5.5.
| CC Regular Session |
| Meeting Date: | 04/28/2026 |
| Primary Strategic Plan Initiative: | {ud_pd4} |
Title:
Authorization to Hire the City's New City Engineer
Purpose/Background:
The purpose of this case is for the City Council to authorize hiring the City’s new City Engineer. Mr. Bruce Westby, currently in the role of City Engineer/Public Works Director, will transition solely to Public Works Director.
Background: In 2022, the City Council approved a restructure within Public Works which included eliminating the Public Works Superintendent position and returning to a Public Works Director/City Engineer structure to oversee all of Public Works and Engineering. The plan at that time was to maintain the dual role for three years. Planning for the separation of the dual role was included in the 2026 budget.
City staff have been in the process of recruiting for a City Engineer for several months. Staff have conducted an open competitive recruitment resulting in several interviews which did not result in hiring a new City Engineer, until now. Mr. Hafedh Hlel was selected to advance in the recruitment process and was interviewed as a finalist by two members of the City Council and staff. Mr. Hlel passed the necessary pre-employment background checks and is recommended for hire as the City’s next City Engineer. As a department head, Mr. Hlel will be subject to a one-year probationary period and all personnel policies and benefits will apply normally.
The primary objective of the City Engineer is to oversee the planning, design, construction, inspection, and maintenance of public infrastructure, ensuring all work aligns with City Council policy and relevant regulations.
The role leads in?house and consultant designed public improvement projects, manages Engineering staff performance, and guides the creation and execution of engineering plans, policies, and procedures.
Background: In 2022, the City Council approved a restructure within Public Works which included eliminating the Public Works Superintendent position and returning to a Public Works Director/City Engineer structure to oversee all of Public Works and Engineering. The plan at that time was to maintain the dual role for three years. Planning for the separation of the dual role was included in the 2026 budget.
City staff have been in the process of recruiting for a City Engineer for several months. Staff have conducted an open competitive recruitment resulting in several interviews which did not result in hiring a new City Engineer, until now. Mr. Hafedh Hlel was selected to advance in the recruitment process and was interviewed as a finalist by two members of the City Council and staff. Mr. Hlel passed the necessary pre-employment background checks and is recommended for hire as the City’s next City Engineer. As a department head, Mr. Hlel will be subject to a one-year probationary period and all personnel policies and benefits will apply normally.
The primary objective of the City Engineer is to oversee the planning, design, construction, inspection, and maintenance of public infrastructure, ensuring all work aligns with City Council policy and relevant regulations.
The role leads in?house and consultant designed public improvement projects, manages Engineering staff performance, and guides the creation and execution of engineering plans, policies, and procedures.
Funding Source:
The funding required to hire Mr. Hafedh Hlel is included in the 2026 budget.
Recommendation:
To hire Mr. Hafedh Hlel as the City's new City Engineer, effective on or near June 1, 2026, at an annual salary of $134,513 which is step 1 of the 2026 wage scale.
Outcome/Action:
Motion to hire Mr. Hafedh Hlel as the City's new City Engineer, effective on or near June 1, 2026, at an annual salary of $134,513 which is step 1 of the 2026 wage scale.
Attachments
No file(s) attached.
Form Review
| Inbox | Reviewed By | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Brian Hagen | Brian Hagen | 04/23/2026 03:47 PM |
- Form Started By:
- Colleen Lasher
- Started On:
- 04/23/2026 09:19 AM
- Final Approval Date:
- 04/23/2026