Video
The City of West Des Moines has combined parks and public works operations to create a Public Services Department. This has caused them to look at the city’s snow operations as a whole. Some services have been contracted while others have been retained. They will share what they’ve learned and the impact on snow operations.
Read More
Warmer climate regions may have one or two small snow and ice events annually and then every few years, one snow event measuring 4 inches or more. But public works professionals in those areas still need to be prepared to provide safe roadways. The City of Greenville, South Carolina, combines some practical and some unorthodox approaches to achieve effective response to snow and ice events, including using their work management program. Check out their processes to see if some would work for your agency.
Read More
What is the future of winter maintenance? Driverless and sensor technologies are being tested and there are some who believe they will be deployed sooner rather than later. What is the research saying about how driverless technology will perform in snow and ice conditions? What should winter maintenance professionals be doing now to prepare? This session will also address new technologies in weather forecasting that are just around the corner and feature a point/counterpoint discussion between a road maintenance expert and a meteorologist.
Read More
A panel of experienced snowfighters from Farmington Hills, Michigan, will share how teamwork is the key to preparing for and executing a fluid winter operations plan. You’ll hear from both management and front-line team members about how open communication across the team has contributed to better planning and preparation for the curveballs that Mother Nature can throw during any winter storm. They’ll discuss their approaches to pre- and post-winter meetings, training tools and activities, and team reviews of products, equipment, and bid specs.
Read More
Keeping your snowfighting equipment in tip-top shape is a year-round process. Join us for this overview of the various stages of winter preparedness including: equipment standardization, maintenance, repairs, and readiness. Find out how to optimize snow equipment repairs without impacting day-to-day fleet operations and how to avoid having to make emergency repairs when you need your equipment most. For the last 15 minutes of this session, we open up the floor to you to ask questions and share your solutions.
Read MoreUnmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) are having positive effect on the design and maintenance of public facilities and infrastructure. UAVs (drones) combined with 3-D technology are being used to upgrade surveying and construction drawing development. The City of Peculiar, Missouri, used drone and 3-D photography to enhance the surveying for the new 28,000-foot sewer interceptor design and installation. Costs were lowered approximately 30% from traditional surveying techniques.
Read MoreOC Public Works recently met the challenge for integrating their numerous systems into one centralized CRM platform. Among the systems integrated were the GIS platform, land management, operations and management, and financial systems. No small task! Engaging all the stakeholders for these activities has been crucial to the success of the project. Internally they had to rearrange resources and balance staff levels to complete the project while still delivering day-to-day services to constituents. The improved levels of service will be the most important benefit for all.
Read MoreLearn how to leverage partnerships with public and private organizations that will help expand operational and financial resources. This panel discussion will highlight strategies implemented by small communities to benefit the bottom line.
Read MoreThe American Public Works Association (APWA), in association with the Eisenhower Institute at Gettysburg College (EI), is pleased to introduce the 2017 Jennings Randolph International Fellow, Evan Pratt, who participated in this unique international study and professional exchange opportunity to promote collaboration and the sharing of public works best practices. This presentation will highlight findings from his study tour researching asset management and infrastructure funding practices in Australia and New Zealand.
Read MoreThose of us in the public eye are often faced with the issues of credibility, trust, and the never-ending tough questions from citizens, city council, staff, and management. In this session, we’ll talk about establishing credibility, defining trust, diffusing difficult situations, and social media strategies. Young professionals and seasoned leaders will enjoy this conversation.
Read More