At the Feb. 2 Southlake City Council meeting, the council approved the city manager's appointment of Robert M. Cohen to director of public works. Cohen is a recent retiree of the United States Navy where he spent 20 years gaining experience in public works operations, capital improvement programs and projects, strategic planning, financial management, workforce development, safety and communications. He has a master of engineering and two bachelor of sciences from Texas A&M University. He is also a registered professional engineer in Virginia. Cohen's appointment will be effective Feb. 15, and he will replace Robert Price.