage alternate modes of transportation.
  3. Improve regional traffic circulation and relieve congestion by completing construction of Union Valley Parkway from Broadway (State Highway 135) to Blosser Road.
  4. Improve safety conditions for drivers making left turns at three traffic signal controlled intersections..
  5. Reduce energy consumption and improve lighting levels by completing the installation of new lighting systems and controls at the Town Center East Parking Structure "A" using American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding.
  6. Improve traffic safety and reduce traffic collisions by constructing a left-turn "refuge lane" at Donovan Road/Lynne Drive, and improve the traffic signal at Miller and Donovan roads for safer traffic flow.
  7. Complete the West Stowell Road widening project adjacent to the new Humane Society complex, in order to better accommodate existing and projected traffic volumes.
  8. Improve customer service and reliability on SMAT by purchasing two new fixed-route buses and five new paratransit vans using American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding.
  9. Enhance safe routes to schools by installing new high visibility signage on roadways near public schools in an effort to improve pedestrian safety.
  10. Improve public rights-of-way by repairing sidewalks, adding ADA-accessible ramps, and improving roadways by completing construction of five American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funded projects.