Appointment of new Public Works Director

1. CITY OF ALAMO HEIGHTS
ADMINISTRATION DEPARTMENT
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA MEMORANDUM
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Buddy Kuhn, City Manager
SUBJECT: Consideration Francisco (Frank) Orta as the new Public Works Director
DATE: March 25, 2024
SUMMARY
The current Public Works Director, Pat Sullivan is retiring from the City effective March
28th
, 2024. An interview panel comprised of the City Manager, Asst. City Manager and
the Human Resources Manager conducted interviews of several applicants. Based on the
initial and follow-up interviews, I am recommending the appointment of Mr. Francisco
(Frank) Orta as the new Director of Public Works.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Mr. Orta is retiring from the City of San Antonio (COSA) after 25 years of service. He
currently serves as the Director of Operations with over 60 employees under his
supervision. He began as a concrete finisher with COSA and rose through the ranks to
Director of Operations for Public Works. He has worked with council members
throughout San Antonio and with multiple departments including the Budget Office,
Historical Preservation, Land Development, Storm Water, Streets, Solid Waste, Traffic
Engineering and Emergency Operations. Mr. Orta is completing his degree BA Degree in
History from Texas A&M San Antonio and will graduate in May 2024.
POLICY ANALYSIS
Under the Alamo Heights City Charter; Article V, Section 9 requires that the Public
Works Director shall be appointed by the City Manager with the approval of City
Council.
COORDINATION
The Mayor has been introduced to Mr. Orta and he was also endorsed by the retiring PW
Director Pat Sullivan. Asst. City Manager Phil Laney worked with Mr. Orta while at
COSA and also endorses the proposed selection as well. Mr. Orta has met all pre-
employment requirements for prospective new employees and if confirmed, will begin
employment with the City effective May 06, 2024.
_________________________
Buddy Kuhn, City Manager