The Public Works Department is second only to the Police Department both in size and in annual operating budget. As Superintendent, Gene supervises the work of the Utilities, Parks Maintenance, Building Maintenance, and of the Waste Water Treatment Plant. Widely regarded by the Public Works crews and the rest of City staff for his construction knowledge and skill and for his genial attitude, Gene progressed relatively rapidly up through the ranks. He filled the new position of Assistant Superintendent in 1996 and he was appointed to his present position in January of 1998. That same year, parks became a division of Public Works.
Gene believes firmly in managing by example and never hesitates to jump in and help out when needed.
He sees his role simply as the senior team member and encourages initiative and individual responsibility. The two most important aspects of his management style are responsiveness and safety. He feels strongly that each crew member work hard to dispel the negative, but all too common perception of public works crews. He constantly reminds crewmembers that they work for the public and must treat them with dignity and respect. And nothing is more important to his vision of effective management than the personal safety of each crewmember.