The administrative service of the City shall be under the Manager and be comprised of the following departments and heads thereof and such other departments and heads as may be created by amendments to this Code. These departments may be combined, eliminated, or be assigned additional duties, or departmental duties may be partially or totally assigned to another department to respond to financial needs or to achieve operating efficiencies.
Department
Department Head
City of Altoona Administration Department
City Manager
City of Altoona Public Works Department
Director
City of Altoona Finance Department
Director
City of Altoona Police Department
Chief
City of Altoona Fire Department
Chief
City of Altoona Codes & Inspections Department
Director
City of Altoona Community Development Department
Director
City of Altoona Human Resources Department
Director
Pursuant to Article VIII of the Charter, all department heads shall be appointed by the City Manager. Department heads shall be chosen solely on the basis of executive, administrative and technical qualifications that are pertinent to the function, duties and operations of their respective departments and as are prescribed by law.
Department heads, under the direction of the City Manager, shall:
A. 
Direct personally and through subordinates the performance of all functions, duties and operations assigned to and required of the department and its subordinate units by law, the Charter, or ordinance and such other activities as may be required by the City Manager which are not in conflict with law, the Charter, or ordinance.
B. 
Develop and prescribe the internal organization of the department and its subordinate units, subject to the approval of the City Manager, and in accordance with applicable provisions of law, the Charter, or ordinance.
C. 
Assign duties and responsibilities to subordinate officers and employees within the department, and modify those assignments consistent with and in response to the changing exigencies of service.
D. 
Prepare and submit departmental budget requests in accordance with schedules, forms, and policies as prescribed by the City Manager.
E. 
Prepare and submit reports prescribed by the City Manager.
F. 
Cooperate with and furnish to any department or unit of the City any information, service, labor, material and equipment that may be necessary to perform a City function.
G. 
Be aware of and coordinate the activities of the department with appropriate area-wide, regional and intergovernmental programs; keep the City Manager informed of the activities and policies of such programs as they affect the department or the City; and make analyses and recommendations regarding such activities and policies when appropriate.
H. 
Administer and evaluate intergovernmental contracts and agreements as these relate to departmental functions.
I. 
Develop and maintain internal administrative and budgetary controls and productivity and performance standards to assure maximum levels of quality and quantity of service within budgetary limitations.
J. 
Keep abreast of developments in administrative policies, management techniques, technological advances and make recommendations to the City Manager concerning Council action or administrative regulations for the utilization of those policies, techniques and technologies deemed to be in the best interests of the department and City.
K. 
Keep abreast of all laws and City ordinances and administrative regulations relating to the functions of the department.
L. 
Serve as a member of any committee or as a staff officer or provide staff services to any board or commission to which the department head may be assigned by the City Manager.
M. 
Develop personnel planning and employee development policies for the department, including the planning and execution of appropriate training and educational programs and coordinate all employee disciplinary action with the Human Resources Director.
N. 
Establish and enforce rules and regulations for the use of municipal facilities and services and issue such licenses and permits as may be required by ordinance.
O. 
Develop and recommend to the City Manager rate structures for those services for which user fees are charged.
A. 
Function.
(1) 
The City of Altoona Administration Department shall be responsible for performing staff functions for the City Manager and assisting departments and other units of the City in carrying out their duties.
(2) 
The City of Altoona Administration Department shall include, but not be limited to, the City Manager, City Solicitor, City Clerk, Deputy City Clerk, IT Manager, and executive assistant(s).
(3) 
The City of Altoona Administration Department shall supervise and administer all central services not provided for in other sections of this Code, or specifically assigned by law, the Charter, ordinance, or other regulation.
B. 
Department head. The City of Altoona Administration Department shall be headed by the City Manager. The City Manager shall be responsible for the performance of the function of the department.
C. 
Solicitor. The duties of the Solicitor shall be in accordance with the Charter and as set forth herein:
(1) 
Prepare and revise ordinances and resolutions when so requested by the City Manager, Council, any committee or department director.
(2) 
Review and revise as necessary all proposed ordinances and resolutions to ensure legal compliance.
(3) 
Provide legal opinions upon any legal matter or question submitted by the Council, its committees or the City Manager, or department director(s).
(4) 
Attend all Council meetings.
(5) 
Litigate all legal actions and claims brought by or against the City except in those cases in which other legal counsel is retained.
(6) 
Approve for legality all contracts, agreements or other legal documents executed by authorized municipal officers.
(7) 
Coordinate activities with the Assistant City Solicitor.
D. 
City Clerk. The duties of the City Clerk shall be in accordance with the Charter and as set forth herein:
(1) 
Coordinate all communications and correspondence for the members of Council.
(2) 
Prepare agendas and documents necessary for meetings in cooperation with the City Manager.
(3) 
Record and maintain copies of executed documents, resolutions, ordinances and minutes from all meetings.
(4) 
Attend all Council meetings and keep full minutes of its proceedings.
(5) 
Coordinate all public relations for the City.
(6) 
Coordinate activities with the Deputy City Clerk and executive assistant(s).
(7) 
Preserve the records and documents of the City and maintain custody of the Corporate Seal.
(8) 
Certify copies of any book, paper, record, bylaw, rule, regulation, resolution, ordinance or other proceedings of the City under the Seal of the City.
(9) 
Attest to the execution of all instruments and record all ordinances.
(10) 
File of record proof of service of all notices required by law or ordinance and the City Clerk's certificate thereof shall be good evidence of such notice.
(11) 
Perform such other duties as are required by the City Manager or Council.
E. 
Deputy City Clerk. In the absence of the City Clerk, the Deputy City Clerk will perform all City Clerk duties.
F. 
IT Manager. The duties of the IT Manager of the City of Altoona Administration Department shall include but not be limited to the following:
(1) 
Develop, design and administer the City computer system for City departments to include records management and hardware and software needs.
(2) 
Develop and administer the City communication systems for all City departments to include e-mail, telephone, facsimile and duplication services.
(3) 
Maintain the City's network, internal and external web presence, applications and databases.
(4) 
Perform such other duties as are required by the City Manager.
G. 
Executive assistant(s). The duties of the executive assistant(s) of the City of Altoona Administration Department shall include but not be limited to the following:
(1) 
Provide administrative support as assigned by the City Manager.
A. 
Function. The City of Altoona Finance Department shall be responsible for performing all financial and accounting functions for the City. The Department will assist departments and other units of the City in carrying out their fiduciary responsibilities.
B. 
Department head. The City of Altoona Finance Department shall be under the direction and control of the Director who shall be responsible to the City Manager.
C. 
Duties. The duties of the Director of the City of Altoona Finance Department shall include but not be limited to the following:
(1) 
Supervise and administer the City of Altoona Finance Department in a professional manner.
(2) 
Collect and receive all taxes and other monies due or receivable by the City or authorize other municipal units to do so under prescribed procedures.
(3) 
Develop all tax rolls which are not prepared by other political subdivisions or the commonwealth.
(4) 
Oversee the collection of City tax claims and liens in accordance with the law.
(5) 
Maintain a uniform accounting system in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and implement changes to assure continued compliance with the generally accepted accounting principles.
(6) 
Disburse all payments for authorized expenditures.
(7) 
Administer the payroll.
(8) 
Deposit monies in depositories authorized by ordinance.
(9) 
Provide for the prudent and safe investment of monies.
(10) 
Administer the purchasing system subject to the provisions of law, the Charter or ordinance, including such matters as:
(a) 
Preparing and evaluating standards and specifications for materials, services and equipment. Determine whether materials, services and equipment purchased meet specifications. This may be accomplished in conjunction with other departments as appropriate.
(b) 
Purchasing materials, services and equipment for the City pursuant to the Charter, ordinances and any applicable policy.
(c) 
Storing materials and equipment not delivered directly to the departments and other units of the City.
(11) 
Maintain an inventory control system for all real and personal property.
(12) 
Assist the City Manager in preparation of the capital program and the annual budget.
A. 
Function. The City of Altoona Public Works Department shall be responsible for the design, construction, operation and maintenance of all physical structures and facilities that are owned and maintained by the City, including those that house governmental functions, including the City parks and recreation facilities maintained by the City. The Department shall also be responsible to provide vehicle repair and similar support services to other City departments and agencies.
B. 
Department head. The City of Altoona Public Works Department shall be headed by a Director who shall be responsible to the City Manager for the performance of the function of the Department.
C. 
Duties. The duties of the Director of the City of Altoona Public Works Department shall include but not be limited to the following:
(1) 
Supervise and administer the Department in a professional manner.
(2) 
Oversee engineering services for the City.
(3) 
Construct and maintain the streets, storm sewers, inlets, bridges, curbs and gutters of the City, including the provision of street cleaning, snow removal and ice control services.
(4) 
Install and maintain traffic control devices and directional signs and signals, street name signs, and City-owned street lights.
(5) 
Maintain trees and other vegetation along municipal rights-of-way and other property of the City which present an immediate threat to public safety and in accordance with existing ordinances.
(6) 
Repair and maintain all municipal vehicles except as otherwise may be directed by the City Manager.
(7) 
Plan, develop, design and administer, in cooperation with other appropriate departments and agencies of other governments, expansion and modification of facilities for which the Department is responsible.
(8) 
Provide for the maintenance of buildings through custodial services for municipal buildings.
(9) 
Maintain traffic islands and other designated areas within City rights-of-way.
A. 
Function. The City of Altoona Police Department shall be responsible for performing law enforcement activities of all state and City traffic and safety ordinances, laws and regulations.
B. 
Department head. The City of Altoona Police Department shall be headed by the Police Chief who shall be responsible to the City Manager for the performance of the department.
C. 
Duties. The duties of the Police Chief of the City of Altoona Police Department shall include but not be limited to the following:
(1) 
Supervise and administer the City of Altoona Police Department in a professional manner.
(2) 
Enforce all criminal laws, traffic laws and ordinances as authorized by statute.
(3) 
Detect and apprehend offenders and wanted persons.
(4) 
Maintain temporary detention facilities for the safekeeping of arrested persons.
(5) 
Develop and conduct community relations and education programs.
(6) 
Operate and maintain the police mobile radios, portables, base station and other components of the police communication system except to the extent that these functions are performed by another agency.
(7) 
Maintain records and files of crimes and criminals and other matters pertinent to the City of Altoona Police Department.
(8) 
Maintain CLEAN/NCIC files as required by law.
(9) 
Cooperate with other departments of the City in providing traffic control, emergency responses and support with public events.
A. 
Function. The City of Altoona Fire Department shall be responsible for the protection of the public and property from the dangers of fire by providing fire control, fire prevention education and Fire Prevention Code inspections. The City of Altoona Fire Department will provide vehicle and technical rescue services; respond to hazardous materials incidents, acts of terrorism, and natural disasters; and assist with emergency medical services.
B. 
Department head. The City of Altoona Fire Department shall be headed by a Fire Chief who shall be responsible to the City Manager for the performance of the functions of the City of Altoona Fire Department.
C. 
Duties. The duties of the Fire Chief of the City of Altoona Fire Department shall include but not be limited to the following:
(1) 
Supervise and administer the City of Altoona Fire Department in a professional manner.
(2) 
Prevent and extinguish fires.
(3) 
Identify, remove and control fire hazards.
(4) 
Enforce laws, ordinances, rules and regulations relating to fires and fire hazards.
(5) 
Maintain, as appropriate, records and information relating to fires and fire hazards.
(6) 
Conduct investigations, in cooperation with appropriate police authorities, into suspected crimes relating to fire and any fires of suspicious origin.
(7) 
Develop and conduct community relations and education programs.
(8) 
Operate and maintain the fire radio, fire alarm and other components of the fire emergency communication system except to the extent that these functions are performed by another department or agency.
(9) 
Maintain records and logs relating to radio and the emergency communication system as required by law.
(10) 
Provide medical first responder until technicians arrive.
(11) 
Provide rescue services (vehicle, confined space, etc.).
(12) 
Respond to all hazardous materials emergencies within the City.
(13) 
Oversee the emergency management of the City and serve as the Emergency Management Coordinator.
A. 
Function. The City of Altoona Codes and Inspections Department shall be responsible for the protections of persons and property within the City through the administration and enforcement of property maintenance, building, plumbing, mechanical, electrical and other related codes and ordinances designed to ensure the public health, safety and welfare.
B. 
Department head. The Codes and Inspections Department shall be headed by a Director who shall be responsible to the City Manager for the performance of the function of the Department.
C. 
Duties. The duties of the Director of the City of Altoona Codes and Inspections Department shall include but not be limited to the following:
(1) 
Administer and enforce property maintenance codes as they relate to existing structures and premises as provided by adopted ordinances.
(2) 
Administer and enforce all building, plumbing, mechanical and electrical codes as they relate to new construction, demolition and alterations to existing structures as provided by adopted ordinances.
(3) 
Administer and enforce adopted ordinances.
(4) 
Provide for the collections of monies due to the City by issuance of permits, inspection fees and licenses.
(5) 
Serve as secretary to the Board of Health or appoint a designee(s) to serve.
(6) 
Serve as a secretary to the Blighted Property Review Board or appoint a designee(s) to serve.
(7) 
Serve as secretary to the Altoona Code Appeals Board or appoint a designee(s) to serve.
(8) 
Serve as secretary to the Plumbing Board or appoint a designee(s) to serve.
A. 
Function. The City of Altoona Community Development Department shall:
(1) 
Prepare, update and recommend municipal adoption of a Comprehensive Plan, including the development and preparation of associated land use controls. Administer and coordinate the review of all subdivision, land development, and planned residential development plans and projects.
(2) 
Coordinate with federal, state, regional and local agencies and organizations, and adjacent municipalities that are involved in planning, redevelopment, housing, transportation and economic development activities that will affect the City of Altoona.
(3) 
Collaborate with other agencies, organizations and development entities to implement the Comprehensive Plan and related specific development or redevelopment projects. Prepare applications and contracts for public or private funding and financing of specific activities or projects and administer programs and projects.
(4) 
Prepare specific studies, specifications, plans and programs to meet project requirements or City informational needs. Provide staff and other professional and technical support to the Altoona Planning Commission, Altoona Redevelopment Authority, Shade Tree Commission, and the Blighted Property Review Board in their respective functions.
B. 
Department head. The Community Development Department shall be headed by a Director who shall be responsible to the City Manager for the performance of the functions of the Department.
C. 
Duties. The duties of the Director of the City of Altoona Community Development Department shall include but not be limited to the following:
(1) 
Supervise and administer the City of Altoona Community Development Department in a professional manner.
(2) 
Prepare, update and interpret the Comprehensive Plan which is developed in accordance with the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: See 53 P.S. § 10101 et seq.
(3) 
Develop, prepare, and recommend land use ordinances and an Official Map.
(4) 
Administer and coordinate the review of all subdivision, land development, and planned residential development plans and projects.
(5) 
Assist and encourage other agencies, organizations and development entities to implement the Comprehensive Plan and its related development or redevelopment activities.
(6) 
Prepare the application for public or private funding of specific activities or projects, including the application preparation and administration of the Federal Housing and Urban Development Entitlement Program.
(7) 
Assist in the development of a capital improvements program.
(8) 
Administer housing rehabilitation programs and coordinate housing development activities with the other public and private housing agencies and financial institutions serving the City.
(9) 
Prepare specific studies, reports, specifications and plans to meet program or project requirements or to meet City informational needs.
(10) 
Develop, maintain and coordinate relevant database files, including but not limited to United States Census Data and other relevant City-developed database information.
(11) 
Coordinate the development and utilization of the City's Geographic Information System.
(12) 
Provide staff and other professional and technical support to the Altoona Planning Commission, Shade Tree Commission, Blighted Property Review Board, and Altoona Redevelopment Authority in their respective functions.
(13) 
Remediate blight and facilitate the redevelopment of the City by acquiring and disposing of property in the City through appropriate planning, legal and financial mechanisms.
(14) 
Promote public interest in and understanding of the Comprehensive Plan and planning processes.
(15) 
Make recommendations to governmental, civic and private agencies and individuals as to the effectiveness of the proposals of such agencies and individuals.
(16) 
Conduct other activities as may be assigned by the City Manager from time to time.
(17) 
Administer and enforce adopted zoning and subdivision codes.
(18) 
Serve as secretary to the Zoning Hearing Board or appoint a designee(s) to serve.
(19) 
Coordinate the planting and maintenance of trees along municipal rights-of-way in cooperation with the Shade Tree Commission.
A. 
Function. The City of Altoona Human Resources Department shall be responsible for developing and administering all matters pertaining to the City's relationship with its employees, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, training, compensation and benefits, discipline and discharge, and labor relations, in compliance with all applicable laws.
B. 
Department head. The City of Altoona Human Resources Department shall be headed by a Director who shall be responsible to the City Manager for the performance of the function of the Department.
C. 
Duties. The duties of the Director of the City of Altoona Human Resources Department shall include but not be limited to the following:
(1) 
Supervise and administer the City of Altoona Human Resources Department in a professional manner.
(2) 
Recruit and select persons for municipal employment.
(3) 
Develop and maintain the position classification and pay plans.
(4) 
Participate in and administer labor relations programs, including contract negotiations, contract administration and related programs.
(5) 
Recommend, develop and implement rules, regulations and policies governing City employees.
(6) 
Develop and implement City-wide employee training and development programs, and assist other departments in developing and implementing departmental training and development programs.
(7) 
Develop and implement City-wide personnel planning programs and assisting other departments in developing and implementing departmental personnel planning programs.
(8) 
Serve as secretary to the Civil Service Boards and Commission(s) or appoint a designee(s) to serve.
(9) 
Develop and maintain records reflecting all aspects of the service of municipal employees.
(10) 
Make recommendations concerning employee benefits plans, and administer all employee benefit plans.
(11) 
Advise the City Manager and other departments on employee disciplinary matters and other decisions related to labor and employee relations.
(12) 
Provide advice to the City Manager and other departments to ensure that all personnel actions, policies and programs (including employee benefits) are in compliance with federal, state and local statutes, ordinances, rules and regulations.