In their relations with each other, the contractor, the inspector, and the engineer should not encroach on each other’s responsibilities. The contractor must not deviate from the plans and specifications without prior approval from the engineer. The inspector must not make field design changes. The engineer should not stop work without consulting the inspector or unnecessarily restrict the contractor’s methods or construction. Whenever a problem arises, all parties involved should be informed so that each party may participate in the solution according to their responsibility.
To enhance his work during construction, the most important asset to the engineer is cooperation with the inspector, the contractor, and other agencies — Federal, State, and County. The engineer must continually endeavor to develop and maintain this cooperation without undermining his authority or compromising City standards. Securing the cooperation may be the engineer’s most demanding task, but it will attain results most satisfying to professional standards and most beneficial to the City.
Any complaints or difficulties encountered in the field with other agencies should be brought to the attention of the District or Division Engineer.
E 712.1 Public Relations
It is the policy of the Board of Public Works to furnish information to the public on matters pertaining to the Department of Public Works. However, the information which the engineer may furnish is necessarily limited to the scope of his functions. The engineer is therefore cautioned to answer only routine inquiries and to be sure of the accuracy of the information. Inquiries pertaining to policies, procedures, official action of the Department, and cost estimates of future contracts should be referred to the Division or District Engineer. The engineer is especially cautioned against releasing any information which might involve claims or lawsuits to which the City might become a party.
In meeting the public, the engineer is expected to always be pleasant and courteous. It is important that he be helpful and considerate in answering the public’s questions. If the engineer cannot answer them, they should refer them to the proper authority for accurate information. If a property owner presents a construction problem to the engineer concerning their property, the engineer should discuss the problem with the inspector and the contractor and try to arrive at a mutually agreeable solution. Above all, the engineer should generate a feeling on the part of the property owner that the City is not an impersonal organization but is responsive to their problems and requests.
E 712.2 Authority and Responsibilities
The Board of Public Works has the final authority in all matters involving contracts. It awards the contract, approves major changes and assignments of the contract, and makes the final acceptance of the construction work.
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