Public Services Division

The Public Services Division is responsible for the maintenance of the community's streets, street lighting, parking ramps, fleet, water and sewer infrastructure, and various seasonal activities.

Fleet Maintenance

Located at the Public Works building is the Central Services Shop where there are four full-time mechanics who provide fleet maintenance for the more than 200 vehicles used by City staff. These vehicles include:

  • Fire Trucks
  • Heavy Duty Equipment
  • Lawn Mowers
  • Pickups
  • Police Squad Cars
  • Refuse Scooters

Hydrant Flushing

The City of Red Wing routinely flushed hydrants and water mains twice per year. However, the new Water Treatment Facilities have improved the water quality in Red Wing, and as a result, the need to flush the hydrants has been reduced to once per year. Some areas such as dead-end streets may be flushed multiple times during the year depending on the specific needs of the area.

Hydrant flushing is done to maintain water quality, remove accumulated rust from water mains and to ensure that the hydrants are working properly. Typically dead-end lines have a higher potential for iron build-up due to a lower volume of flow. The City will publish a notice of hydrant and main flushing prior to the annual hydrant flushing.

Sidewalks & Drive Aprons

While property owners are responsible for the maintenance and repair of their abutting sidewalks and drive aprons in the right-of-way, the work must be done by either the City of Red Wing or a licensed and bonded contractor. Requests for repair or replacement of either the sidewalk or drive apron should be directed to the Engineering Department at the Public Works Building by calling 651.385.3674.

Snow Removal

The Public Works Department is responsible for assuring safe vehicular and pedestrian travel on city streets and right-of-ways. During the winter months, this means that staff/crews plow and treat city streets to remove snow and/or ice, and monitor sidewalks to assure that they meet standards to allow for safe pedestrian traffic. 

Streets & Alleys

Public Works crews provide a variety of street maintenance services throughout the year. These services include: 

  • Citywide street sweeping and flushing
  • Crack sealing
  • Curb and gutter repair
  • Overlays
  • Pothole repair
  • Roadside brushing and mowing
  • Rural road grading
  • Seal coating
  • Sign maintenance
  • Street lighting
  • Weekly sweeping of the downtown core area