PREPARED BY: BRIAN HICKEY DATE OF MEETING: 5/18/2026
SUBJECT:
TITLE
CONSIDER AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN PABLO AMENDING SECTION 2.08.070 OF THE SAN PABLO MUNICIPAL CODE PERTAINING TO THE DUTIES OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR
CEQA: The proposed amendment is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) in accordance with CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3) because it can be seen with certainty that there is no potential for causing a significant effect on the environment.
Label
CITY MANAGER RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Waive first reading; introduce Ordinance
Body
Compliance statements
FY 2025-2027 Council Priority Workplan Compliance Statement
Under Major Policy Goal: Enhance Community Resilience, Policy 209 Continue to be an “Employer of Choice” to Attract and Retain Talent and Continue to Provide the Community with Exceptional Service is an adopted policy item contained in the adopted FY 2025-27 City Council Priority Workplan, effective April 7, 2025.
CEQA Compliance Statement
The proposed amendment is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act in accordance with CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3) because it can be seen with certainty that there is no potential for causing a significant effect on the environment as the Ordinance solely involves text changes to the municipal code and does not authorize any construction activities.
BACKGROUND
The proposed ordinance updates and modernizes Section 2.08.070 of the San Pablo Municipal Code by clarifying the administrative and operational responsibilities of the Director of Public Works. Specifically, the ordinance removes any requirement that the Director also serve as the City Engineer or hold a civil engineering license.
The proposed ordinance does not prohibit the Director of Public Works from also serving as the City Engineer where the Director possesses the necessary professional licensure and qualifications. Instead, the ordinance provides the City with greater organizational flexibility by clarifying that the positions of Director of Public Works and City Engineer may, but are not required to, be held by the same individual. Under the proposed structure, the City Engineer functions may instead be performed by another appropriately licensed City employee or by a retained consulting engineer.
The proposed changes are intended to provide the City Manager with greater flexibility in organizational structure, recruitment, and administration of the Public Works Department. The amendments broaden the pool of qualified candidates who may be considered for appointment as Director of Public Works by recognizing that modern public works leadership often emphasizes executive management, operations, infrastructure administration, budgeting, and departmental oversight, while technical engineering services may be separately provided by licensed professionals.
The ordinance also updates the code language to better reflect the current operational role of a modern public works department and to clarify the Director’s authority and responsibilities as the administrative head of the department.
FISCAL IMPACT
No substantial fiscal impact is anticipated as a result of this ordinance amendment, and any such minimal impact will be absorbed within the normal operational budgets of any affected departments of the City.
CONCLUSION
Staff recommends that the City Council review and introduce the attached Ordinance amending Section 2.08.070 of the San Pablo Municipal Code pertaining to the duties of the Public Works Director.
ATTACHMENTS
Att A - Proposed City Council Ordinance 2026-###