Westminster City Council
SUBJECT
Title
Update on the City of Westminster Public Works Department Right-of-Way Program.
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publichearing
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From: Jake Ngo, Public Works Director
Requested by: Administration
Prepared by: Vincent Huante, Parks Division Supervisor
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RECOMMENDED ACTION
Recommendation
Receive and file the report.
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BACKGROUND
In June 2019, the Mayor and City Council approved a community improvement initiative and established the Community Preservation Unit (CPU). CPU served as a division of the Community Development Department, and its primary duties were focused on a proactive approach to beautifying the city. The CPU Division, however, was limited to clean-up efforts and other outreach duties due to the pandemic and a shift in priorities.
In July 2025, in order to streamline efforts and provide better oversight of duties, the CPU Division was administratively dissolved. Duties related to CPU’s efforts were absorbed by the Public Works Department and Code Enforcement Division. Most staff members from the dissolved CPU Division were reassigned to the Public Works Department Parks Division. The increased staffing has resulted in the creation of the Public Works Right-of-Way (ROW) Program, which was initially launched in the Spring of 2025 as a pilot project.
The ROW Program's primary focus is to eliminate blight by removing abandoned items in the public right-of-way and properly addressing homeless encampments. Staff has been tracking the collection of all abandoned items, such as mattresses, refrigerators, furniture, shopping carts, washers, dryers, and other miscellaneous items.
The ROW Program currently employs seven part-time employees, ensuring coverage every day of the week. The ROW team works closely with the Police Department Homeless Liaison Officers and proactively canvases hot spots and neighborhoods throughout the City. The ROW team also responds to requests for service received through Police Dispatch, work orders generated by phone calls, and My Westminster Mobile App.
Between July 7, 2025 and October 31, 2025, the ROW team completed approximately 600 work orders and removed 29 tons of abandoned items/debris (Attachment 1). Bulky items collected include:
• 61 Couches (Sectionals/Love Seat/Full)
• 51 Desks/Cabinets
• 21 Refrigerators (Single/Double Door)
• 80 Chairs (Dining/Recliner)
• 40 Shopping Carts
• 18 Tables (Dining/Area)
• 90 Mattresses (Twin/Full/Queen/King)
• 24 Televisions (Multi-Size Flatscreen)
• 8 Washers
• 3 Dryers
• 5 Toilets
These figures exclude other items located on private property that have been cleared by the property owners while collaborating with the ROW team.
FISCAL IMPACT
None.
LEGAL REVIEW
The City Attorney’s Office has reviewed as to form.
CONCLUSION
The subject report provides an update of the ROW Program's activities and results, highlighting its overall effectiveness. The recommended action is to receive and file the report.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Bulky Items/Debris Monthly Breakdown
REVIEWED BY
Erin Backs, Finance Director
City Attorney’s Office
Christine Cordon, City Manager