There is hereby created a Department of Public Works which shall be headed by the City Engineer and shall be responsible for:
1. 
The construction, reconstruction, maintenance, repair, alteration, cleaning, care, improving and installation of:
(a) 
Streets, highways, bridges, sidewalks and public places of the City;
(b) 
Storm sewers, drains, culverts, sanitary sewers, sewage disposal systems and all usual and necessary appurtenances thereto;
(c) 
Water supply, reservoirs, treatment plants, mains, distribution systems and all usual and necessary appurtenances thereto;
(d) 
Traffic and street signs, markings, traffic signals and equipment;
(e) 
City buildings and all other structures and works of the City unless otherwise provided in this Charter.
[Amended 7-2-2013 by L.L. No. 3-2013]
2. 
The collection and disposal of refuse and garbage when authorized by the Common Council.
3. 
Operation of a central garage and fuel supply for the maintenance and repair of all City vehicles except as otherwise provided by the Common Council.
4. 
Setting out, care and removal of trees and shrubs along public streets and highways.
5. 
Enforcement of building codes, housing codes, zoning, sanitary sewer, plumbing and similar regulations or ordinances.
6. 
Engineering services.
7. 
Such other similar and related duties as may be assigned by the Common Council.
[Amended 7-18-2023 by L.L. No. 6-2023[1]]
The City Engineer shall be appointed by the City Manager and shall be the head of the Department of Public Works. At the time of his appointment, he shall be a licensed professional engineer of the State of New York, a graduate of a fully accredited institution of higher learning with specialization in civil engineering and shall have five years of experience as a civil engineer.
[1]
Editor's Note: This local law was subject to mandatory referendum and approved by the electors of the City of Oneida 11-7-2023.
The City Engineer shall have the following powers and duties:
1. 
Have general supervision and control over all operations and organization of the Department of Public Works.
2. 
Appoint a first assistant, a second assistant and such other officers and employees of the Department of Public Works as may be authorized by the Common Council.
3. 
Be responsible for all engineering and surveying services of the City; keep the official maps of the City; and establish the grade of streets.
4. 
Supervise and grant permits upon such terms and conditions as he deems appropriate and subject to such regulations as the Common Council may establish for the location, construction and repair in streets and public places of gas, telephonic and electrical conduits, lines, poles and other public utilities or services.
5. 
Have general supervision and control of all public works contracts performed by independent contractors except where such contracts are performed under the supervision of consulting engineers or architects.
6. 
Assist the City Comptroller in the development of standards and specifications for materials, supplies and equipment that pertain to Public Work missions, activities and/or functions.
[Amended 7-2-2013 by L.L. No. 3-2013]
7. 
Prepare plans and specifications for all public works projects of the City except those to be prepared by consulting engineers or architects.
8. 
Have such other powers and duties as may be assigned to him by the Common Council or by law.
A. 
First Assistant. The First Assistant shall be responsible for the operation of the water supply, reservoirs, treatment plants, mains, distribution systems and all usual and necessary appurtenances thereof under the general direction of the City Engineer.
[Amended 7-2-2013 by L.L. No. 3-2013]
B. 
In case of absence, disability or vacancy in the office of City Engineer, the First Assistant shall assume all the duties and exercise all the powers of the City Engineer.
[Amended 7-2-2013 by L.L. No. 3-2013]
C. 
Absence, disability or vacancy in office of City Engineer. In case of the absence, disability or vacancy in the office of the City Engineer or if the First Assistant is unable to perform such duties, then the Second Assistant shall do so.
[Amended 7-18-2023 by L.L. No. 6-2023[1]; 7-2-2024 by L.L. No. 3-2024]
There shall be a Board of Water Commissioners composed of five members appointed by the Mayor and who shall be residents of the City of Oneida; their terms of office to be five years, one to expire each year on the first of May. The Board of Water Commissioners shall be responsible for recommendations and proposals concerning the water supply and distribution system of the City of Oneida. Said proposals and recommendations by the Board may be either at the request of the Council or upon its own motion and shall be submitted to the Council for consideration by it and for such action as the Council shall deem appropriate. The Board shall also be responsible for the orderly and efficient operation and maintenance of said water system, subject to the authority of the Council.
[1]
Editor's Note: This local law was subject to mandatory referendum and approved by the electors of the City of Oneida 11-7-2023.
[Amended 7-2-2013 by L.L. No. 3-2013]
For the purpose of securing benefits granted to towns for the improvement, maintenance and repair of roads in the outside district, any general or special law to the contrary notwithstanding, that part of the City lying outside the corporation tax district shall be deemed a town.