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Public Works

The City’s Public Works Department works tirelessly to make sure the streets and public areas of Adel are safe and well-kept.

From street repairs to sewer cleaning, Public Works is one of the many departments integral to keeping Adel running every day.

To learn more about our staff, the departments within Public Works, and to get the answers to frequently asked questions, read the information below. The tasks listed under each department are just a sample of the many tasks each department deals with regularly.

Public Works Director Kip Overton – (515) 993-4525

  • Street Superintendent Justin Zika
    • Street Laborer Eli Kasap
    • Street Laborer Cody Werts
  • Wastewater Superintendent Mike Lansing
    • Wastewater Operator Chase Freemyer
  • Water Superintendent Grant Goeden
    • Water Operator Jonny Reel

Departments Within Public Works

Street Department

  • Street repairs/pothole patching
  • Street sweeping
  • Snowplowing
  • Street sign maintenance
  • Pavement marking (parking stalls/crosswalks)
  • Gravedigging
  • Right-of-way mowing

Water Department

  • Daily plant and distribution system operations
  • Maintain four wells
  • Perform pump maintenance
  • Install and read water meters
  • Flush fire hydrants
  • Maintain the City’s GIS

Sewer Department

  • Daily plant and collection system operation and maintenance
  • Oversees the city’s sewer cleaning program
  • Performs inspections and maintenance on the City’s two sewage pumping stations

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the latest update on the proposed HWY 169 / Nile Kinnick Drive South Growth & Safety Project?
A: In December 2021, the Iowa Department of Transportation reduced the speed limits on HWY 169 south of town by 5 m.p.h. to address the safety concerns. Please click here to review the history of ideas on improving HWY 169.

Q: My sewer is backing up into my basement. What should I do?
A: This could be the result of two things: 1—There is a blockage or restriction in your lateral (your private line from your house to the City’s main sewer line), or 2—There is a blockage or restriction in the City’s main sewer line. If a backup happens, it is a good idea to call the City to have an employee come and check our main line for problems. If the City’s main sewer line is not blocked, then you will need to call a plumber to look at your line.

Q: What number do I call to get a hold of someone in Public Works?
A: During normal working hours, you may call (515) 993-4525, which is the Street Department phone number. For after-hours emergencies, please call the Adel Dallas County Sheriff’s office at (515) 993-4567, and they will be able to page out an employee to look at the emergency situation.

Q: What are the normal working hours for the Public Works Department?
A: Our normal hours are Monday – Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. These hours may change at times during the summer and winter when employees may have to start earlier in the morning for some projects or for snow removal.

Q: The street light outside of my house is not working properly. Who should I call?
A: Please click here to report the outage online to MidAmerican Energy.

Q: Why can’t I park my car in the street when it is snowing?
A: Parking is prohibited on any streets in the City of Adel when the snow ordinance is in effect. Having no cars parked on the streets during a snow event makes the snow removal much easier and safer for the operators. Please click here to learn more about snow control and emergency parking bans.

Q: The storm intake in front of my house is covered with debris. What should I do?
A: You can call the Adel City Hall at (515) 993-4525. We try to clean all the intakes before and after heavy rain, but it does take a lot of time since there are so many of them. If you would like to clean the grate off for us and dispose of it in a yard waste bag, that is GREATLY appreciated as well! Having a little help from the citizens makes our jobs more efficient and makes the City of Adel a cleaner place for all.

Q: Why is it illegal to blow my grass clippings into the street?
A: Grass clippings can clog storm drains. Grass clippings increase levels of sediment and suspended solids, which lower oxygen levels in the river. The increase in nutrients also reduces water quality.