It’s been a busy summer for Dave Decker, Provo’s new public works director. After three months on the job, Decker is getting a handle on all of the divisions and departments he oversees and the 125 employees he supervises.

Decker, who lives in Lehi, came to Provo from Draper City where he was director of public works. Provo is a bigger city and a bigger lure for Decker’s background.

“Provo has a more traditional public works department,” Decker said. That would include its own water treatment center. Draper gets its water from a water conservancy district and it’s already treated. Because Provo has its own water treatment plant, Decker’s position has more responsibility and more control over water.

Decker oversees three divisions: water resources, which includes culinary water and sewer treatment; public services, which has five subdivisions including streets, fleet, storm water, sanitation and the airport; and engineering services.

Decker replaced Merril Bingham, who recently retired after more than three decades working for Provo.

“Provo has an incredible staff in public works,” Decker said. “The city is in very good shape. Merril Bingham did a very good job and gave the city good advantages. We need to continue to provide those good services to the city.”

At the time Decker was hired Mayor John Curtis told employees of his confidence in Decker’s capabilities.

“I’m excited to have David join our team,” Curtis said. “He has a range of skill and experience, both in the public and private sectors, which uniquely qualify him to lead the department at this time. People enjoy working with him — both employees and the public — which is critical to being an effective director.”

Chief administrative officer Wayne Parker worked closely with Bingham and now Decker.

“It is difficult to follow a legend, but Dave is doing exceptionally well. He has taken the time to connect with department employees and with other directors. He is willing to challenge the status quo when he needs to, but he listens first before reaching conclusions. I am excited for what he brings to our organization and our community,” he said.

Decker said his goals include improving the integration of public works divisions and cooperation with other city departments and having complete transparency within his jurisdiction.

“There’s a lot of things going on. Each division is headed up by good people,” he said.

“The airport is a major concern for me,” he said, adding that he is hoping the airport can soon announce another airline. Decker’s focus is to get an airline that will fly somewhere in southern California.

“Road funding and sustainability are also critical to the city,” he said. “We’re never quite caught up financially and eventually it will tie up the city.”

Decker added that water resources also are important. “Our sources are good and inexpensive,” he said. “Most of our water sources come from springs and 13 wells, with some from Jordanelle. We have one of the best aquifers in the state.”

As a department head Decker works closely with Helen Anderson as the city spokeswoman.

“Dave has already demonstrated his problem-solving and leadership skills in a number of settings. He’s going to make a great contribution,” Anderson said.

Decker graduated from the University of Utah in the early 1990s in civil engineering. He said the job with the biggest impact on his life was during his senior year in college when he was working on the Energy Solutions building. He also worked for Layton in the public works and engineering department.

Decker and his wife, Laurie, are the parents of seven children ages 20 to 5 years.