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The supply chain crisis has compelled fleet managers across the country to get creative to solve certain problems that they may have taken for granted in the past. The nationwide…
Read MoreUsing best practices, learn how to convert your fleet to a standard repair equivalency. This will allow you to properly determine the number of technicians needed to maintain your diverse…
Read MoreAre you aware that the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has specific requirements related to managing snow on public property? Did you know that you have always been required to maintain your accessible routes, even during the snow periods? Further, are you aware that you cannot just plow the streets and shovel the sidewalks without clearing off the curb ramps too? Also, did you know you cannot place the plowed snow where it will obstruct accessible parking or the route to the accessible parking? In this presentation you will learn from an expert how to keep your citizens with disabilities safe while protecting your agency from completely avoidable access-related litigation arising from ADA non-compliance in your winter maintenance practices.
Read MoreWorking with multi-generational union and non-union staff can present many challenges. Understanding different workforce attitudes and good planning are essential for successful management of this diverse workforce. This session will offer tips for how best to work in this environment for ultimate success.
Read MoreThe Village of Niles maintains geographic information system (GIS) maps of their infrastructure for sewer, water, data, and street lighting. Using GIS maps, the Village self-performs all locate requests. Inaccurate maps are a liability. After a project is built, features are selectively surveyed, field measured and used in combination with a plan mark-up to enter into GIS. This process means the GIS database may not be updated for months after construction. This time gap creates a significant risk for damage. Recently, the Village constructed a 17-mile street lighting and fiber optic infrastructure improvement. Public works (PW) worked with the contractor to use a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) receiver to geolocate the system as it was installed. The benefits include reduced liability from incorrect locate marks, cost-effective survey-grade data, and reduced risk for service outages. PW also worked with the GIS department to have real-time data available to the entire project team.
Read MoreThe Cedars East Storm Drainage Improvement project consists of a 300+ acre watershed located in southeast Charlotte, North Carolina, near Idlewild Road. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services (CMSWS) identified this area for study and improvements to the storm drainage infrastructure due to failing infrastructure and residential structure flooding reports. CMSWS partnered with STV Engineers, Inc. to complete the planning study, design, public outreach, utility coordination, and construction administration services. Drainage improvements within the project area include reinforced concrete box culverts ranging in size from dual 8-foot by 4-foot to 12-foot by 8-foot totaling more than 1,300 feet in length and natural stream enhancement techniques. Due to the space constraints, an extensive shoring plan was developed to protect existing infrastructure. The design reduced impacts to vital existing utilities to reduce relocation costs and disruption of services to the residents in the neighborhood.
Read MoreThe COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the rate of retirements and caused an increase in the number of road and traffic maintenance employees resigning, being furloughed, or laid off. Some vacated positions have been either eliminated or indefinitely frozen as the economy sharply declined and agencies cut budgets. Though the economy has rebounded, the outlook for the next year or so is still cautious. Prior to the pandemic, agencies were struggling to recruit and retain skilled roadway and traffic maintenance workers. That has been exacerbated by many job-seekers becoming more selective as road maintenance operations are perceived as low-skill, low-pay, dead-end positions. Much needs to be done to attract and hold proficient and productive employees now and to build the ”pipeline” of future candidates. This presentation will discuss what agencies can do to improve recruitment and retention.
Read MoreIn the digital world in which we all live and work, evil lurks at every turn. Since the first ransomware in 1989, digital thieves, bad actors, and even rogue governments have sought to disrupt and extort funds from individuals and businesses alike. Governments have become targets for these attacks as so much information must be made available to the public. While billions of dollars are spent annually on software and hardware to protect networks, end-users are still the weak link in the chain. This presentation will provide a multitude of examples of how failed processes, training, or both, has cost entities hundreds to hundreds of thousands of dollars, and in some cases, even millions. The presentation is designed to assist attendees as they have hard discussions with their staff and stakeholders on the best practices for digital safety.
Read MoreAre you interested in enhancing existing business processes in your organization but not sure where to start? If the answer is yes, come learn about how the City of Austin Public Works Department designed and implemented a department-wide process improvement framework that engages staff, optimizes business processes and improves service delivery. In this framework, staff from all levels of the organization carry out process improvement projects that address key strategic areas. These projects, also known as WIGs (Wildly Important Goals), have had an immensely positive impact on the department’s morale, operations, and resources. This session will contain insights from Austin’s experience, as well as guidance on how to implement this type of framework into your own organization.
Read MoreAs public funding for infrastructure continues to lag with demand, new and innovative ways are needed to provide public infrastructure improvements. The City of Charlotte, North Carolina, is using public-private partnerships to do so. By finding the right partnership opportunities with the development community, the Charlotte region has been able to implement infrastructure projects much faster than if these demands were being met through publicly funded processes alone. In addition, end-users experience the benefit of a more cohesive project in the seamless integration of transportation, parks, open space, and stormwater management infrastructure. During this session, we will hear from representatives from the City of Charlotte, LandDesign, and the development community, as they discuss the various benefits of implementing projects as public-private partnerships. We will discuss ongoing projects currently being implemented and walk through the lessons learned of the City’s process.
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