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Working 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 MoreHow we live, work, and play is rapidly transforming. For cities both large and small, there is an opportunity to reimagine the built environment for better outcomes. Discover how VHB and the City of Orlando are helping cities prepare for the future via a Smart Community Roadmap. By integrating robust public engagement, applying diverse perspectives, and harnessing the power of data and technology, they are helping emerging cities implement smart community initiatives that are future-focused and elevate equity, sustainability, and resiliency. Discover how cities identified the critical issues facing their local governments, residents, visitors, and business owners and how VHB turned ideas into action via a prioritization process. Participants will learn about the smart communities visioning process, as well as the 10 Foundational Elements of smart communities and the key Pillar Focus areas that cities must identify before implementing smart community initiatives.
Read MoreAs communities recover from the pandemic, the common conception of “infrastructure” as “roads and bridges” has evolved to include a vast range of digital technologies. And local governments recognize the vital role of the cloud and the internet of things (IoT) in helping their cities become more sustainable, more fiscally responsible, and less wasteful going forward. The best smart city technologies will assist cities in transitioning to remote and agile work environments as part of a renewed or reimagined push towards resilience in the age of public health crises. Moving from responding to citizen complaints to anticipating citizen needs is the mantra of a smart city at all times, but especially during challenging times. This panel will demonstrate how city leaders are now leveraging new technologies within public works operations to reshape how municipalities serve their customers and to map a more circular economy for the future.
Read MoreNatural grass surfaces are not uniform but are typically managed as if they are. This presentation will outline the basics of using drones for precision grounds management. It will explain the basics of obtaining a remote pilot’s license, guidelines for flying legally, equipment available, and the types of cameras used. The speakers will also discuss how drones can be used for drought management and to monitor and map out pest outbreaks across facilities. Most pests are distributed in clusters within localized areas, yet entire surfaces are treated equally with pesticides. This presentation will provide tools to target applications to apply the right product to the right place at the right time. Finally, images and videos of their application on turfgrass surfaces will be showcased to demonstrate the diverse applications of small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS).
Read MoreThe Incident Command System (ICS) was created to manage wildfires in California during the 1970s. It is now the principal means of managing incidents in the United States. When the City of Austin Public Works Department implemented the ICS system during the first months of the COVID-19 pandemic, the organization found that the traditional ICS system did not address operational needs. The City of Austin Public Works department had to adapt the systems in ways not previously described in traditional ICS training.
Read MoreHistorically, the most common renewal method has been to replace the pipeline using open-cut construction. A lack of investment in the aging pressure pipe infrastructure, coupled with growing congestion above and below ground, has accelerated development in the trenchless rehabilitation industry. With an array of proven trenchless rehabilitation technologies, how does a utility owner or engineer determine the appropriate technology? This presentation will briefly review the common and emerging trenchless technologies for pressurized pipeline rehabilitation. Then, it will provide a basic framework that can be used to evaluate and select an appropriate solution. We’ll review the concept of structural classification of pressure pipe linings as defined in American Water Works Association (AWWA) publications, which is a critical component to selecting an appropriate trenchless technology. We’ll also review a few case studies that demonstrate how the basic framework was followed to select a trenchless technology solution.
Read MoreTo keep a stormwater program from drowning in its data, it’s essential to manage information so it’s easily accessible and can help drive critical decisions. The Town of Apex, NC, is using data management tools to automate and streamline its stormwater information in a way that has improved operations and, more importantly, helped with municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4) compliance. Apex worked with Freese and Nichols to develop a Survey123 and ESRI Field Maps mobile app that serves an array of functions: tracking, logging, adding and storing data; collecting photographs; spatially locating assets; performing real-time assessments; and using custom scripts to automate triggers that generate stormwater control measure (SCM) inspection reports. The system can automate 30-day reminder email notifications to property owners informing them of their upcoming annual SCM inspection. These tools and a custom dashboard allowed for daily quality and progress checks. As a result, the Town of Apex organized its stormwater data to meet MS4 compliance.
Read MoreEach year, CPWA develops public policy priorities to inform its work advocating for public works to federal government departments and officials. This session will provide a brief overview of past activities and the current priorities of the federal government as well as an opportunity for facilitated discussion and knowledge exchange. CPWA Board members will facilitate small group discussions among attendees focusing on CPWA’s existing policy priority areas as well as possible new areas of focus. Attendees will be encouraged to share their experiences, including the challenges they face, so that CPWA can more effectively advocate for recognition and solutions.
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