According to the May 25, 2023, Perry City Council meeting minutes, Zach Allen was listed as the Public Works Director. During that meeting, Mr. Allen commented that flood structures were performing as they were supposed to do. He also noted that Public Works had used sandbags in the Cherry Ridge area and that staff were keeping a close eye on high-water run-off in Perry Canyon, while other water areas were running at normal levels.
In the April 13, 2023, meeting minutes, Mr. Allen was also recorded as the Public Works Director. During that session, the city was discussing the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Tentative Budget, which was available for public review.
At the March 13, 2025, City Council meeting, Mr. Allen, serving as Public Works Director, presented the annual 2025 stormwater training. He explained that the training was required because a previous state audit found the city out of compliance in several areas. The presentation covered the city's MS4 permit, minimum control measures, and best management practices for construction sites. Mr. Allen explained that as cities develop and create more hard surfaces, managing stormwater runoff and preventing pollutants from entering waterways becomes increasingly important to mitigate pollution and protect wildlife. During this presentation, he noted that the city must clean the entire storm drain system every two years, a task that costs approximately $40,000. He also stated that city employees are required to be trained and certified in stormwater management every two years, with training costs around $300 per employee. Mr. Allen also presented the updated Stormwater Management Plan for approval during this meeting.
According to the June 12, 2025, City Council meeting minutes, Mr. Allen was listed as the Public Works Director. During that meeting, he presented the state-mandated Municipal Wastewater Planning Program (MWPP) survey, which evaluates the treatment capacity, operations, and financial health of the city's sewer system. He explained that the city maintains sewer revenues in a dedicated enterprise district account, collecting 95% or more of ex[cerpt].
In the April 24, 2025, City Council meeting minutes, Mr. Allen, acting as Public Works Director, presented budget proposals for the upcoming fiscal year. Regarding the parks department, he highlighted that a mowing contractor offered a 2-year locked-in contract at $26,000 per year, representing a 4% increase from the previous year. He also proposed increasing the miscellaneous services budget from $1,000 to $10,000 to address maintenance needs and aging trees in the parks. He mentioned that new playground equipment was being added at Mountain View Park and that benches were being added at both Mountain View Park and Perry Park.
Mr. Allen also reported on the sewer department, noting that cleaning and camera inspection costs were expected to increase to $97,000 for the year due to the cleaning of the largest zone. Regarding stormwater, he proposed increasing the street sweeping budget due to a 40% increase in contractor costs and suggested the purchase of a used street sweeper for approximately $80,000. For the streets department, Mr. Allen reported work with Jones and Associates using StreetLogix software to create a 5-year plan. He noted that 425 West required redoing due to a winter water leak and that the city would be seal coating subdivisions completed in the last 3-4 years. He stated that approximately $800,000 would be available annually for road maintenance projects.
Regarding the water department, Mr. Allen reported that the city's pressure system had been fully regulated, resulting in better chlorine regulation and fewer main breaks.
What this means for Perry
The documents from 2023 and 2025 show that Zach Allen's work as Public Works Director involved managing essential infrastructure. His reports to the City Council covered everything from flood protection and street maintenance to the complexities of stormwater compliance and municipal wastewater planning for the residents of Perry.
