Right-of-ways
Right-of-ways are the areas that are 15 to 20 feet from the roads curb edge, drainage easement areas, and alleyways. The right-of-way department manages and maintains all the City’s right-of-ways by spraying herbicide to control weeds, mowing, edging, tree trimming, street line striping, traffic signals, school flashing lights, and street sweeping. The main purpose is to aid in good, clear visibility of road signs, traffic control lighting, and the overall appearance of the city’s right-of-way easements.
Herbicides
We spray many gallons of different types of herbicide blends each year to control pre & post emerged weeds. Due to the rapid growth of weeds as compared to grass, herbicides help in reducing the need to mow more often and therefore reduce man and equipment hours it would take to keep our city as well-groomed as possible in our high visibility areas. Extensive application records are kept listing all the areas treated. City parks herbicide application needs are also covered by this department.
Mowing
There are five mowers that run 8 hours a day, 5 days per week during mowing season and some smaller equipment that handle some of the city’s facilities.
Tree Trimming & Removal
In the fall we run two tree trimming crews & one chipping crew. You may call 580-225-1414 to report any foliage that may be obstructing the view or poses a danger to the public.
Signal Lights
We currently have six intersections that have video detection and seven that use what is called an inductance loop. Detection is the method by which an intersection determines when a vehicle has arrived into the intersection and tells the computer it’s there and ready for a green light when possible. Video uses zones that are drawn on the asphalt through a monitor and when a car is in the zone a signal is detected. An inductance loop uses a figure eight wire that is implanted in the asphalt that detects metal objects that arrive in the wired area, sending a present’s signal to a computer. All the City’s lights were converted to LEDs that use one-tenth of the energy of the incandescent bulbs and save a significant amount of electricity to operate. You may call the Police Department at 580-225-1212 with any signal light issues.
School Zone Lights
These are the flashing yellow lights in our school areas. Call 580-225-1414 to report any school light issues.
Street Sweeping
The City sweeps the main thoroughfares and downtown areas. Residents may call in a special request to have an area swept at 580-225-1414.
Suggestions / Concerns
We urge our citizens to call 580-225-1414 with any suggestions or concerns that would better our efforts and overall operations in this department.
