Public Safety Radio Tower Review

Key Findings and Recommendations

The City of Rowlett engaged Wendorf Beward & Partners, a full-service consulting firm for public organizations, to conduct an independent review to determine how the new public safety radio tower at 8491 Schrade Road was mistakenly built on private property.

The firm’s principal, Thomas G. Wendorf, presented a report of the firm’s findings at an open meeting of the Rowlett City Council on Thursday, June 22, 2017.

The series of mistakes and miscommunications that eventually led to the problem are unacceptable. To avoid making similar mistakes in the future, the consultant has advised the City of Rowlett’s management and staff to standardize procedures and create well-documented records for every capital project going forward, from inception to completion.

Specific recommendations include:

  1. Standard Project Reviews of a predetermined format.
  2. A Standard Project Information Storage process to give staff and the public the ability to view written updates on capital projects.
  3. Management Team Reviews to check project status and identify any potential gaps in progress.
  4. Treat all direct service delivery departments (Fire, Police, etc.) as customers on capital projects to better provide leadership and support on capital improvement projects.
  5. Adopt the same documented process for all city projects that are currently mandated for private projects.
  6. Adopt metrics and performance measures for all delivery and reporting on capital improvement projects.
  7. Ensure knowledgeable staff members review all property descriptions before a purchase or sale.
  8. Develop a standard form of agreement for design (engineering and architect) of all City public projects.

The City Council has directed the City Manager to implement all recommendations and report progress back to the Council within 90 days.

View the final reports here:

Public Safety Radio Tower Review (PDF)

Public Safety Radio Tower Report Exhibits (PDF)

View the Power Point Presentations from the June 22, 2017 City Council Work Session here:

City Attorney Presentation (PDF)

Thomas Wendorf Presentation (PDF)