(A) A Utilities Superintendent shall be appointed in the event that there is more than one municipal utility, and the governing body determines that it is in the best interest of the municipality to appoint one official to have the immediate control over all the said municipal utilities and municipal streets. The Utilities Superintendent may be removed at any time by the Mayor, a two-thirds vote of the governing body. Any vacancy occurring in the said office by death, resignation or removal may be filled in the manner hereinbefore provided for the appointment of all municipal officials.
(B) The Utilities Superintendent’s duties over the following departments shall be as stated herein.
(1) Water Department. He or she shall have general supervision and control over the municipal water system, and shall be primarily responsible for its economic operation and prudent management. Included in the said water system shall be the water plant, the pump house, all machinery, and appliances used in connection with producing and distributing water to inhabitants of the municipality. All actions, decisions and procedures of the Utilities Superintendent shall be subject to the general directives and control of the governing body. The Utilities Superintendent shall have the general control and supervisory authority over all employees of the Water System which the governing body may from time to time hire to operate and maintain the said system. Unless some other official is specifically designated, he or she shall collect all money received by the municipality on account of the said system of waterworks, and shall faithfully account for, and pay over to the Municipal Treasurer all such money collected in the name of the municipality and receive a receipt from the Municipal Treasurer for the depository evidence of his or her faithful discharge of this duty. This receipt shall then be filed with the Municipal Clerk, and the second copy shall be kept by the Superintendent. He or she shall make a detailed report to the governing body at least once every six months, of the condition of the said water system, of all mains, pipes, hydrants, reservoirs and machinery and such improvements, repairs and extensions thereof as he or she may think proper. The report shall show the amount of receipts and expenditures on account thereof for the preceding six months. No money shall be expended for improvements, repairs or extensions of the said waterworks system except upon the recommendation of the Superintendent. The Utilities Superintendent shall provide a bond conditioned upon the faithful discharge of his or her duties which shall amount to not less than the amount set by resolution of the governing body and on file in the office of the Municipal Clerk. He or she shall perform such additional duties as may be prescribed by the governing body.
(2) Sewer Department. The Utilities Superintendent shall have the immediate control, and supervision over all the employees, and property that make up the municipal sewer system, subject to the general control, and directives of the governing body. He or she shall at least every six months, make a detailed report to the governing body on the condition of the sewer system, and shall direct their attention to such improvements, repairs, extensions, additions and additional employees as he or she may believe are needed along with an estimate of the cost thereof. He or she shall have such other duties as the governing body may delegate to him or her. He or she shall issue permits for all connections to the municipal sewer system, and inspect and supervise all repairs made to the said system.
(3) Street Department. The Utilities Superintendent shall, subject to the orders, and directives of the governing body, have general charge, direction and control of all work on the streets, sidewalks, culverts and bridges of the municipality, and shall perform such other duties as the governing body may require. It shall be his or her responsibility to see that gutters and drains therein function properly, and that the same are kept in good repair. He or she shall, at the request of the governing body make a detailed report to the governing body on the condition of the streets, sidewalks, culverts, alleys and bridges of the municipality, and shall direct their attention to such improvements, repairs, extensions, additions and additional employees as he or she may believe are needed to maintain a satisfactory street system in the municipality along with an estimate of the cost thereof. He or she shall issue such permits, and assume such other duties as the governing body may direct.
(Prior Code, § 1-213)
Statutory reference:
Related provisions, see Neb. RS 17-214, 17-541, 17-543