RICHLAND -- A Richland road crew is in the hot seat this week after taking some artistic license while sealing cracks on George Washington Way.
The crew of four wrote their names and drew a smiley face on the pavement using the crack-sealing goo, said Richland City Manager Cindy Johnson.
The drawings were mostly in the southbound lane near Saint Street.
The crew was supposed to be covering cracks on the city's busiest street.
They did a good job on the cracks, but the extra drawings were completely inappropriate, said Johnson.
"We don't condone it," she said Wednesday. "We removed it as soon as possible."
At least one reader sent photos to the Herald and complained to city officials that it was a waste of taxpayer money, while another called the Herald to say it brightened his daily commute.
Steve Stairs, city transportation engineer, said three of the four employees who drew on the road spent an hour and a half removing the drawings Tuesday. The fourth employee was not working that day.
Stairs did not have an estimate on the cost of the sealant because such a small amount was used.
Johnson said the city has a code of conduct for its employees and the workers will be disciplined.
The incident still is under investigation by Public Works Director Pete Rogalsky and the Human Resources Department.
* Kristi Pihl: 509-582-1512; kpihl@tricityherald.com
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