Paullus to head City of LG Public Works Department

MAN IN CHARGE: Norm Paullus has been named La Grande’s Public Works director. Paullus has worked for the city 35 years; he became the Public Works assistant director in 2001. - The Observer/BILL RAUTENSTRAUCH

Norm Paullus, who took over as the department’s interim director when Dan Chevalier left last January, was tapped to fill the post permanently July 21.  Chevalier initially took leave for problems with his back, then retired.

Paullus said recently that problems caused by disposal of grease from local businesses into the wastewater system are getting a close look at present. The city is creating a program aimed at reducing clogged pipes, Paullus said.

“We’re trying to implement a grease trap program. Once the traps are in, monitoring will be required. Grease getting into the system is big trouble, and we can stop a lot of it,” Paullus said. “The grease trap program will help us cut down on violations.”

Recently, a buildup of grease caused sewer to spill over into the Taylor Creek stream bed on La Grande’s south side.

The city took immediate steps to correct the problem, and reported the spillage promptly to the Oregon Department. of Environmental Quality. Still, the department levied a $3,600 penalty. The city is appealing.

On street improvement matters, Paullus said a committee created by the city council is studying ways to raise funds for long-term, large-scale improvements.

“I’m working directly with that group,” Paullus said. “They recognize it’s going to take between $800,000 and $1 million to get the streets into fair-to-good condition.”

Paullus said a questionnaire will be going out to the public in about a month. Taxpayers will be asked how much they would be willing to pay for better streets.

“We’re trying to determine how people feel about current conditions, and what kind of support there is for funding,” Paullus said.

The committee likely will forward recommendations to the council in December, Paullus said.

Paullus said the department currently uses street maintenance funding for surface repairs and street-user fees to leverage grant funding.

About $120,000 of street maintenance funds are spent on things not related to surface improvements such as street lights. Paullus said he’d like to see some funding freed up to fix potholes and cracks.

“We’re trying to change it around so we can use as much funding as we can for surface maintenance,” Paullus said.

Norm Paullus - The Observer/BILL RAUTENSTRAUCH

“We’re looking at eliminating the assistant director position. That will save about $65,000 that we will be able to put back into systems,” he said, adding that superintendents of the Water, Street, Sewer and Environment departments are taking up the slack.

“They’re stepping up and taking on a lot of the work the acting director was responsible for,” he said.

Paullus was born and raised in Myrtle Point. When he was 17, he moved with his parents to John Day in Grant County.

He attended Portland Community College, earning an associate’s degree in architecture and engineering in 1973. After college, he moved to La Grande to take a job in the city’s engineering department.

The engineering department merged with Public Works in 1994. Paullus became the assistant public works director in 2001.

“In the 35 years I’ve been here, the city has been an excellent place to work,” he said. “I’ve been fortunate to have found a niche. This is a great place to raise a family.”