Engineering Technology INSIDE: Practical Design on the Noland Road Bridge Project Management on the Buckroe Fishing Pier Surveying in 3D • The Dominguez Gap Wetlands IF YOU YOU ARE LEAD UIU Certificates • Associates • Bachelors • Masters www.uiu.edu/apwa Upper Iowa University enhances your leadership by offering quality degree programs. Nationally regarded distance education programs offered through the Center for Distance Education. • Flexible delivery options • No on-campus residency required - Online • Highly qualified and supportive faculty - Independent Study • Ranked in top 10 percent of nation’s • Regionally accredited online programs - Online Educational Database (OEDb) 2009

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UIU_April 09 full page 4-color (8.625 x 11.375ad).indd 1 3/9/2009 9:20:40 AM June 2009

Vol. 76, No. 6

The APWA Reporter, the official magazine of the American Public Works Association, covers all facets of public works for APWA members including industry news, legislative actions, management issues and emerging technologies. ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY ISSUE INSIDE APWA

2 President’s Message 8 Technical Committee News 10 APWA takes the lead on sustainability in public works 12 2009 APWA Chapter Education Summit: What’s working now, what’s next? 14 Walking down memory lane at the Jack Nicklaus Museum 16 How to stop getting by and start getting ahead 13 18 Reaching out to our communities 20 Successfully implementing a Quality Assurance Program in a small community

COLUMNS 6 Washington Insight 22 Cleaning up the Kitchen 26 International Idea Exchange 52 Ask Ann

FEATURES 21 30 Dominguez Gap Wetlands 32 Practical design leads to early completion and saves $22.24 million 34 Surveying in 3D 36 Going green saves green: how improving driving behavior helps the environment and the bottom line 38 Web applications reduce total cost of ownership and make automating construction management a reality for local agencies 40 Project management with a catch: the Buckroe Fishing Pier 46 Don’t let your “Infrastructure Stimulus Dollars” get washed away! 49 Navigating the EECBG Program for cities and tribes

31 WORKZONE 54 WorkZone: Your Connection to Public Works Careers

MARKETPLACE 55 Products in the News 58 Professional Directory

CALENDAR 25 Education Calendar 60 World of Public Works Calendar 41 60 Index of Advertisers

On the cover: the Noland Road and I-70 Highway Interchange June 2009 APWA Reporter 1 Replacement Project, featured on p. 32 in this issue (photo by Justin Davis, Delich Roth & Goodwillie Engineers, P.A.) Discover Columbus – Explore Congress 2009

Noel Thompson APWA President

ell, it’s that time of year few examples: Official Magazine of the again—the daffodils are American Public Works Association • Financing an Evolving Fleet blooming, the snow in PUBLISHER American Public Works Association Colorado is finally melt- • Finding Funds for New Con- 2345 Grand Blvd., Suite #700 ing and the very tantalizing Con- struction Kansas City, MO 64108-2625 (800) 848-APWA (Member Services Hotline) gress Preview arrives in your mail- (816) 472-6100 (Kansas City metro area) box. Even though your budget is • Reap the Financial Benefits: In- FAX (816) 472-1610 novative Approach to Energy e-mail: [email protected] tight, it won’t cost you anything to Website: www.apwa.net Conservation Projects peruse the highlights for this year’s EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Peter B. King Congress in Columbus, Ohio. Of • Smart Trash: How RFID Improves course, now that you’ve read the Waste Management Efficiency EDITOR Preview, you’re thinking: I can’t miss R. Kevin Clark this! The education sessions are first- • Using the Internet to Share the GRAPHIC DESIGNER Julie Smith rate and the networking opportuni- Burden of Erosion Control ADVERTISING SALES ties are tremendous. So, engage your Amanda Daniel R. Kevin Clark • 21st Century Pavement Con- extraordinary public works problem- Erin Ladd Kansas City Liaison struction, Rehabilitation and Jennifer Wirz (800) 848-APWA solving skills and figure out how you (800) 800-0341 Maintenance Alternatives can join me for the APWA Congress APWA WASHINGTON OFFICE this year! 1401 K. Street NW, 11th floor 3. Recharge Your Batteries. Are Washington, D.C. 20005 you stuck? Is your organization in a (202) 408-9541 FAX (202) 408-9542 To help you talk to your boss, your rut? If you’re in the “always done it Disclaimer: The American Public Works Association agency or your significant other assumes no responsibility for statements and/or this way” mode, attend some Con- about why Congress is a great invest- opinions advanced by either editorial or advertising gress sessions and see what innova- contributors to this issue. APWA reserves the right ment, here are my Top Ten Reasons to refuse to publish and to edit manuscripts tive and progressive organizations to Attend Congress: to conform to the APWA Reporter standards. are doing in public works. Publisher’s Notice: The APWA Reporter, June 1. Networking. There is no other 2009, Vol. 76, No. 6 (ISSN 0092-4873; Publications 4. Technical Sessions. For those Agreement No. 40040340). The APWA Reporter event where you can network with that need continuing education is published monthly by the American Public public works professionals from Works Association, 2345 Grand Boulevard, Suite credits, many of the Congress ses- 700, Kansas City, MO 64108-2625. Subscription across North America and around sions will meet your state’s require- rate is $159 for nonmembers and $25 for chapter- the world! If you have a public works sponsored students. Periodicals postage paid at ments. Most of the technical sessions Kansas City, MO and additional mailing offices. problem, chances are somebody at are presented by public works pro- POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the APWA Congress has already solved it. Reporter, 2345 Grand Boulevard, #700, Kansas City, fessionals from around the country, MO 64108-2625. Canada returns to: Station A, P.O. Box 54, Windsor, ON N9A 6J5. 2. New Ideas. Your boss wants your who invite you to plagiarize their Reprints and Permissions: Information is available at public works department to “go ideas and use them in your commu- www.apwa.net/Publications/Reporter/guidelines.asp. nity. These presenters are also willing green.” What does that do to your © 2009 by American Public Works Association to follow up with your staff to help budget and operating protocols? Address Change? Find out about how to “greenify” make their program fit your needs. To alert us of a change to your membership record, your public works department and contact an APWA Membership Specialist at (800) 5. Professional Development 848-APWA or [email protected]. learn about new technologies that Sessions. Those attending Congress The APWA Reporter is printed by Harmony Printing can save you money. Here are just a & Development Co., Liberty, MO. who would like to learn more about

2 APWA Reporter June 2009 leading and managing a public works your agency receive for that invest- so whether you’re a specialist or a gen- agency will have plenty of sessions ment is four days of top-quality edu- eralist, there are sessions to meet your from which to choose. These sessions cation sessions, interactive time with needs. You can go online now and start can help build the professional capac- vendors and thousands of networking developing a Congress program that fits ity of your staff. A few examples: opportunities. Do some comparison your professional development needs. If shopping and you’ll find that Congress you are sending several staff members • High Energy Leadership – Motivat- is an outstanding value for your train- from your agency, you can coordinate ing, Energizing, Leading Your Staff ing dollars. schedules to maximize training. • What’s New in Procurement – 7. Vendors. The equipment show is 9. Location. This year’s Congress is Electronic Bidding and Reverse like a public works supermarket. No- located in the Midwest, easily acces- Auctions where else can you see almost every- sible from just about anywhere. For • Managing for Results: Justifying thing public works-related in one place. those agencies that are close to Colum- Maintenance Budgets and Getting Your staff can talk to vendors ranging bus, this is a great opportunity to bring Projects Funded from those who provide safety vests, your staff in for the day or the entire streetlights, green solutions and project Congress. • Empowering and Supporting Field management software to those who sell 10. Sustainability Focus. With all Employees heavy equipment. Vendors also offer the talk about “going green,” agencies workshops for Congress attendees. 6. Return on Investment. Yes, at- need to know what that really means. tending Congress will cost you or your 8. Customized Training. Congress Some of the leaders in the public works agency $1500-$2000. What you and has several different educational tracks, sustainability initiative will be present-

“Perhaps the most important thing we can Diversity undertake toward the reduction of fear is make it easier for people to accept themselves, to like Awareness themselves.” Corner – Bonaro Overstreet Author, How to Think About Ourselves

AMERICAN PUBLIC WORKS ASSOCIATION Mission Statement: The American Public Works Association serves its members by promoting professional excellence and public awareness through education, advocacy and the exchange of knowledge. BOARD OF DIRECTORS ADVISORY COUNCIL

PRESIDENT DIRECTOR, REGION IV DIRECTOR-AT-LARGE, (Past APWA Presidents) Noel C. Thompson Shelby P. LaSalle, Jr. ENGINEERING & Consultant Chairman and CEO TECHNOLOGY Larry W. Frevert, Chair Thompson Resources Krebs, LaSalle, LeMieux Patty Hilderbrand, P.E. Louisville, KY Consultants, Inc. Program Management & Robert Albee Erwin F. Hensch John J. Roark Metairie, LA Development Manager PRESIDENT-ELECT City of Kansas City, MO Larry T. Koehle, P.Eng. DIRECTOR, REGION V Roger K. Brown Robert S. Hopson Harold E. Smith Vice President, Infrastructure David L. Lawry, P.E. DIRECTOR-AT-LARGE, Myron D. Calkins Ronald W. Jensen June Rosentreter Spence ASI Technologies, Inc. General Services Director ENVIRONMENTAL Brampton, ON City of Elgin, IL MANAGEMENT Joseph F. Casazza Dwayne Kalynchuk Tom Trice George R. Crombie, MPA PAST PRESIDENT DIRECTOR, REGION VI Senior Faculty, Public Works Nick W. Diakiw Martin J. Manning William A. Verkest Larry W. Frevert, P.E. Larry Stevens, P.E. Administration National Program Director/ SUDAS Director Norwich University Robert C. Esterbrooks James J. McDonough Win Westfall Public Works Iowa State University Northfield, Vermont HDR Engineering, Inc. Ames, IA Jerry M. Fay Robert Miller Carl D. Wills Kansas City, MO DIRECTOR-AT-LARGE, DIRECTOR, REGION VII FLEET & FACILITIES Bob Freudenthal Judith M. Mueller DIRECTOR, REGION I Jimmy B. Foster, P.E. MANAGEMENT Jean-Guy Courtemanche Senior Project Manager Ken A. Nerland Herbert A. Goetsch Ronald L. Norris Business Development HNTB Corporation Director, General Services Dept. J. Geoffrey Greenough Michael R. Pender Lumec, Inc. Plano, TX City of Fresno, CA Boisbriand, QC DIRECTOR, REGION VIII DIRECTOR-AT-LARGE, Ken Haag Richard L. Ridings DIRECTOR, REGION II Ann Burnett-Troisi PUBLIC WORKS Ed Gottko, P.E. Governmental Liaison for MGMT./LEADERSHIP Executive Director Executive Director Emeritus Town Administrator (retired) Pacific Bell (retired) Diane Linderman, P.E. Peter B. King Robert D. Bugher Town of Westfield, NJ San Diego, CA Director, Urban Infrastructure DIRECTOR, REGION III DIRECTOR, REGION IX and Development Services VHB, Inc. Editorial Advisory Board Elizabeth Treadway Doug Drever Richmond, VA Vice President Manager of Strategic Services Myron D. Calkins Susan M. Hann AMEC Earth & Environmental City of Saskatoon, SK DIRECTOR-AT-LARGE, Greensboro, NC TRANSPORTATION Gordon R. Garner Stephen J. O’Neill Susan M. Hann, P.E., AICP, ICMA-CM Neil S. Grigg Kyle E. Schilling Deputy City Manager City of Palm Bay, FL

June 2009 APWA Reporter 3 ing sessions at Congress that address these specific issues. on how you can get involved. The APWA Congress is a great Here are just a few examples: educational and networking opportunity for those in the public works field.” – Rebecca Bilderback, P.E., Civil Engineer • Blueprint Planning – Sustainable Transportation Prac- III, Municipal Services, City of Olathe, Kansas tices Well, I have to agree with Jason, Eric, Wendy, Scott and Re- • An Innovative Green Solution for Urban Street Renewal becca that Congress is an outstanding professional devel- • Shades of Green: Calculating Your Community’s Sus- opment experience. Even though there is a cost associated tainable Return on Investment with attending, I think Wendy put it best when she said the experience is “priceless!” • Sustainable Infrastructure Master Plans: A New Ap- proach to Meet Our Common Challenges If you need more information about Congress, www.apwa. net/congress has everything you need to know. The dates So, I’m definitely going to Congress this year and I hope are September 13-16, 2009. Please join me for the Best Show you’ll join me. But, don’t just take my word for it. Here are in Public Works! some comments from public works professionals about their inspirational Congress experience:

“Congress provides the opportunity to gain valuable infor- mation on many different topics; the massive equipment Staff Appreciation Day at show allows you to experience the latest technology in our field. Additionally, the speaker sessions are great and will APWA Headquarters ‘recharge your batteries’ for when you return to work with On April 22, the staff in the Kansas City office enjoyed some newly discovered insight you found while attending a Staff Appreciation Day where we were honored for Congress.” – Jason Calbert, Assistant Administrator Public “our commitment and dedication to APWA and our Works, Street Division, Newport News, Virginia members.” Some intentional (and in some cases, unin- tentional) humor kept things fun and amusing during “With public works representatives from around the world in the celebration. Ann Daniels, Director of Credential- attendance, APWA’s Congress presented me with a clear view ing, wrote the following poem and read it to the staff of the profession’s ‘big picture.’ I made professional contacts (“with apologies to poet Joyce Kilmer,” as Ann said). and learned innovative techniques I wouldn’t have other- wise.” – Eric Hotton, Program Coordinator, Palm Bay, Florida Ode to APWA Staff

“Last year was my first year attending the APWA Congress. I think that I shall never see Cost of plane ticket: $200-$300; cost of registration: $560; A group of people so lively. cost of hotel: $750; cost of the first-rate programs, one-on- Each one determined to do best one interaction with fellow attendees, and making new All those things piled upon their desk. national/international contacts for life: priceless!” – Wendy Whether Congress, books, or Snow, Springborn-Pitman, MBA, Engineering Services Administrator, Everyone’s work is sure to show. City of Tempe, Arizona Finance to Meetings to Chapter Relations, “Attending Congress provides attendees with an opportuni- IT, Professional Development, all little nations ty unlike any other—you are able to attend a wide variety of That work with Credentialing, HR, and Exec. education sessions and stay current on the latest trends and To make things happen with respect. technologies. In addition, attendees have the ability to meet with vendors and manufacturers and obtain data on prod- I’ve worked and known a lot of people, ucts and services in a very informal setting. Finally, attend- But seldom have I met the equal ees are able to renew old acquaintances with colleagues they Of the caring, devoted, men and women haven’t seen since the last Congress.” – Scott Brandmeier, P.E., Who make up the staff, with each one driven Esq., Director of Public Works, Village of Fox Point, Wisconsin To be the best and do the best in every waking hour To keep APWA strong and full of power. “The APWA Congress is a great opportunity to sit in on the national committee meetings and learn about the in-depth Silly rhymes don’t mean a lot work that APWA does for public works. The national com- But the sentiment is what I hope you got. mittees meet at every Congress to discuss the priorities and It matters not how great or small, plans for the upcoming year. Taking advantage of the op- We’re happy you’re here, one and all. portunity to listen in on these meetings will give you ideas

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G34673_APWA-Reporter_Mar09.indd 1 2/4/09 10:43:15 AM Levee sustainability, mapping flood risk and the National Flood Insurance Program A delicate balance of engineering, technology and public works perseverance

Laura M. Berkey Government Affairs Manager American Public Works Association Washington, D.C. ublic works professionals play a vital role in emer- note that levees are designed to provide a specific level of gency planning, response and recovery from flood- protection and can overflow in larger flood events. Like all ing. Operating and maintaining critical infrastructure types of infrastructure, levees can be subject to design con- services such as pumping mechanisms and drainage cerns and decay over time due to age and erosion. Therefore, systems, levees and dams can directly impact the ability to regular maintenance and periodic upgrades are required to respond to a flood. In emergency management, while the retain their level of protection. Through sound engineering strength of critical infrastructure is essential, the probability practices, floodplain managers and levee owners are charged of flooding—and to what degree—is key to mitigation. with levee certification. Only when FEMA receives appropri- ate certification data can it accredit a levee. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) es- timates that “30 million Americans are at high risk from According to FEMA, for levees documented in the federal flooding, and almost every American is at some degree of system, the agency “relies on the expertise of the United flood risk.” With more than 25 percent of the counties that States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and the levee in- are mapped by FEMA depicting levees, it is important to ventory they are developing to determine the appropriate flood risk designation to use in re-mapping flood risk. If le- vees do not provide the level of protection required for ac- “Set it and forget it. These things are bulletproof creditation, they cannot be identified…and will be shown as ... and when it comes down to it their durability a Special Flood Hazard Area on flood maps.” Levee identifi- makes them the most cost effective choice on cation and documentation are ongoing challenges for FEMA the market.” and USACE, but progress is being made. Brian Doyal, Carson City, NV Public Works FEMA’s Flood Map Modernization Program, Risk MAP, ad- dresses communities’ flooding probability through hazard mapping, risk assessment and mitigation planning. Risk MAP’s digitalization process helps FEMA to meet its goal of updating flood maps every five years. Timely updates and electronic availability provide communities with easier ac- CAST IRON cess to flood maps, improve the sharing of risk data and in- Detectable crease awareness nationwide. Notably, mapping affects public works’ need for mitigation Warning Plates measures and to what degree flood insurance is called for. This is particularly important, as Risk MAP is a component Where walkway meets roadway. of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). In 2008, the 110th Congress came very close to reauthorizing NFIP— Call today for a 800.626.4653 but ultimately failed to do so. Rather, NFIP received con- Free Catalog. tinued funding of $145 million until September 30, 2009. The 111th Congress has indicated that it would like to pick Durable cast iron • Worry-free maintenance up where the 110th Congress left off and reauthorize NFIP ADA compliant • Easy installation! • Radial sizes before funding expires at the end of September. Since 2004, Risk MAP has generally been funded at the $200 www.ejiw.com million annual level. As authorized by the National Flood MADE IN THE USA Insurance Act of 1968, the current program authorization

6 APWA Reporter June 2009 2009 American WJTA also expires on September 30, 2009. Together with the Conference and Expo Flood Map Modernization Coalition, APWA advocates for August 18-20, 2009 z Marriott Westchase Hotel Risk MAP’s continued funding at the current level or higher. State, county, and city public works representatives, Public works’ specialized capabilities are directly impacted contractors, and utilities have discovered the performance by Risk MAP in the following ways: advantages and bene ts of waterjetting/blasting and industrial vacuum equipment for industrial cleaning, • Flood maps identify the degree of risk to public works concrete removal/preparation, paint/coating removal, facilities such as water and wastewater treatment plants, pipeline cleaning, and more. storage yards, garages or other public buildings. If you use or are considering using waterjet equipment/ waterblasters or industrial vacuum equipment/vacuum • Flood maps are critical to planning emergency response trucks or if you contract for these services, don’t miss the measures such as the placement of barricades, sand- 2009 WJTA Conference and Expo. bags, potential debris removal, water distribution and wastewater/stormwater collection systems/outages. PROGRAM FEATURES Pre-Conference Workshops, • Flood maps inform public works about communities August 18: that may need to be evacuated during or in the after- z Waterjet Technology math of a flood. This allows for the planning of evacu- Basics and Beyond Pre- ation routes, the need for temporary shelters and set- Conference Workshop. Get the information you need ting up central command emergency communication to know about waterjets centers. from industry experts at this one-of-a-kind course. Topics • Flood maps determine the level of protection levees include Waterjet Cleaning provide and help identify if renovations are required, as Applications, Surface well as show where flood control and drainage projects Preparation Applications, Hydro-Excavation, and need to be undertaken. This will reduce risk by saving Cutting Applications. on response and recovery costs in the long run. z Recommended Practices for Industrial Vacuum Flooding of any type and size can significantly affect the Equipment - This nuts and nation, its citizens, and communities. Such disasters may bolts course will help you cause death and injury, property and job loss, and disrup- understand the power of vacuum, how to enhance tion of public services. Every flood provides valuable les- production and maximize sons that, if implemented, can greatly improve community safety, and avoid the preparedness and response capabilities. For example, the dangers of static electricity. catastrophic flooding in New Orleans inflicted by Hurricane Displays of some of the Katrina in 2005, the devastating Midwest floods in 2008, world’s largest suppliers of waterjetting systems and and the overflow of the Red River in Fargo, North Dakota equipment and industrial and Moorhead, Minnesota in 2009, bring forth new chal- vacuum equipment for surface lenges for the nation’s public works professionals. preparation, industrial cleaning, waterblasting, and cutting. Levee certification and accreditation, full funding of Risk Live Demos of waterjet MAP, and the future reauthorization of the National Flood cleaning, paint/coating Insurance Program are measures aimed at bridging the gap removal, surface preparation, between flood hazard risk assessment, emergency planning, concrete preparation, and cutting. and the practice of implementing response and recovery strategies. Waterjet Boot Camp – Hard-hitting, high impact Laura Berkey is the Government Affairs Manager and the legisla- presentations for contractors and end users. tive liaison to the Emergency Management Technical Committee. She monitors legislative and regulatory affairs focusing on home- Emerging Technology, New land security and emergency management issues for the Associa- Applications Highlight Paper Presentations tion’s membership. She can be reached at (202) 218-6734 or at [email protected]. Register online at www.wjta.org

906 Olive Street, Suite 1200 St. Louis, MO 63101-1448 Telephone: (314) 241-1445, Fax: (314) 241-1449 Email: [email protected], Website: www.wjta.org Engineering and Technology Committee: Applying technology in public works

Carol Estes, P.E. Professional Development Program Manager American Public Works Association Kansas City, Missouri

re you looking for new ways of utilizing emerging • Sherri McIntyre, Delich, Roth & Goodwillie, Kansas technologies? Is integrating sustainability into ev- City, Missouri eryday operations a “hot topic” in your organiza- tion? Are you looking for ways to evaluate consul- • William Reichmuth, P.E., City of Monterey, California tants and projects? If you are, you are not alone. As resources • Brian Usher, City of Largo, Florida decline, many agencies are in the hunt for more cost-effec- tive, sustainable ways of handling the everyday activities • Sherri Zimmerman, Indiana University of Pennsyl- that comprise public works and so are the six volunteer vania, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania members of the Engineering and Technology Committee. Patricia Hilderbrand, P.E., City of Kansas City, Missouri, The committee provides cutting-edge information on technol- serves as the committee’s liaison to the APWA Board of Di- ogy to members through activities such as articles in this issue rectors through her role as At-Large Director. Carol Estes, of the APWA Reporter, postings on the Design Engineering and P.E., is the staff liaison. Construction infoNOW Community, presentation of sessions If you have considered participating on a national commit- at Congress, and joint projects with other organizations. tee, the Engineering and Technology Committee has several Mobile technology has greatly improved the field data col- exciting opportunities for involvement. The committee is lection process for virtually all aspects of public works from seeking additional members for three projects which are building inspections to wastewater operations. By having now being organized. Each project is chaired by a member up-to-the-minute access to data, crews today are able to re- of the E&T Committee and will be staffed with interested act more quickly to changing priorities and provide a higher members. The projects are: level of customer service. This year the committee partici- • Model Emergency Contract project – This project pated in the development of the Click, Listen & Learn pro- will develop a model contract or procedure for obtain- gram, “Mobile Technology for Public Works Use.” ing services on an emergency basis. The Engineering and Technology Committee itself will be • 360 Degree Evaluation project – This project will one of the first committees to utilize new technology in the develop a process for consultant selection and project coming year. Each Technical Committee normally meets evaluation. It is envisioned to involve evaluation of a “face to face” twice a year, once at Congress and once some- project by all participants. time in March. With the ability to travel now restricted by many agencies, the committee will meet “electronically” for • Green Scorecard Development project – This proj- the March meeting. Utilizing an online connection, mem- ect will look at how the consultants operate and if they bers will draft a business plan for the 2010-2011 year, select use green tools such as electronic plans. topics for Congress programs and work interactively. Work- ing documents will be posted on a website that requires no The projects will be developed through online collaboration member software and allows multiple interactive editing. and will not require travel, making participation simple and The experiment will be evaluated for effectiveness and cost sustainable. Members interested in participation may do so savings by the committee members and recommendations by contacting committee members or the staff liaison for made for the future. more information.

The dedicated volunteers of the Engineering and Technol- Carol Estes serves as the liaison to three of APWA’s Technical ogy Committee are: Committees: Engineering and Technology, Transportation, and Utility & Public Right-of-Way. She also serves as the point of con- • Laura Cabiness, P.E., City of Charleston, South Caro- tact for seven subcommittees: Winter Maintenance, Road Safety, lina (Chair) Sustainable Communities, Right-of-Way Management, Con- struction Practices, GIROW, and One-Call Systems. She can be • Dean Lehman, P.E., Los Angeles County, California reached at (816) 595-5222 or [email protected].

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1213_Carollo_Infrastructure_APWAreporter.indd 1 1/12/09 1:30:36 PM APWA takes the lead on sustainability in public works

Christina S. Davis Continuing Education Project Manager American Public Works Association Kansas City, Missouri

ow do you define sustainability? What are your pri- orities and long-term goals? Where do you begin when you want to implement a sustainability plan for your organization? These questions and more were the focus of APWA’s first Conference on Sustainability in the Public Works Sector, which was held in Charlotte, N.C., on March 26-27, 2009. Attendees gathered to learn about the latest ideas, resources and challenges impacting public works professionals looking to implement or improve sustainability plans in their own organizations. “Now is the right time to make sustainability a priority,” said Peter B. King, APWA Executive Director. “APWA is committed to pro- viding resources and guidance at this crucial time.”

The program kicked off with a welcome from APWA President Noel Thompson. Thompson urged attendees to act immedi- ately to address issues affecting infrastructure, global health, the environment and the economy. He closed his remarks by From left to right at APWA’s Conference on Sustainability in the Pub- lic Works Sector: APWA President Noel Thompson; keynote speaker stating that “APWA is well prepared to provide strong leader- Michelle Wyman of ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability USA; ship assuring sustainability through the 21st century.” and George Crombie, APWA Director-at-Large for Environmental Management A high-profile example of that spirit of leadership is APWA’s ence by sponsoring two interactive sessions. Helene Hilger, newly-formed Center for Sustainability. The Center, to be Ph.D., of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engi- led by a group of twelve sustainability leaders, was created neering focused on identifying the hallmarks of sustainabil- by the APWA Board of Directors to assure that APWA takes ity and underscored the importance of aligning the built en- a leadership role and that APWA programs and initiatives vironment with public services to protect the environmental align with the larger goal of sustainable public works. On systems that support human life. Next, Hilger led a panel hand at the conference and serving as master of ceremo- of speakers who discussed their experiences implementing nies was Center chair D. Michael Mucha, P.E., Director of green purchasing, switching fleets to alternative fuels, and Public Works, City of Olympia, Wash. Mucha addressed the using audits and performance-based contracts to save ener- formation of the Center and assured attendees that APWA’s gy. Participants were encouraged to break into small groups sustainability efforts can effect real change in the way public to discuss their biggest challenges and noteworthy success- works agencies do business by integrating sustainability into es, which provided them with an excellent opportunity to every facet of public works. make valuable connections and to learn from others who APWA’s leadership from the national level was well repre- were in various phases of implementing sustainability plans. sented at the event. In addition to Thompson, three other Mucha took the floor again later to share his journey to sus- board members—George Crombie, Director-at-Large for tainability. Shortly after taking the position of Director of Environmental Management; Shelby LaSalle, Director of Public Works for the City of Olympia, Wash., data projec- Region IV; and Elizabeth Treadway, Director of Region III— tions revealed that by the year 2100 a large portion of down- attended the event. Crombie also delivered a presentation town Olympia would likely be underwater. The threat? Ris- that emphasized the advantages to an organization utilizing ing sea levels due to the effects of global warming. The City leadership and teamwork to develop a sustainable manage- Manager gave him one charge: save Olympia. Among other ment plan. resources, Mucha turned to the Natural Step for answers. The University of North Carolina at Charlotte, a leader in The Natural Step recognizes that human society and nature sustainability initiatives in the region, had a significant pres- are intertwined and that conditions affecting one part of

10 APWA Reporter June 2009 the system affect other parts of the system. This model links boasts a landfill gas-to-energy plant, a biodiesel research facil- non-controvertible, non-negotiable scientific principles to ity, a greenhouse compound, a lumber mill, a sludge-manage- practical applications. In closing, Mucha stressed that the ment facility, and a wooden pallet operation. Each of these thread of competent leadership runs through the fabric of components uses the others’ waste products as resources to every sustainability plan. sustain their own operations. Besides creating jobs, County revenues have been boosted significantly as a result. At day’s end, attendees had a wealth of ideas, resources and connections at hand. Keynote speaker Michelle Wyman of ICLEI – Local Govern- ments for Sustainability USA energized the group by high- Friday opened with an inspiring account by Stephen Har- lighting the tools, resources and support that ICLEI can offer dy, AICP, LEED AP, of BNIM Architects of the rebuilding public works professionals. ICLEI works to facilitate collabo- of Greensburg, Kans. This rural community was wiped off ration with community agencies, businesses and leaders on the map by an EF5 tornado in 2007. Residents decided to sustainability issues at the local level. Wyman inspired the embrace the disaster as an opportunity to rebuild sustain- group with case studies and success stories, demonstrating ably and serve as a model for other communities. The spirit that sustainability is a reality. of the residents in the face of adversity captured attention from all over the country, and the town has hosted visits The first APWA Conference on Sustainability provided an by the U.S. President, various celebrities and entertainers, abundance of valuable networking opportunities and stimu- and television networks. Great progress has been made in lated new ideas and insight into the world of sustainability. the two years since the disaster occurred. The town is im- Mucha stated: “I was inspired by the holistic views of the plementing plans to conserve scarce natural resources like speakers and comforted by the strong commitments from water while harnessing the power of abundant natural re- those in attendance to lead sustainability. I left feeling ener- sources like wind to decrease carbon emissions. Not only has gized and optimistic about the future of our communities.” Greensburg been redesigned as a walkable community, but each city building project has the goal of achieving LEED If you missed the conference or a particular session, hand- Platinum standards. outs are available electronically from a complete list of the presenters at www.apwa.net/SustainConf.

Christina S. Davis can be reached at (816) 595-5216 or cdavis@ apwa.net.

Your Vote in APWA Does Count As an APWA member, you will have the opportunity to vote for members of the APWA Board of Directors between July 24 and August 21, 2009: • APWA President-Elect; • One at-large director in the functional area of engineering and technology; and • Regions II, V, VI, VIII and IX Regional Directors (by APWA members in those respective regions).

Audience members at APWA’s first Conference on Sustainability in The ballot will be available for online voting between July 24 and the Public Works Sector August 21, 2009 on the “Members Only” section of the APWA website. There will also be a voting icon on the home page of Charlotte-area practitioners were also in attendance to share our website. If you do not have access to a computer at home their expertise. One session by Julie McLelland, P.E., focused or work, you should be able to access the APWA website online on her experience regarding the construction of Charlotte’s at your local public library. You may request a paper ballot from first LEED Gold-certified building—an environmental labora- Kaye Sullivan at (800) 848-APWA (2792), ext. 5233 if you cannot tory and office facility for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Utilities. vote online. Additional reminders of the voting process will be McLelland highlighted how facilities like these are not only sent through the infoNOW Communities; through an e-mail to better for the environment, they are good investments since every member for whom we have an e-mail address; and in future issues of the APWA Reporter. costs like construction premiums are offset by operations and maintenance savings after the payback period. Another If you have questions, please contact Kaye Sullivan, APWA Deputy session by Barry B. Edwards, P.E., featured the Regional Eco- Executive Director, at [email protected] or (800) 848-APWA Complex and Resource Recovery Facility located at Blackburn (2792), ext. 5233. Landfill in Catawba County, N.C. This noteworthy facility

June 2009 APWA Reporter 11 2009 APWA Chapter Education Summit: What’s working now, what’s next?

Karen Wilson Senior Manager of Continuing Education American Public Works Association Kansas City, Missouri

t the 2009 APWA Chapter Education Summit held • Some of the chapters, represented at the summit, often April 2-3, 2009 in Kansas City, Missouri, twenty- host APWA Click, Listen & Learns (CLL) as chapter or nine individuals representing twenty-four chap- branch events, including Texas, Manitoba, Missouri, ters participated in a special networking and focus Kansas City Metro, Kentucky, New York State, Central group experience. Pennsylvania, Saskatchewan, Nebraska, and Indiana. The Texas Branches and the Central Pennsylvania and Using a roundtable format, these chapter education coor- Kansas City Metro Chapters go one step further by invit- dinators and leaders joined with APWA’s Education Com- ing local experts to facilitate after-program discussions/ mittee and staff in a discussion of ideas for how to boost presentations related to the CLL topic. The other chap- individual chapter education capabilities. Participants had ters thought this was a great idea and an easy option to a lively dialogue about the types of education programming provide relevant and timely education to members at a their chapters are offering and gave each other tips for how low cost. to implement these programs. Highlights from that discus- • Several of these chapters host chapter conferences and sion include: workshops. Participants shared how they determine themes, content and speakers for their events; how they find sites, determine registration fees, and whether they partner with outside entities to help implement the pro- grams or rely solely on member volunteers. The success- Will Your es experienced by these chapters were inspiring to the Pavement others present—so look for more chapters to enter into Survive the conference and workshop planning mode. The • There are nine approved Chapter Public Works Insti- tutes—and six were represented by the chapters attend- Recession? ing this summit. The chapter representatives described how their Public Works Institutes were established, the Plan Wisely number of years they’ve been in business, and what they’ve learned along the way. Chapters in attendance And Save that have Public Works Institutes were: (1) Oregon and What You Have Washington which have joined together to create the Now! Northwest Public Works Institute; (2) Georgia which Now! partners with the University of Georgia; (3) Minnesota which partners with the Hamline Graduate School of Your Resource For: Management, (4) Northern California which manag- l Asphalt Preservation es its own Institute, but follows the same model used l IceIce PreventionPrevention by the Northwest Public Works Institute; (5) Arizona l Environmentally Sound Practices PAH which also manages its own Institute; and finally, (6) the granddaddy of them all—the Michigan Public Ser- vice Institute which will celebrate its 17th year this sum- Let Us Help You! mer. Also present was the Southern California Chapter which has implemented three Public Works Institute Call: (800) 747-8567 training modules and will soon be seeking formal ap- proval of its program by APWA National. www.geeasphalt.net/apwa For information about all nine of the Public Works In- stitutes and how your chapter may develop one too, visit www.apwa.net/education/institutes.

12 APWA Reporter June 2009 Midway through the summit, APWA staff presented infor- Finally, we turned our attention to an exploration of the mation about resources available to chapters to plan their types of education formats and products that APWA plans events—most notably the Speakers Database available on to introduce in the near future. Summit participants were the Chapter Resources web page and the national CEU pro- transformed into an interactive Focus Group, using an audi- gram. Attendees also heard a brief presentation about the ence response tool that immediately displayed their results latest developments with APWA’s Certification Program and on the screen. Our goal was to find out what our members were also introduced to APWA’s latest venture into the So- who plan APWA Chapter Education offerings think about cial Networking world: WeArePublicWorks.org. Those who the types of training and learning opportunities needed to visit this site can create their own blog posts, join a special stay relevant to current and future generations in the public forum, post videos, and keep up on the latest public works works workforce. news and trends. A special thank you goes out to John Habermann, P.E., Pro- gram Manager at the Indiana LTAP, who generously donated his time and talents to facilitating the summit, and to Dan- iel R. Cady, current Chair of APWA’s Education Committee and Director of the Nebraska LTAP, for helping to plan this event and for providing the audience response system used in the Focus Group portion of the program. We also extend our appreciation to APWA’s Education Committee and to all of the participating chapters for making this a successful and enjoyable event.

Karen Wilson is responsible for the development and implemen- tation of the Educational Program at APWA’s annual Congress. She can be reached at (816) 595-5210 or [email protected]. Attendees at the 2009 APWA Chapter Education Summit enjoying the audience response system

The “Must-Have” Book on Public Works The wisdom and experience of 71 public works professionals have been localized between the covers of this reference book from the American Public Works Association. Divided into 22 chapters, Public Works Administration provides an overview of the history of public works, discusses legal aspects, and describes such critical areas as organization, urban planning, strategic planning, finance and more! Public Works Administration is written in a AdministrAtion straightforward style that avoids excessive use of Public Works “techno-speak” so that it as appropriate for the novice as well as the more experienced reader looking for insights into public works issues. The book is suitable as a personal reference book or classroom text. Copies can be purchased through the APWA Bookstore at www.apwa.net/bookstore or by calling 1-800-848-2792 ext. 5254. 573 pages Code: PB.A748 Price: Members $55/Non $65

June 2009 APWA Reporter 13 Walking down memory lane at the Jack Nicklaus Museum

R. Kevin Clark Editor, APWA Reporter 202 American Public Works Association 009 Kansas City, Missouri

he vivid colors in my memory say it happened just of APWA members love to play golf, and probably a bunch yesterday, but that unforgiving calendar on the wall of you are Nicklaus fans who would like to visit the museum insists it was 39 years ago. My father and I had re- as much as I would. turned home from playing golf on a hot day in July, rushing to the television in order to catch the tail end of the I recently spoke with Barbara Hartley, the Events Manager 1970 British Open. We had recently taken up that wonderful for the Jack Nicklaus Museum, and she was kind enough to “sport of kings,” so it seemed only appropriate that we check send the photos you see on the next page. She also provided out the major championship battle to see how professionals the following text about the museum: really played the game. This is the Jack Nicklaus Museum. A living memorial to It was that hot afternoon in July when I first saw the great an exceptional athlete, this 24,000-square-foot educa- Jack Nicklaus hit a golf ball. tional and historical facility is a showplace for golf and its greatest player. Jack Nicklaus’ story is told through Oh, I’d heard quite a bit about Nicklaus on the news by an unparalleled collection of artifacts and memorabilia then, and had seen his pictures in the Kansas City Star, but collected over a lifetime of achievement. Powerful me- now here he was, live and in color. Well, not in color I sup- dia presentations containing vintage footage lead your pose, as we only had our little black and white television journey through the life and career of a man who tran- screen back then. But he was live all right, and about to tee scended generations and inspired millions to take an off on the final hole of a playoff against Doug Sanders. I interest in the game of golf. remember thinking it was interesting that he removed his sweater before he hit that drive—he probably had gotten Surrounded by exhibits from Jack’s early years to an too hot that day at St. Andrews, I thought. It was only later unmatched display of his six Masters trophies, you I learned he had been wearing three sweaters to ward off the will learn how the Golden Bear enhanced the game chill of the tournament’s gale-force winds that year. He had of golf and established his place among contemporary simply removed one to free his arms for one of his massive role models. The museum brings to life the story of drives. That drive, the first shot I ever saw Jack hit, went well a legend: the story of Jack Nicklaus as a family man, over 300 yards (the record book says nearly 380) ending up golfer, golf course designer, author, humanitarian and just beyond the 18th green. As most dedicated golfers will sportsman. His total commitment and mental tough- remember, he ended up chipping close to the hole and mak- ness define greatness not only in golf and in sport, but ing the putt to edge Sanders for the title by one stroke. also in life.

That July afternoon was the beginning of my love affair not Of course, the main reason for APWA members to come to only with the game of golf, but with the spectacle of watch- Columbus this September is to attend our annual Congress ing the game’s greatest practitioner in his prime. I can’t re- & Exposition—it’s going to be a tremendous show, as al- call a time during the 1970s, and well into the ’80s, that I ways. And there are plenty of other sights to see in Colum- missed seeing Nicklaus tee it up during any of the major bus that I’ll clue you in on in our upcoming July issue. But in championships. The excitement he brought to the game, this issue, I wanted to just highlight the Jack Nicklaus Mu- with his towering drives, magnificent long-iron shots, and seum. Our conference will go to many wonderful places in nearly supernatural putting, was truly phenomenal. upcoming years, from the history-soaked streets of Boston to the mile-high venues of Denver. But this museum won’t So you can understand that I got excited a few years ago be there, because it’s not just one of the great attractions in when APWA announced our 2009 Congress & Exposition Columbus—it’s one of a kind. would be held in Columbus, Ohio, Nicklaus’ hometown. This will be my chance (and yours, by the way) to finally So why not come to Congress a day or two early, or maybe visit the Jack Nicklaus Museum, a 24,000-square-foot facility stay a bit past the closing festivities, and treat yourself to a containing one of the greatest collections of golf memora- few hours at the museum? That way you won’t have to miss bilia in the world. It’s located within the sports complex of any of our terrific Congress events in order to see it. The mu- Ohio State University (Nicklaus’ alma mater) and it’s why seum isn’t within walking distance of the Congress hotels I’m including this article in this issue—because I know a lot (we’re not crazy, after all) but I don’t think you’ll struggle to

14 APWA Reporter June 2009 The Jack Nicklaus Museum 2355 Olentangy River Road, Columbus, Ohio, (614) 247-5959, www.nicklausmuseum.org • Open Tuesday–Saturday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. (subject to change) • Adults $10.00; Students $5.00 (valid ID required)

The Jack Nicklaus Museum, located in the heart of the Ohio The story of Nicklaus’ unprecedented 20 major championships State University sports complex in Nicklaus’ hometown of and the history of the majors is told in the Major Championship Columbus, Ohio, is a 24,000-square-foot educational and histori- Galleries. Here you will find a record six Masters trophies and a cal facility. Here, you will encounter the history of golf and its Masters green jacket, along with such important golf clubs as greatest practitioner; take an immersive journey through his Nicklaus’ 1967 U.S. Open-winning putter “White Fang,” his 1986 brilliant career including trophies, photographs and various me- Masters irons, his 1959 and 1961 U.S. Amateur wood-shafted mentos from his unparalleled 20 major championships and 100 putter, and his 1975 PGA Championship wedge. Each of the five worldwide professional victories; and discover the many facets Major Championship Galleries recreates the environment of of this remarkable man who added so much to the history of each major, complete with venue wall murals and clubhouse golf. (Courtesy of the Jack Nicklaus Museum) doorways. (Courtesy of the Jack Nicklaus Museum)

Learn about the life of Jack Nicklaus through the years. Each Family life has been the most important part of Jack Nicklaus’ decade is represented: his boyhood days in the 1940s; learning career. Nicklaus has said that his family was one of the keys to the game in the 1950s; challenge for the top spot in golf in the his success in golf. This gallery gives guests the experience of 1960s; dominance of the sport in the 1970s; amazing comebacks visiting the Nicklaus home in Florida. On exhibit are photos and in the 1980s; Champions Tour excellence and course design ca- family mementos displayed as in their actual family room. Fea- reer accolades of the 1990s; and the legendary status he enjoys tured is a video production hosted by Jack Nicklaus II providing in the 21st century. An extraordinary collection of Nicklaus a unique look at their family life growing up in the Nicklaus artifacts is on display—the clubs, trophies, awards, scorecards, household and living as a golf tour family. “We try to reach golf bags, golf balls, and mementos collected through over 50 people in many different ways, and we know people react to years in the sport. A highlight is Nicklaus’ legendary George video,” says curator Steve Auch. “That’s why we have twenty Low Wizard 600 putter, which he used to win 15 of his record 20 different video productions throughout the museum, one in majors and 78 of his 100 individual titles. (Courtesy of the Jack each gallery.” (Courtesy of the Jack Nicklaus Museum) Nicklaus Museum) find a few like-minded folks with a little cab fare in hand— Kevin Clark actually got Jack Nicklaus’ autograph at the 1982 maybe even some who’ll share their own black and white PGA Championship at Southern Hills Country Club in Tulsa, memories, in living color, from those hot afternoons in July. Oklahoma. He’s never been the same since. Kevin can be reached at (816) 595-5230 or [email protected].

June 2009 APWA Reporter 15 How to stop getting by and start getting ahead

Larry Winget The Pitbull of Personal Development 202 Four-time bestselling author 009 General Session Speaker, 2009 APWA Congress

Editor’s Note: Larry Winget is one of the Keynote Speakers at They don’t tell you that it takes hard work to change your the 2009 APWA Congress in Columbus, Ohio. His General Ses- life. That’s also the main reason people are idiots. They talk sion presentation is entitled “How to STOP Getting By and Start about all the success they want in every area of their lives Getting Ahead” and takes place at 8:30 a.m. Monday, September but don’t take the appropriate action to make sure they back 14. For more information on our upcoming Congress, please visit up their words with the work it takes to make their words our website at www.apwa.net/Meetings/Congress/2009. come to pass. The huge discrepancy between what we say and what we do proves we are idiots! People are idiots. I know it. You know it. We all know it. How can anyone not know it? The sad thing is that we all Want examples? Easy! seem to be okay with it and we are willing to live with it. I’m Ask the average American if he wants to be healthier. Sure not. I want things to be different. I want people to be more he does! Liar, liar, pants on fire! The average American eats successful, have more money, be healthier, raise better kids nearly twice the recommended number of calories daily. The and have better results in every area of their lives. I actually average American is not physically active (60% of Americans, believe that everyone wants those things for their own lives in fact). Nearly 45 million Americans still smoke cigarettes, as well. Can you imagine anyone telling you that they don’t which will end life much earlier. More than $33 billion will want more money, financial security, better health, more be spent this year on weight-loss products and services. So success or better kids? I certainly can’t imagine it. So if we do people really want to be healthier? Their words say yes, all want those things, then why don’t more people experi- but their actions say no. ence those things? To answer this question, I will repeat my original premise: People are idiots! Want better kids? Of course we all want better kids! Really? Bull. A recent study said that the average American parent People are messing up their lives by making stupid decisions spends only 3.5 minutes per week in meaningful conversa- and doing stupid things. I have decided it is time to bring tion with their children. Sure we want better kids, just not the stupidity of people out in the open and address it head enough to talk to them. Want more examples? Twenty-five on. I am tired of people pussy-footing around the topic of percent of teenage girls have a sexually transmitted disease. stupid people and my guess is you are, too. I find it laugh- Parents, where are you? Thirty percent of children between able that society has become so politically correct that we the ages of six and nineteen are at risk of being obese. Who can no longer call things what they are and have to make is buying that food? Fixing that food? Feeding their kids that up ridiculous excuses for the fact that people are just being food? Hello!!! idiots. It is time to deal with the stupid things people do, figure out why they do them, and show them how they can Want more money? Forty percent of us spend more than we stop doing them. Sound fair? earn. The average 50-year-old has less than $2,500 saved. Again, proof that we are idiots! Here is the deal: We talk a good game. We say we want to do more, be more and have more. Sadly, it stops right there for I believe my point is made. So what do we do about it? Three most. The talk is about as far as it goes. Of course, some will simple things: Recognition, Education and Application. tell you that talk is all you need to change your life. They will tell you the secret is to get your thinking right and your 1. Recognition. Figure out where you are being an idiot. self-talk right and repeat affirmations about what you want That isn’t hard. Just look at your results. Good results to have happen, and then your life will get on track and are the result of good behavior. Bad results are the re- you will see amazing things start to happen. What a waste sult of bad behavior. Change your behavior and you of time all of that is. Let’s get a few things straight: Hope is will change your results—which means that you have not a strategy for success. Positive thinking is not a wealth to recognize that you are doing stupid things and that plan. Self-talk does not move you closer to success. Your those things are giving you lousy results. At that point, rose-colored glasses and your positive attitude smiley-face you have to take responsibility for those actions. Don’t outlook aren’t going to do it either. It takes work. Good old blame the economy, the government, your boss or your fashioned, roll-up-your-sleeves and break-a-sweat WORK! parents. Your actions created your results. When you That is what’s wrong with the whole self-help movement.

16 APWA Reporter June 2009 have completed this step (and not until you have com- out what you did wrong, learn from your mistake and pleted this step), you will be ready to move forward. then take action as soon as you can so you won’t have to experience the pain of your mistake for any longer 2. Education. This one is simple. Figure out what you than you have to. need to know in order to stop doing stupid things. Chances are you already know and just aren’t doing it. Simple enough? I think so. Success is always simple and nev- But in some cases you may really need to gain some new er easy. It’s always hard and never complicated. information. Information has never been easier to get. Go to google.com and type in “How do I ______?” Here is the question: What should you do now? It’s not Then fill in the blank with whatever you need to know whether others should do this stuff. We would all say, “Of and you will find dozens of answers about how to do course they should!” It really comes down to the person star- about anything. Never say that you can’t succeed based ing back at you in the mirror. What should you do? Or bet- on a lack of information; that is a weak excuse. Get the ter, “What can I do?” You can live a better life. You can have information you need. more money. Be a better manager. Be a more productive em- ployee. Be a more involved parent. Be healthier. Have better 3. Application. A slightly more sophisticated word for relationships. You can do all of these things. But (and it’s WORK. You have to know where you are messing up, a big but) only if you are willing to go to work. Change is figure out what it takes to fix it, and then go to work hard. But it can be done when you decide to do whatever it on it. And this is where it all falls apart for most people. takes to make it happen. They aren’t willing to work. That is, until it is almost too late. When are people willing to stop smoking? When Larry Winget is a four-time bestselling author. His latest book, they are diagnosed with cancer or emphysema. When People Are Idiots and I Can Prove It! The 10 Ways You Are are people willing to lose weight? When they have a Sabotaging Yourself and How To Overcome Them, is a New heart attack or find out they are diabetic. When it is York Times bestseller. Larry is also a television personality almost too late to fix something, people get really in- who can be seen as a regular on many national television news terested in fixing things. Don’t make this mistake. Take programs. He is considered a financial/personal development/ action before it is too late. Make your mistake, figure business guru to people all over the world. For more information, go to www.larrywinget.com.

20 2009 APWA International 09 Public Works Congress & Exposition September 13–16, 2009 | Greater Columbus Convention Center | Columbus, Ohio

Learn all about the great things to see and do in Columbus—go online and follow the Let’s Go Best Show network as we take you to all of the hot spots around town.

www.apwa.net/congress

June 2009 APWA Reporter 17 Reaching out to our communities

Joel Koenig Senior Project Manager Crawford, Murphy & Tilly, Inc. Chicago, Illinois Member, APWA Diversity Committee braham Lincoln spoke of the need for kindness during his second inaugural when he addressed the nation about the terrible war that was nearing its end where many had suffered. He famously of- fered his outreach of kindness to those suffering by calling for “malice toward none, with charity for all…”

It is a nearly universal concept among the major faiths in this world that we as mere humans are charged with making our world a better place to live. Lincoln captured that spirit. Many in APWA do too. Once again, people are hurting in many ways. It may not be war that is causing the pain, but pain is still pain.

In our own way, public works and the people who make public works agencies run and the engineers who design the world’s public infrastructure and the labor that builds it, make the planet we all inhabit a bit better place to live or Habitat for Humanity – New Orleans Congress at least we try. In the spirit of Lincoln, many folks do what one chapter, let us share a few stories about what is going on they can to “bind up the nation’s wounds.” Those in Lincoln’s at the Chicago Metro Chapter. time were helping the widows and those orphaned from that conflagration. Our charge has typically been the repair As in many chapters, Chicago Metro has had a scholar- of the nation’s infrastructure. ship program for a long time. In addition to the traditional scholarship that helps a needy undergraduate (and there However, as an association of caring people, are we not re- certainly are a lot these days), the chapter along with its ally doing more than just that? branches has supported a continuing education program— It is in this spirit of consideration of the human condition most notably, the Public Service Institute it co-sponsors and our attempt to make this a better place for those who will with the Illinois Chapter. follow us that so many people within the American Public Money is certainly a good thing to donate to support those Works Association strive for that ideal. Lincoln was speaking in need, but there are other ways as well. In 2006, the Chica- of kindness. This kindness is occurring across our organiza- go Metro Chapter began a relationship with the U.S. Marine tion in our outreach efforts to the communities we serve. Corps “Toys for Tots” program. It became an instant success. Do you recall the Habitat for Humanity project and all of the Each year in December as part of the Chicago Metro’s an- volunteers that came forward when Congress was in New nual meeting and holiday party, members and guests do- Orleans? There were so many who were willing to volunteer nate an unwrapped new toy to the program. No one checks that the organizers had to cut off the volunteer list! How those coming through the door if they have brought a toy or about all of those canned food drives held during many of not, but without fail, tables and tables of toys just appear. So the other Congresses? These are genuine acts of kindness. many are donated at the event that the Marines now come in pairs so they can bring two vehicles to haul the donations We know that these acts of kindness by APWA chapters and back to the distribution facility. their members where they reach out to the public are not limited to just Congress. It goes on much more often than Another way chapters can and do reach out to their com- that. As this author is most familiar with the activities of just munities is through a service project and by giving of

18 APWA Reporter June 2009 their time. Many chapters are actively involved with Math APWA and would be joining us in our outreach to our com- Counts and/or Future Cities as either mentors or judges or munities. both. One unique way Chicago Metro members have found Joel Koenig is a member of APWA’s national Diversity Commit- a way to give of themselves was to serve as volunteer pledge tee and is the Chicago Metro Chapter’s Public Relations Chair. telephone operators during the local public television sta- He can be reached at (312) 357-2075 or [email protected]. tions fundraising drive. It was not only a generous way for APWA members to give their time to the community, but all reported it was fun and an interesting experience. It was so much fun that the chapter has repeated the experience and is looking forward to future opportunities. Interestingly, many members brought spouses along for the evening.

It seems it is not an APWA event if food isn’t involved. The chapter had an opportunity to make a small difference re- cently when they found themselves with a surplus of boxed lunches after an event. With the help of a handful of vol- unteers and a few phone calls, arrangements were made to donate the food to a local pantry where it was distributed to those less fortunate.

Chapter members live and on stage, all dressed up in their color- coordinated “T’s” for the public television pledge drive

Order Custom Bulk Editorial Reprints Now that you have been featured in the APWA Reporter, why not leverage this opportunity to promote your product or service with custom reprints?

Future Cities recipient of the “Best Delivery of Municipal Services,” an APWA-sponsored award (photo courtesy of W. Siddall)

Fortunately, economic conditions as gloomy as we are ex- periencing don’t come around very often. Unfortunately, people with needs can’t wait until the economy recovers. We know some of our members are struggling too.

These activities aren’t unique or limited to just a few chap- ters. Sometimes money is involved. Sometimes it is just a Custom reprints are available in quantities of matter of time and it just takes someone with a good idea 100 or more and are printed on high-quality, to just ask their APWA members if they would be interested gloss-coated paper stock in black & white or full in helping. From what we’ve seen locally and what we’ve color. Custom reprints make great handouts at observed at the national level, the answer is a resounding trade shows, and direct mail pieces. “YES! We want to be helping!”

Lincoln would be proud of the kindness shown by the gen- Call our reprint department at erosity of APWA members. For a time he was a county sur- (800) 259-0470 for complete details. veyor. Perhaps if he lived today he would be a member of

June 2009 APWA Reporter 19 Successfully implementing a Quality Assurance Program in a small community

Lowell Patton, CPII Public Works Director City of Fernley, Nevada Chair, APWA Certified Public Infrastructure Inspector Council

any have asked, “How, within the space of ap- developers. This was done by basing a fee upon a very small proximately one year, did the City of Fernley suc- percentage of the Engineer’s Estimate for construction of cessfully implement a Quality Assurance Program the improvements. This Engineer’s Estimate was not an ad- for public infrastructure?” The answer is, “With ditional step as it was already submitted as a function of agency support, local contractor buy-in, consistent stan- calculating the performance bond amount for the public dards and experienced inspectors.” improvements.

The City of Fernley is a growing semi-rural community with The current Public Works Director was hired in late-2004. As approximately 20,000 residents located east of Reno, Ne- a function of familiarizing himself with the City’s process vada. During 2004 and 2005, Fernley was the fastest grow- of construction and acceptance of public improvements, he ing city in the second fastest growing county in the nation met many of the contractors that were constructing these (Lyon County). At one time, the City was tracking 50 proj- public improvements. During these meetings, he asked ects in which public improvements were being constructed. many of the contractors what they liked and disliked about At this time, the Public Works Director, Community Devel- the Quality Assurance Program and the Public Works De- opment Director and City Manager saw a need to provide, sign Standards and Specifications. Many commented that at a minimum, oversight of construction of a substantial there were various standard details in the standards that amount of public infrastructure that was being constructed contained errors or conflicts with text in the standards. Oth- and dedicated by local developers. Soon thereafter the Pub- ers commented that there were errors in the standards that lic Works Director retired and the Community Development rendered a given piece of infrastructure “unbuildable” if all Director took the issue before the City Council in the ab- dimensions and tolerances were followed. sence of the Public Works Director. Having been a construction inspector himself, the Public The City Council, recognizing the need to oversee construc- Works Director felt that there was possibly nothing more tion of public infrastructure that would ultimately be ded- frustrating to an inspector than inconsistent standards. The icated to the City, directed City Staff to award a contract “unbuildable” dimensions caused many frustrating discus- to Construction Inspection Associates, of Reno, Nevada, to sions between inspectors, engineers and contractors, and provide Quality Assurance inspection services. At that point, these frustrations eroded the trust being established between developers were required to retain an independent third the contractors and inspectors. The Public Works Director, party inspection firm, but City personnel didn’t become prior to the adoption of the revised standards, issued many involved until most of the infrastructure was installed and clarifying letters during this period. buried. City water utility crews controlled valve configura- tions during hydrostatic testing but wouldn’t return until Through this period it became evident that the standards a final walkthrough inspection. Engineering staff didn’t be- required revision and that at least some representative sec- come involved until this same final walkthrough when the tion of local contractors would need to be involved in the streets, curbs, gutters and sidewalks were inspected. revision. Over a period of a few months, many of these com- ments were assembled into a draft revision to the standards. This action by the City Council may appear to be a simple This draft was reviewed with some of the local contractors everyday action of identifying a need and meeting that need prior to adoption. The adoption of these revisions served with a service contract. This action, however, expressed a three purposes: local contractors were given a voice in the much larger commitment to the requirement that public in- area of City standards, the revised standards were much frastructure would not be allowed to be installed in Fernley more consistent, and the revised standards included refer- without inspection, or oversight of inspection, by someone ences to the new Quality Assurance Program. from the City. The revised standards contained references to the Quality Due to budget concerns over the impact of these additional Assurance Program that greatly benefited the program. For services on the City’s budget, the City Council passed a fee instance, the standards contained not only a maximum resolution by which all of the costs of the oversight of the cross-slope for sidewalk (2%), but also the method by which Quality Assurance Program were passed through to private the slope would be verified (an electronic SmartLevel®).

20 APWA Reporter June 2009 A contractor and inspector verify compaction on a grading project.

While this may seem to be an unnecessary step, it informed pleased to find that the City had retained the services of the contractor/developer of the tools by which the Qual- Construction Inspection Associates and their owner, Vic ity Assurance Program inspectors would be verifying the Camp. The Director had worked with Mr. Camp in nearby construction of the infrastructure. Contractors immediately jurisdictions and they shared many of the same views with purchased the tools by which their work would be inspected respect to construction plans, specifications, standards, and and certified. Beyond the steep learning curve of learning their implementation in the construction process. As an ex- how to utilize all of the new methods, conflicts over con- perienced inspector, Mr. Camp was able to successfully re- struction tolerances were greatly reduced. solve many of the contractors’ issues with the standards as well as identify others that required correction.

Since the inception of the City’s Quality Assurance Program, the Public Works Department has used APWA’s Construction Inspection: A Review Training Package as a guide for its inspec- tors. This helped develop a thread of continuity between in- spectors because consistency is necessary in the inspection of multiple projects with multiple inspectors. Until recently, no standard certification existed for construction inspectors, but APWA remedied this in 2008 with its Certified Public In- frastructure Inspector program. The City of Fernley intends to develop the Quality Assurance Program further with addi- tional requirements for certification through APWA’s Certi- fied Public Infrastructure Inspector program and to examine the feasibility of bringing most of the inspection services in-house.

The road to the City’s current Quality Assurance Program A CPII inspector verifies cross-slope with SmartLevel®. has not been without difficulty. By following the points in this article, a burgeoning city will have every attempt at im- The final aspect in the successful implementation of the plementing a successful program. Quality Assurance Program was the introduction of an ex- Lowell Patton can be reached at (775) 784-9910 or lpatton@ perienced inspector. The new Public Works Director was cityoffernley.org.

June 2009 APWA Reporter 21 Dealing with difficult employees

William A. Sterling, P.E. Director of Public Works (Ret.) City of Greeley, Colorado Member, APWA Leadership and Management Committee

The APWA Leadership and Management Committee has in- rumors, don’t add value, and generally are not satisfied with troduced a series of articles entitled “Cleaning up the Kitchen” their job. which focus on a wide variety of leadership and management is- Sometimes they do just enough to get by. In fact, a recent sues. This is the fifth series of articles contributed by the commit- Gallup Poll indicated that only 29% of your employees may tee over the past few years. The purpose of the articles is to provide be fully engaged while they are at work…leaving 71% that thought-provoking topics and situations which are likely to be are not fully engaged. Yet you pay them all the same! currently occurring in the public works arena with the intention of offering some insight or reference for members who may be facing Kabachnick indicates that there are eight main reasons for similar situations. The members of the committee welcome your this disengagement: input for other topics or issues you may be facing. A current roster of the members is available on the Leadership and Management Job/Employee Mismatch: Not fully trained or are out of web page at www.apwa.net/About/TechSvcs/Leadership/. their comfort zone (résumés and job descriptions do not al- ways tell the true story and may not mesh). “People need to be reminded more often than they need to be in- structed.” – Samuel Johnson Overworked and Underappreciated: Especially now with the economy as it is (layoffs, hiring freezes and salary Introduction freezes can cause heavy workloads, long hours and stress). As part of APWA’s online mentoring call programs, this well- Cultural Shock: Workforce is turning over, technology is attended session was conducted on February 26, 2009. This increasing, rumors are rampant, departments are being con- article is a follow-up of that teleconference session. The next solidated and expectations of service remain high. (Young- teleconference call, “Balancing Home Life and Career,” will er generation, new workers, different ethnic groups, older be on June 25. Visit www.apwa.net for more details. workers returning to the workforce) Difficult Employees Politics and Perceptions: Perception that management We all have them. They are the types of employees that go plays favorites. We all tend to do this by going to those em- right up to the line, do only what they are told, drive you ployees that have certain strengths; but we have to be care- crazy, provide very little value to your organization and ful we don’t create problems. cause you to spend an inordinate amount of your time to keep them on task. I classify these types of employees as The “Peter Principle”: People rising to their level of “in- “disengaged.” Not being fully engaged at work means that competence.” (Not all lead workers are qualified to be super- an employee is not giving his/her employer full value. In visors and not all supervisors are management material. The my opinion, that means the employee is “stealing” from the title and compensations may be nice, but the ability may be employer. Consider what it means to be engaged. It means lacking.) that a person is involved, occupied, committed and partici- pating. They come to work early, they are available in emer- Business “By the Book”: Rigid policies and procedures gencies, they make suggestions and they ask where they can and bureaucracy (you can’t do that!); rules that prohibit in- help. They want to learn and contribute to the agency’s mis- novation. sion. Skill and will—the best employees have both. What’s Politics and Control: New managers bringing in their the difference? One can be taught; the other cannot. Con- “own” people; raising the concern of “who is going to be fusing the two can cause turnover and disengagement. cut next?”

Terri Kabachnick, in her book I Quit, But I Forgot to Tell You, The “Bad Boss”: Incompetent managers; supervisors man- defines disengaged employees as people who show up, aging by fear or ignorance. spend their time on personal matters, take long breaks, start

22 APWA Reporter June 2009

All of the above can be summarized as a lack of communica- Patrick Lencioni, in his book Three Signs of a Miserable Job, tions, expectations and goal setting. Workers can become says that job disengagement is caused by Anonymity, Irrel- disengaged for one or a number of these reasons; and once evance and Immeasurement: their disengagement sets in, it will spread quickly. Disen- “Anonymity – People cannot be fulfilled in their work if gagement can also occur when an employee is tired and in they are not known. All human beings need to be under- a “rut”; they need a different challenge. Retaining a disen- stood and appreciated for their unique qualities by someone gaged employee may be far worse than letting him/her go. in authority. People who see themselves as invisible, gener- “The damage that an unproductive and disengaged employee can ic, or anonymous cannot love their jobs, no matter what cause is impossible to tally.” – Terri Kabachnick they are doing. Every job affects all other jobs.

Let me relate a story: Irrelevance – Everyone needs to know that their job mat- ters, to someone; anyone. Without seeing a connection be- Two guys are riding a bicycle built for two. They come to tween the work and the satisfaction of another person or a steep hill. The guy in front says, “We’re going to have to group of people, an employee simply will not find lasting work hard to get up this hill,” and he starts pedaling for all fulfillment. Even the most cynical employees need to know he’s worth. He pedals until he thinks he’s going to pass out. that their work matters to someone, even if it’s just the boss. Finally, they get to the top, and the front guy turns and says, “Man, I thought we’d never make it.” “Me either,” says the Immeasurement – Employees need to be able to gauge guy in the back. “If I hadn’t kept the brake on, we’d have their progress and level of contribution for themselves. They rolled back down for sure.” cannot be fulfilled in their work if their success depends on the opinions or whims of another person, no matter how Is this an example of a lack of communication, expectations benevolent that person may be. Without a tangible means and a goal? Which one was engaged and which one was for assessing success or failure, motivation eventually dete- not? riorates as people see themselves as unable to control their

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June 2009 APWA Reporter 23 own fate. Waiting for the formal annual evaluation does not Negative Nelly or Ned (there is nothing right about this provide this necessary feedback; it has to be timely and of- job that is positive; always complains) ten. They need to gauge their progress.” Sick and Tired (uses all of their sick leave, takes long breaks, In today’s down economy, when there are hiring freezes, puts in their time and just can’t seem to be motivated) salary freezes and furloughs, there may be more disengaged One Problem After Another (outside personal life has employees showing up in your organization. Layoffs may dealt them a bad hand of Texas Hold ‘em Poker) lead to more disengaged employees with the remaining employees thinking, “I’m not being paid enough to do my Pay or Play (you don’t pay me enough to do this job) job and someone else’s.” You may have a tendency to look the other way if there are hiring freezes—thinking that a By the way, reference books are great sources of information, “warm” body is better than “no” body. This type of thinking but some may be more theoretical than practical. There is puts you in the disengaged category. another book, written by Stewart Liff, Managing Government Employees, you might want to review. This book is written “I am who taught me.” Every one of us is where we are by an individual that has more than 30 years of experi- today because someone helped us, taught us and pointed ence working for the government and developing human the way. It’s up to you now to point the way; unfortunately resources and management strategies. He shows you how the “way” may be the highway in some cases. to deal with a variety of difficult issues in a fair, direct and timely manner. If you have the will and the skill, you can My advice: Communicate with the disengaged employee, successfully manage difficult employees. This book may indicate to the employee that his/her behavior is not accept- help you to motivate your employees, deal with difficult is- able, set expectations, and help mentor and follow up. sues and achieve results (positive or negative). I suggest you: I don’t want the reader to think that it’s easy to deal with Identify your problem employees early and let them know difficult employees; it’s difficult. You already know that. De- there is a problem. (Use your direct reports’ input, review all spite the common belief that you can’t terminate govern- evaluations, ask and use the “grapevine.”) Make sure your ment employees, it can be done. However, try to work with supervisors are trained to identify problems. Consult with and salvage an employee if at all possible. To the keys I al- your human resources personnel early on. ready mentioned—communication, expectations, and goal setting—I would add patience, understanding, perseverance Always make a good faith effort to help your employ- and the training of your supervisors. ees. (Most people want to do a good job, but may not be able to focus on their responsibilities. Get out of the office “The most important single ingredient in the formula of success is more often.) knowing how to get along with people.” – Theodore Roosevelt

Don’t wait too long to take action. (The problem will not Even through experience and reading, you will find that go away!) there are no hard and fast rules when dealing with difficult employees. Even if you discover a procedure that works with Keep your focus on the problem. (Stay on the problem a particular employee, you can’t count on it working for all and don’t listen to the excuses; be sympathetic but firm.) difficult employees. Any book designed to help you to deal Document your actions and expectations. (Can be used with difficult employees can only be useful when your indi- both for and against the employee; if the employee is doing vidual judgment is used in particular situations. Remember, better, tell him/her. If not, tell him/her that also.) most employees want to do a good job.

A new book by Gini Graham Scott, A Survival Guide to Man- References: aging Employees from Hell, is a great resource and describes • I Quit, But Forgot to Tell You, Terri Kabachnick some 34 types of difficult employees. You may be able to • A Survival Guide to Managing Employees from Hell, Gini relate to some of the types of employees you may find in Graham Scott your organization. Not only does she describe the types of • The Three Signs of a Miserable Job, Patrick Lencioni difficult employees and their issues, she gives you some sug- • Managing Government Employees, Stewart Liff gestions and courses of action and even provides you with a “Dealing with Difficult Employees Grid.” The grid identifies William A. Sterling, P.E., is a member and past Chair of the the type of employee behavior and some options to resolve APWA Leadership and Management Committee and a recipient the problem. Not to go into any great detail, but some of the of the APWA Top Ten Award. He can be reached at (970) 356- 1159 or [email protected]. difficult employees identified include:

24 APWA Reporter June 2009 or more information about these programs or to register online, visit www.apwa.net/Education. Program information will be updated as it becomes available. Questions? Call the Education Department at 1-800-848-APWA.

Spring 2009

June 3 Public Fleet Manager Study Guide #1

June 4-5 PSMJ’s Public Works Project Management Bootcamp – Costa Mesa, CA

June 10 Public Fleet Manager Study Guide #2

June 11-12 PSMJ’s Public Works Project Management Bootcamp – Chicago, IL

June 17 Public Fleet Manager Study Guide #3

June 18-19 PSMJ’s Public Works Project Management Bootcamp – Austin, TX

June 25 The Real Dirt on Subsurface Utility Engineering

June 25-26 PSMJ’s Public Works Project Management Bootcamp – Albany, NY

July 23 Greening the Fleet: It’s More Than a Color Change

August 6 Solid Waste Issues

= Click, Listen, & Learn program = Web-Based Training

New Later Time! Thursday, June 25, 2009 2:00 p.m. EDT • 1:00 p.m. CDT • 12:00 p.m. MDT • 11:00 a.m. PDT The Real Dirt on Subsurface

EDUCATION AT YOUR DESKTOP Utility Engineering

How well do you really know SUE? Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE) continues After viewing this program, participants will to evolve as an important risk management field better be able to: for public works projects. New technologies • Understand accuracy issues in documenting such as GPS, GIS and RFID are rapidly evolving underground utilities as mechanisms to collect better utility data at less expense. This session will give a brief • Identify how GPS and RFID technologies are overview of where SUE is today, where it is used in the field using real-world examples headed in the near future and its applications • Explain how GPS and RFID increase the for APWA members. accuracy of documenting underground utilities

June 2009 APWA Reporter 25 Sustainability a major issue for 2008 Australian Tour to USA and Europe Dave Harris Director Infrastructure, City of Gosnells, Western Australia President, Institute of Public Works Engineering Australia

he year 2008 provided the IPWEA Australian Study After a bit of “R and R” in San Francisco to rid ourselves of Tour participants with a unique opportunity to gain jet lag, we visited the City of Portland in Oregon where the some insight into the key issue of sustainability and train trip from the airport to the city centre gave us a true the approaches being taken by other jurisdictions indication of the benefits of a light rail system. when dealing with this critical issue. If you were planning to apply for a building permit in the City The ability of governments to deliver sustainable communities of Portland you would be required to pay Transportation Sys- was no more evident than when we had the opportunity to tem Development Charges (TSDCs) to cover part of the cost of tour the devastation that the City of New Orleans continues to transportation facilities needed to serve new development and grapple with following the battering from Hurricane Katrina. the people who occupy or use the new development.

Nearly every levee in metro New Orleans was breached If you build certain types of street improvements, or change resulting in 80% of the city being flooded. At least 1,836 the use of an existing building that reduces vehicle trips by people lost their lives, and with 327,000 residents the popu- more than 15 percent, you are eligible for a credit against lation is 72% of pre-Katrina. Residents are reluctant to re- your TSDC obligations. Similarly, if you were planning a turn until they can be assured that the levees will withstand Transit-Oriented Development, you would qualify for a par- another Katrina. A tour of one of the worst affected areas, tial reduction in fees. The City of Portland has identified the lower Ninth Ward, helped to put into perspective the a list of growth-oriented, multi-modal transportation im- estimated $86 billion in damage caused to the Gulf Coast, provement projects that will guide the spending of TSDC the costliest natural disaster in U.S. history. revenues over a ten-year period.

The City of New Orleans has highlighted 17 Target Recovery Portland has been recognised for its progressive urban plan- Zones, each requiring major rebuilding and significant public ning for decades, and its pedestrian and biker-friendly at- and private investment, in order to recover. In terms of roads, tributes, extensive mass transit system of light rail and 17,000 individual sites located over 6,000 blocks require re- streetcars help promote its green credentials and neighbour- pairs. There were 134,000 houses damaged or destroyed and hood-centric culture. countless public and private buildings damaged. There is a great deal of optimism in New Orleans, and the City of New The Bureau of Environmental Services of the City of Port- Orleans is investing billions into the recovery process. land has implemented “The Clean River Plan” which aims to protect public health, water quality and the environment When you talk to past study tour participants they all have through pollution prevention programs, wastewater collec- some great experiences to elaborate on and I am sure the tion and treatment, and the protection, enhancement and 2008 tour will be no different. restoration of natural waterways.

I was fortunate to be given the opportunity to not only rep- One of these programs is the concept of “Green Streets” resent the Institute at the APWA Congress in New Orleans where impervious street surfaces are transformed into land- but to join tour leader extraordinaire and IPWEA CEO Chris scaped green spaces that capture stormwater runoff and let Champion and his band of public works practitioners on water soak into the ground as plants and soil filter pollutants. an educational extravaganza throughout some great places around the globe. The Study Tour visited constructed stormwater kerb exten- sions, stormwater street planters, rain gardens and high-den- While at the APWA Congress in New Orleans I had the plea- sity housing developments demonstrating sustainable storm- sure of joining Chris Champion in attending meetings of water management, green development practices, wildlife the International Affairs Committee, the APWA/IPWEA/ habitat restoration and water conservation principles. INGENIUM Task Force, and an International Infrastructure Round Table hosted by Infrastructure Canada and the Cana- We even ventured up onto the roof of the City of Portland’s dian Public Works Association. All of these forums are most downtown offices to inspect a green roof. The practice of useful in sharing information and creating awareness of the green/brown roofs or green walls is an initiative that we initiatives that are being pursued in public works. came across a number of times on the Study Tour.

26 APWA Reporter June 2009 A visit to the offices of the Mayor of New York gave a clear The Environmental Sustainability Division’s major focus is indication that the City of New York had some major issues on energy reduction, climate change, recycling, waste mini- to contend with. To help guide a community that exceeds misation, green procurement and water issues. In its influ- 8.25 million in size, Mayor Bloomberg in 2007 released encing role it has established Green Liaison Officers across “PlaNYC – A Greener Greater New York.” The plan includes all divisions of the borough, departmentalised energy con- 127 initiatives covering areas such as land, water, transpor- sumption, established 100 climate change partners across tation, energy, air and climate change, with key objectives business and the community including the Arsenal Football such as “ensure all New Yorkers have parks within a 10-min- Club, and established a “The Climate Change Fund.” ute walk, clean up all contaminated land, improve travel times by adding transit capacity for millions, achieve ‘State The £3 million Climate Change Fund was created to support of Good Repair’ on our transportation system, upgrade our renewable energy and transport projects that will reduce car- energy infrastructure to provide clean energy, achieve the bon dioxide emissions throughout the borough. The fund cleanest air of any big city in America and reduce global supports residents and community groups to install renew- warming emissions by 30%.” able energy, such as solar panels, wind turbines and biomass boilers. The City itself has installed wind turbines on a num- When you witness the traffic congestion (predicted grid- ber of its buildings which helps to reduce energy costs and lock by 2030 if nothing is done), the movement of over one the extent of the CO2 footprint. Some of the energy that is million people per day on the rail and subway system, and generated helps to power the City’s fleet of electric vehicles. the condition of the transport infrastructure—then try and comprehend that the renewal and expanded transit infra- Our last visit on the Overseas Study Tour was to the City of structure plan alone has a $50 billion funding program and Greenwich where we were given an overview of the mas- a $30 billion funding gap—then you start to appreciate the sive urban regeneration project surrounding the O2 (Mil- enormity of the task confronting the City of New York. lennium Dome) and the Low Emission Transport Scheme associated with redevelopment projects within the city. The In response to the extreme weather conditions that have Greenwich Peninsula has been designated as the first Low already been experienced and the development of model- Emissions Zone in the UK. based climate probabilities, New York has adopted a number of climate change adaptation strategies such as the imple- The Scheme aims to prohibit the most polluting vehicles mentation of a Climate Change Adaptation Task Force, a within a development scheme while promoting the use of Green Buildings Task Force, a Stormwater Best Management the cleanest vehicles. Commercial vehicles associated with Practice Task Force, and New York City Panel on Climate developments must have minimum emission standards Change and Community Outreach. If you what to find out equivalent to Euro 4, with target quotas of at least 50% of more visit www.nyc.gov/planyc2030. Euro 5 or better by 1 January 2011. Further target quotas will apply for 2013 and 2018 to comply with Euro 6 standards. We then moved away from the hustle and bustle of New York to soak up the hospitality of our hosts from the City Reasonable measures must be taken to incentivise all residen- of Helsinki in Finland. The 550,000 residents in Helsinki tial parking so as to either prevent or reduce emissions. This are well catered for with a great light rail network and the may be achieved through measures such as the management “Helsinki for All Project” which is helping to achieve a built of parking permits, the promotion of car share schemes or car environment without obstacles, such as stepless movement clubs. Developers are also responsible for installing any neces- from one place to the next and public transport vehicles. sary monitoring equipment to measure air quality.

The Helsinki Metropolitan Area Climate Change Strategy A great deal more could be said about the Tour, and the 2030 seeks to reduce per capita greenhouse gas emissions people and organisations that we were fortunate enough to of the Helsinki metropolitan area by 39 percent of the 1990 meet. In closing I would like to thank Chris Champion for level by the year 2030. In order to achieve the objective, all the fantastic things that he does in organising and man- mitigation of climate change will become a crucial element aging the tours, to thank our very kind, friendly and helpful in all planning and policymaking throughout the key areas hosts in the cities we visited, and to thank my fellow Tour of land use, transport, electricity consumption, buildings, participants for their company and friendship. energy generation, procurement, consumption and waste. I would encourage you to explore any opportunity to travel We next visited the inner London Borough of Islington which and learn from the exchange and experience of others. It has a population of 187,800 and has the highest density of is a truly rewarding and enjoyable experience. For those in any borough in the UK. While Islington has its challenges of the U.S. you might consider applying for an APWA Jennings child poverty, unemployment, a high proportion of people Randolph Fellowship—and come and visit us down under on social and disability benefits, 40% social housing and little in Australia! green space, it was the first local government in the UK to set Dave Harris can be contacted at [email protected]. up a division specifically for sustainability issues.

June 2009 APWA Reporter 27 Infrastructure and the New Zealand economy

Ross Vincent Chief Executive, INGENIUM Thames, New Zealand Member, APWA International Affairs Committee

new government was elected in New Zealand in The minister made it clear the government expects infra- late 2008 with its own direction for infrastructure. structure and asset management to be an opportunity dur- In March 2009 INGENIUM* held a forum for senior ing a potentially long recession. “We’re gearing up to use a local government engineers and asset managers in much wider range of expertise so we can deliver significant order to hear directly from the new government on policy benefits to the taxpayer. Think of assets as $60 to $70 bil- issues. We were fortunate that Hon. Bill English, Deputy lion over which you’ve got direct control—if we can do 10 Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure in the new percent better, we are going to deliver a significant benefit government, was the keynote speaker at our forum. for the economy.”

Mr English advised that infrastructure and asset manage- ment will play a key role in the government’s economic strategy in the current challenging economic climate and that the knowledge of INGENIUM members has a place.

“It seems to us there’s a very good opportunity for central government to tap into the expertise that a group like this has,” he told the forum.

He outlined a new government board with the fundamental task of putting together a 20-year infrastructure plan and an asset management policy for the public sector. “What will be distinctive about this board will be a marriage of public and private sector skills,” he said.

“We have a lot to learn from people who do manage assets Hon. Bill English addressing the INGENIUM Forum including local government who in many ways have leapt ahead in asset management because it’s been required by Also at the forum, Assistant Auditor General (Local Govern- legislation to formulate long-term plans—and over the last ment) Bruce Robertson noted the buzzword “sustainability” 10 years the science has come a long way. So we can learn a seems to have almost vanished. However, he reminded that lot from you,” the minister said. sustainability is still relevant because “the recession will end The minister’s address coincided with the government’s but your engineering solutions will stay.” He warned that announcement to spend nearly a billion dollars on state levels of service will come under pressure but emphasized highways by replacing a proposed regional fuel tax with a that the viability of local government depends on a sustain- national fuel tax. To the forum, Mr English reiterated the able delivery of services over time. government’s pledge of $8.5 billion in new capital spending *INGENIUM is the brand name for the Association of Local over the next 10 years—and to continue removing what it Government Engineering New Zealand Incorporated. sees as barriers to infrastructure. “We’re launching a sweep of regulatory changes that will become clearer over the next Ross Vincent is the Chief Executive of INGENIUM, an incorporat- few weeks,” he said. ed society that exists primarily to uphold and improve the status of engineering and management of public assets in New Zealand. And he gave further indications the government sees no A member of APWA’s International Affairs Committee, he can be time to waste. “We’re not going to spend two years arguing reached at [email protected]. over the definition of infrastructure. We’re going to put up a basic plan by the end of the year,” he said.

28 APWA Reporter June 2009 APWA has launched WorkZone with NEW features to make your job of finding or posting a job more powerful. Using the enhanced features on the site, you can save your favorite jobs using your WorkZone FOR EMPLOYERS: account, apply directly to any job on the website by copying and pasting or uploading your résumé Now more than ever, WorkZone is the exclusive and perform any number of administrative duties gateway to the most qualified candidates for regarding your ad. public works positions. Posting is quicker and easier than ever, and your job openings will WorkZone is the exclusive site for employers to go online immediately—still giving you that connect with job seekers in a more personal way. competitive edge. Check out the major upgrades and benefit from the more powerful, more personal service.

NEW FEATURES: Get the latest jobs & internships delivered to your e-mail. Or find helpful tips and other information to enhance career marketability all with the click of a mouse. For an additional $250 and a simple click of a button, Save My Jobs gain additional exposure for your position when you Job Seekers can now sign onto their WorkZone account and retrieve all of their favorite jobs under the My Jobs include your job opening in APWA’s Reporter magazine. page. APWA’s Reporter reaches more than 30,000 professionals monthly! Apply Now Using the Apply Now tool listed on each job FOR JOB SEEKERS: advertisement, Job Seekers can send their résumés directly to the employer easier than ever. Simply choose to copy Job searching on WorkZone is still free and you can still conduct and paste your résumé or upload an existing file to send. targeted searches using keywords, job titles, and locations. You can even get a map of public works positions near you with our new map feature powered by Google®.

Log on to the website at apwa.net/workzone.

You can search or post jobs directly from the APWA WorkZone homepage. Dominguez Gap Wetlands

Kerjon Lee, Public Affairs Manager, and Mark Pestrella, Assistant Deputy Director, Watershed Management Division, Los Angeles County Department of Public Works, Alhambra, California

he Dominguez Gap Wetlands is located adjacent to the Los Angeles River—a 51-mile wa- terway that is almost entirely lined with concrete. This main artery of the flood control system in Los An- geles County provides drainage for an 834-square-mile (2,160 km2) watershed inhabited by approximately nine mil- lion people. As a result of dense ur- banization within the watershed, the Los Angeles River is subject to heavily polluted flows laden with trash, debris, metals, bacteria and other pollutants. Faced with competing geographic and environmental constraints, the Los Angeles County Flood Control District identified an innovative solution to ad- dress water quality concerns while pro- The Dominguez Gap Wetlands is a 50-acre constructed wetlands and spreading grounds facil- viding other benefits. ity located along the Los Angeles River in Long Beach, California. It opened to the public in May 2008. (Photo by Dave Weilenga) In 1996, the Flood Control District and local stakeholders adopted the Los the comprehensive Los Angeles River tat provides a much-needed respite for Angeles River Master Plan. This mas- Master Plan. both humans and other wildlife in this ter plan led the way to river revitaliza- dense urban environment. The 14- The Dominguez Gap Wetlands Project tion efforts in numerous watersheds acre West Basin provides habitat on its is located adjacent to the Los Angeles throughout the county. The plan also slopes while primarily serving to pro- River south of Del Amo Boulevard and identified key areas where large-scale vide enough groundwater recharge for north of the 405 Freeway in what has projects could provide flood risk man- about 900 families each year. historically been known as the Domin- agement, water quality improvement, guez Gap Spreading Grounds. It con- The natural treatment wetland ad- groundwater recharge, and open space sists of two linear basins on each side dresses a broad range of contaminants opportunities. As a result of this plan, of the river. prior to groundwater recharge. Con- the Flood Control District set out to de- centrations of common parameters sign a multi-benefit facility that would The 36-acre East Basin was graded will be reduced at rates similar to those recharge the West Coast Groundwater to create alternating deep pools and reported from other treatment wetland Basin, restore native habitat, and im- emergent wetland zones to provide a projects: total nitrogen (40 to 90%), prove the quality of dry-weather flows year-round aquatic habitat for native total phosphorus (10 to 90%), total through a natural treatment process wetlands and riparian plant species as suspended solids (50 to 90% removal), while continuing to provide flood well as native wildlife. The slopes of biological oxygen demand (BOD; 50 to protection to the surrounding com- the basins were planted with a riparian 90%); heavy metals (50 to 90%), and munity. That concept became one of fringe, transitioning to upland habitat fecal coliforms (up to 99%). Treatment five demonstration projects within higher on the slopes. This oasis of habi- performance varies depending upon

30 APWA Reporter June 2009 Native woodland and riparian vegetation create an inviting habitat for wildlife and brings visitors to the facility closer to nature. (Photo by Monticello Miller) inflow rate, inflow concentration and season. Capture and removal of float- able trash within the wetland will help reduce the total loading of trash to the Los Angeles River and San Pedro Bay.

In addition, the site is ideally suited to provide public-use open space. Situ- ated along a regional bike path and equestrian trail, the facility is used as a rest area and includes interpretive sig- nage for public education. It also has several walking paths throughout the site, which are heavily used by local residents proving overall health ben- efits for the community.

By working with numerous stakehold- ers to understand the many needs of the region, the Los Angeles County Flood Control District has achieved a cost-effective solution for addressing our most challenging watershed issues.

Kerjon Lee can be reached at (626) 458- 4348 or [email protected]; Mark Pestrella can be reached at (626) 458- 4300 or [email protected].

June 2009 APWA Reporter 31 Practical design leads to early completion and saves $22.24 million

Christopher B. Harker, P.E. Design Engineer Delich Roth & Goodwillie, P.A. Kansas City, Missouri

Project Summary the catalysts in the realization of this TUDI was the use of This highway interchange replacement is an excellent ex- new six-foot-wide, precast, prestressed concrete box girders. ample of what practical design philosophy, when combined These shallow girders, in conjunction with the precast me- with a commitment to communication, can achieve. Our chanically stabilized earth (MSE) walls erected at the bridge team developed a design that was dramatically less expen- abutments, allowed for a shorter bridge that still spanned sive than originally budgeted. Our design met or exceeded the necessary width across a widened highway. Utilization all the objectives, addressing both the purpose and needs of the new bridge design addressed all the structural and of the local communities and state. This success was real- functional requirements while still achieving a low profile, ized by using innovative methods of design that minimized and allowed the full savings that accompanied the TUDI de- the impacts to motorists and the surrounding community, sign to be achieved. shortened the construction time, improved traffic flow and capacity, and addressed the structural and safety concerns of the bridge, all at cost savings to our client, the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT).

Our team discovered that a cascading cost-savings effect re- sulted from the selection of a Tight Urban Diamond Inter- change (TUDI) design. In order to employ this TUDI design, we were required to develop an innovative bridge design that incorporated shallow six-foot-wide precast, prestressed concrete box girders. The TUDI’s tight geometrics resulted in minimal impacts along the Noland Road profile grade, allowed the existing ramps to maintain right-hand traffic movements throughout the construction process, and elim- inated the need for right-of-way acquisition or the replace- ment of a nearby railroad bridge.

The original estimated construction cost for the replace- Girders for Span 1 were set overnight and in the morning of March 7 ment of this interchange was $33.36 million. Through the and 8, 2008, while Span 2 was set on March 8 and 9, 2008. The 80’-long, application of practical design principles and a comprehen- 50-ton girders required two cranes for placement. The contractor placed the cranes to maximize the efficiency of setting the girders, sive management approach, the total actual project cost was and was able to set the girders for both spans in one weekend. Inter- $11.12 million, which resulted in a realization of $22.24 state traffic was maintained in one direction at all times, with traffic million (67%) in savings for MoDOT. being rerouted for the span being constructed. Using the 6’-wide members reduced the amount of members by 30%, thereby prevent- In a nutshell, this project met or exceeded every objective ing the need for a second weekend of erection. (Photo by Justin Davis, Delich Roth & Goodwillie, P.A.) set forth and in the process achieved overwhelming success. This is reflected in the gratitude and compliments that have Utilization of Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE) services been bestowed upon MoDOT from the local community, also significantly reduced the overall cost of the project. in which the project was hailed as a model for how proper Among other benefits, SUE services allowed Delich Roth & communication between the state, city and designers will Goodwillie, P.A. (DRG) to precisely locate major water and result in success. gas lines during the preliminary stages of this project. With Innovative Techniques this knowledge, the design of the MSE walls and the back- The implementation of a comprehensive transportation slopes along I-70 were adjusted to avoid the need to relocate design, centered on the TUDI, provided all the savings in either utility line, thus saving significant construction time time, material, property, and money realized. Yet one of and money.

32 APWA Reporter June 2009 The new Noland Road and I-70 Highway Interchange is a tight urban diamond design. Following a practical design analysis this configuration was determined to more efficiently address the traffic movements. The actual cost of the completed project was only 28% of the original estimated cost, which amount to a savings of over $24 million. No right-of-way acquisition was necessary, a second bridge replacement was avoided, and modifications along Noland Road and to nearby utilities were minimized. (Photo by Justin Davis, Delich Roth & Goodwillie, P.A.)

Exceeding Expectations This indisputable success was due to a unique design and This interchange was designed and constructed in the mid- implementation process. The contractor publicly acknowl- dle of a heavily traveled corridor and was a highly publicized edged the short construction schedule was made possible by undertaking. Thus, the project team was compelled to de- the use of the new six-foot precast, prestressed concrete box liver the completed project on time and under budget. This girders and the overall coordination with DRG. complex undertaking required communication between The goal of keeping local communities involved was ex- all the project stakeholders, DRG, and APAC (the General tremely successful, but success rested entirely on delivering Contractor). Numerous design challenges were faced, but the completed project on time. Ultimately MoDOT’s prom- through practical design and construction techniques many ise that the bridge would be demolished, reconstructed, and issues were minimized or avoided. No right-of-way acqui- opened for traffic in three months was not just met, but ex- sition was required, utility relocations were avoided, traffic ceeded. The demolition and construction of the bridge was impacts were minimal, the vertical clearance along I-70 was accomplished ahead of schedule, with the bridge reopened increased, and the profile grade modification along Noland to traffic in two months. This was achieved while maintain- Road was minimized. ing traffic flow along the ramps throughout the construc- Numerous design elements were developed with the goal of tion process, which was very important for the local busi- simplifying and speeding up the construction process. Yet, ness owners. This accomplishment was accompanied by a in the end, none of our intentions for savings would have total project savings of $22.24 million. been realized without a successful partnership with APAC. Christopher Harker can be reached at (816) 221-4222 or charker@ In fact, APAC exceeded expectations and completed con- drgengineers.com. struction of the new bridge a full month ahead of schedule.

June 2009 APWA Reporter 33 Surveying in 3D Laser scanning brings advances to upgrading water treatment facilities

Michael Twohig SUE Services Manager Woolpert, Inc. Orlando, Florida

Introduction Technology Overview Many water and wastewater treatment facilities built in the Similar to traditional survey systems, laser scanning begins past 50 years are now facing reconstruction, retrofitting and with the establishment of horizontal and vertical control equipment upgrades. Because of the age and complexity of networks. The placement and accuracy of the control net- these sites, it is difficult to extract existing site conditions works determine the quality of the final 3D geospatial repre- from incomplete or inaccurate “as-built” plans. 3D laser sentation. Data from the scanning hardware is passed from scanning provides plant owners and designers with a cost- available networks to software that combines the input into efficient tool to survey these aging treatment plants. Not a comprehensive three-dimensional point cloud (data file only does a laser survey provide unmatched accuracy, but made up of points that represent the visible surface of the it can also be accomplished without risk to the surveyor or scanned objects). interruption to the day-to-day operations of the facility. Surveying with Laser Scanning Although 3D laser scanning technology has been around for over a decade, it is already revolutionizing how survey- ors collect data in the field. Traditional survey crews relied on a variety of methods to establish a project’s existing site conditions. Time-tested techniques ranging from tapes and chains to transits were used to perform field observations and capture data. When crews implement these techniques today, they are still limited by their ability to have unre- stricted access to all features where data points are required. As such, the accuracy of the data is dependent on the level of accessibility. Laser scan is used to generate graphical representation of the inside of a water treatment plant. Gaining access to these critical data points has always pre- sented a significant challenge. To do so, surveyors often have There are two types of laser scanners today: phased-based been forced to place themselves in harm’s way on roadways, and time-of-flight scanners. The size, scope and topography rails, bridges, high-rise buildings and multi-level projects. of a project dictate the type of scanner used. Time-of-flight As one of the latest technologies adopted by the surveying scanners provide long-range scans (greater than 50 m) with community, 3D laser scanning promises to change all that an accuracy tolerance of ±6 mm at a rate of up to 50,000 by setting milestones in delivery speed, plotting accuracy points per second. With increased accuracy capabilities, and most importantly, surveyor safety. With laser scanning, phased-based scanners provide short-range scans in a finer the days of surveyors suspended on bridges and high-rise resolution than time-of-flight scanners. With a maximum buildings to capture “existing site conditions” are over. range of 79 m, these scanners provide an accuracy tolerance As the new technology gains traction in the industry, sur- of ±1.5 to 5 mm at a rate of 508,000 points per second. veyors are refining 3D laser scanning techniques and devel- The combination of a series of laser scans enables design oping the best practices for applying them to projects. One teams to build an accurate 3D point cloud. Inside a treat- best practice is the task of educating all parties involved. Sur- ment facility, this level of detail allows teams to visualize veyors experienced in the technique of laser scanning must and measure every component of the data inside the point educate designers and planners to the outstanding benefits that 3D laser scanning can lend to their projects. With the cloud. Everything from pipe sizes, pipe racks, pipe details rapid advancements in software, hardware and processing and fittings can be measured with the software and manipu- speeds, it is now cost efficient and beneficial to use laser lated in the point clouds. Even though the design engineer scanning on virtually any survey project. may never see the physical treatment facility, the point

34 APWA Reporter June 2009 cloud can convey the entire picture graphically and math- Pump Station Surveys ematically to provide a true representation of “existing site As part of retrofitting existing systems and rebuilding old conditions.” Modeling inside the point cloud also allows de- units, many states require designers and planners to survey signers to identify conflicts in three dimensions when retro- pump and lift stations. In addition to the establishment of fitting equipment in the existing space. control networks, a surveyor is also expected to conduct a boundary survey of owners’ property and retrace property Route Surveys lines. Laser scanning provides a cost-effective solution in Further advantages of 3D laser scanning can be realized dur- these situations. Using a four laser scanner set-up, it is now ing the process of conducting a route survey of a sewer or possible to capture all the topographic and planimetric de- a force main pipeline. Traditionally, this survey would be tails that the design engineer needs. The surveyor can also conducted either through an aerial survey or via a ground provide a Digital Terrain Model (DTM) and combine the file survey with electronic total stations. With laser scanning, with the point cloud to fully represent the site conditions. conventional project control network procedures are set up To provide unencumbered access for cranes, lifts and other using conventional electronic total station or GPS equip- large excavators, the precise location of guy wires, anchors ment. Then, two-person crews using laser scanners can and other overhead utilities can also be easily captured. quickly survey from the shoulders of a right-of-way and cap- ture significant amounts of detail in a short period of time. Further, this can be done without disruptive roadway lanes closures while also mitigating traffic, pedestrian and project abutter concerns.

Point cloud of wastewater pump station conveys a true representa- tion of existing site conditions.

Cost/Benefits 3D image of route survey assists in the design of a new pipeline in a While the initial price of a laser scanner and the associated right-of-way. training (hardware and software) may be intimidating to survey firms, the cost of delivering a survey product will not In addition to capturing data inside the right-of-way in be overpriced in comparison with traditional surveys. To previously unattainable detail, laser scanning can extend offset costs, most survey firms will quickly realize that the its reach beyond the perimeter of the right-of-way. Imple- speed of a laser scanner allows a crew to survey much more menting a right-of-way laser scan survey mitigates some of than with traditional survey equipment. The scanner can the negotiations between the surveyor and the contract- easily survey an open project area within minutes without a ing agency. Savings in both time and costs can be achieved rod person moving about a site with a tape or a reflector on once the scanner collects all the data from the site and both a prism pole. Conversely, office activities typically increase parties can agree on the data extrapolated from the point with the time taken preparing and extracting the data with cloud. This process helps eliminate discrepancies over the the 3D software. When the pros and cons are finally tallied scope of work and the project limits between a contracting with respect to survey budgets, the future of many water and party and surveyor. wastewater surveys will be completed using laser scanning. Traditional survey techniques may still be used to fill in the With a 3D point cloud, a designer can open the project fold- missing pieces that a laser cannot capture. er to see a virtual replica of the site as it appeared during the actual survey. Physical features and details not extracted and Michael Twohig is the subsurface utility engineering services plotted during the preparation of topographic, planimetric program leader for Woolpert, Inc. in their Orlando, Florida of- and contour files can easily be added, as needed, without fice. He can be reached at (407) 304-7824 or michael.twohig@ woolpert.com. any survey crews returning to the site.

June 2009 APWA Reporter 35 Going green saves green: how improving driving behavior helps the environment and the bottom line Dan Steere President and CEO GreenRoad Redwood Shores, California he word “green” has become ubiquitous, a buzzword about $2,000 per vehicle per year (or $2 million for a fleet increasingly used to describe anyone and anything of 1,000 vehicles). In addition, the fleet would not need to concerned with the environment, conservation or spend an incremental $9,000 per vehicle to purchase a more sustainability. As our collective conscience calls on expensive hybrid. The savings in operating and up-front us to be better stewards of the earth and consider the re- capital costs to the fleet are enormous and begin immedi- percussions of our actions on subsequent generations, we ately in the first month (see sidebar below). are examining the ways we live and work and identifying opportunities to “go green”—conserving, reusing, recycling Driving behavior is a factor in nearly 95 percent of all crash- and replenishing—at home and in our businesses. The pub- es and contributes to as much as 33 percent of fuel con- sumption and more than 600 teregrams of U.S./EU CO lic is putting such demands on its public works agencies as 2 well, and across the U.S. APWA members are rising to the equivalent vehicle emissions. By improving the way em- challenge. Many are finding ways to go green, and not just ployees drive, public works organizations increase their driv- because it is socially responsible to do so, but because it also ers’ safety and the safety of those who share the roadways makes good business sense. with them. Safer driving goes hand-in-hand with improved fuel economy since safer drivers are less likely to stop and As tax revenue continues to fall, government organizations start suddenly, exceed the speed limit, idle their vehicles for are being pressed more than ever to reduce costs. Many are prolonged periods of time and take other actions that waste finding relief from the squeeze, and significant cost savings, fuel. In fact, in a recent GreenRoad study of drivers exhibit- by “greening” their organizations. Improving fuel economy, ing low- to high-risk driving behavior, the high-risk driv- for instance, is an obvious way for public works fleets—from ers were likely to fill their tanks three times more per year waste haulers to parks and recreation vehicles—to go green. and burn seven percent more fuel per mile driven than safer Conserving fuel saves money while it simultaneously helps drivers. Reducing crashes also reduces the vehicle tonnage lessen, or at least slow, the use of a non-renewable resource ending up in landfills. and reduces CO output. 2 On average, fleets that implement a comprehensive service Replacing public works fleets with hybrid vehicles is one to improve driving behavior can lower the number of crash- way to improve fuel economy and reduce carbon emissions. es by 54 percent, reduce at-fault crashes by 38 percent and A faster, easier and far less costly alternative is to improve simultaneously reduce fuel usage and emissions by as much driving behavior. Doing so delivers near-immediate, sustain- as seven to 11 percent. able results with a far faster return on investment and much lower capital investment. Implementing a driving behavior Driving behavior improvement services represent an ef- service would net savings to the fleet, after service costs, of fective option for public works organizations looking to measure, improve and sustain safe and fuel-efficient driv-

Running the Numbers: Hybrids vs. Improving Driving Behavior

For a fleet of 1,000 vehicles seeking to reduce fuel and half the cost at around $900,000 for a three-year subscrip- emissions by 7%, it would need to replace 225 vehicles tion. Not only does the fleet save in up-front capital costs with hybrids. Assuming these hybrids each cost an incre- and reduce fuel consumption/emissions by at least 7%, mental $9,000 more than a non-hybrid, then the cost to but it will also cut crash costs, claims, insurance premi- the fleet is over $2 million. (Of course, if a fleet replaces ums, as well as maintenance, wear and tear. Doing so also vehicles with hybrids before the end of their useful lives provides a model for safe driving in the community. Most then this could triple the fleet’s cost.) importantly, the fleet can also expect to save human lives, something hard to put a price tag on! This same fleet, however, could install a service toim- prove driving behavior on all 1,000 vehicles for less than

36 APWA Reporter June 2009 ing behavior. A holistic approach that integrates immediate, gram are most effective in improving driving behavior and in-vehicle driver feedback with reporting enables drivers to sustaining improvement. instantly recognize and correct risky behavior. Drivers can then adjust their driving in the moment, improving each Unlike video-based systems that only capture extreme events trip as they go. Feedback is provided in the form of a small or crashes, an effective service that evaluates and coaches red, yellow, green LED display on the vehicle’s dashboard drivers 100 percent of the time is more focused on preven- that changes color to alert drivers when they have performed tion rather than manually reviewing video to assess blame any one of 120 risky driving maneuvers in five categories: after the fact. A positive approach is much more readily acceleration, braking, corner handling, lane handling and accepted by drivers because they feel empowered through speed handling. It is comparable to a driving coach riding objective feedback, coaching and rewards to change their along with the driver and offering helpful advice, but is driving behavior rather than “big brother” watching with a non-intrusive and significantly less costly. camera in their faces. A secondary benefit of improving driving behavior relates to vehicle maintenance. Safe drivers typically avoid behaviors such as slamming on the brakes and accelerating suddenly, which are particularly hard on vehicles; thereby reducing unnecessary wear and tear and prolonging the life, or sus- tainability, of vehicles.

In today’s economy, “going green” may be the ideal, but conserving green, or finding ways to hold or reduce costs, is what is driving most organizations. Public works orga- nizations approaching new budget cycles and looking for ways to pare expenses and shore up their bottom line in an environmentally friendly way stand to benefit from driving behavior improvement services.

Driving behavior improvement services that are fully au- tomated require little in the way of management oversight (i.e., the programs virtually run themselves) and can scale quickly across thousands of vehicles. Installation is fast, and Figure 1: Personalized Driving Coach and Reporting Tool for the Indi- results in the form of reduced claims payouts, vehicle dam- vidual and the Fleet (based on GreenRoad SafetyCenter™) ages and fuel savings are seen after the first month. Event data are automatically analyzed and reports are gener- Whatever an organization’s reasons are for going green, the ated after each trip for individual drivers and fleet managers benefits of doing so extend beyond the environment and to review via a secure website or e-mail or as alerts via SMS. directly impact the bottom line. (See Figure 1 above for an example of a web-based coach- ing tool and report.) Drivers can measure their performance Dan Steere is President and CEO of GreenRoad, a global pio- relative to previous trips and to the collective performance neer in improving driving behavior. GreenRoad helps commercial of the fleet. Systems that are holistic in their approach—in- fleets, insurers and consumers measure, improve and sustain safe corporating feedback in real time with reporting, coaching and fuel-efficient driving behavior. You can visit their website at and risk analysis—and are closely tied to an incentives pro- www.greenroad.com.

June 2009 APWA Reporter 37 Web applications reduce total cost of ownership and make automating construction management a reality for local agencies Greg Fehrman, P.E., Manager, Construction Services, C&S Companies, Syracuse, New York; Charles Engelke, Chief Technology Officer, Info Tech, Inc., Gainesville, Florida

o one would dispute that the Internet has revo- tion—more vendors and an attractive price tag. And it gives lutionized business processes in the past decade. small- and medium-sized agencies options they could not Thanks to it, you can communicate with just about afford until now. anybody, in any way, anytime you want. You can find the answer to almost any general knowledge question How have web applications made automating you can ask. You can even manage information, like your more economical? finances or travel. All you need is a web browser connected When you purchase a new cell phone, you shell out your to the Internet. But when it comes to running your own money knowing that the technology you are purchasing is business or agency, managing information and answering already old. Next week, that same phone could be on the questions has required you to acquire, install, configure and clearance shelf because a newer model has arrived. This is manage a sophisticated information system on one or more the conundrum of technology purchases. Cloud comput- servers, and several pieces of client software on your own ing has eliminated this risk when it comes to software pur- PC. That’s a significant capital and ongoing cost. chases. When the application is upgraded, you get the up- grade instantly the next time you use it. There is no need That cost has discouraged many local agencies from adopt- to order new disks, have the application reinstalled on ev- ing comprehensive information systems to manage their eryone’s computer, or wonder if you should install this new business. Some areas within local government, such as law version or wait for the next one. You always have the latest enforcement, have been able to make the investment and and greatest. This means less hassle for your IT folks and no have reaped tremendous benefits from this revolution, but downtime for upgrading. Indeed, with the flexibility of web many are still left behind. A surprising laggard is infrastruc- technology, a local agency’s construction personnel would ture construction. At this time, most local agencies still re- be remiss in using cost as a barrier to automating. cord contract progress on construction projects on paper, while others are using general purpose spreadsheet applica- With the cost issue mitigated, this begs the question, “Is tions. These methods are error-prone and saddled with inef- automating worth the effort?” What can these applications ficiency, such as duplicating data entry, but they are afford- really do? Will the efficiency gained justify the time spent? able and a comprehensive information system to handle it Will my staff embrace the technology? often isn’t. The truth is that the use of web-based applications in the in- That’s changing now thanks to what is now called “cloud frastructure industry provides benefits that small businesses computing.” Cloud computing vendors run the servers or agencies can no longer ignore. The real-time information and manage all the software for you at their own sites and from anywhere provides the power and efficiency required share it over the Internet, and you and your staff just need to deliver projects more quickly. The ability of remote man- a web browser and an Internet connection to use it. Instead agement of projects allows multi-tasking and administration of making a large up-front investment to begin using the to be performed anywhere in the world. The inefficiency of software and then having to spend on periodic major hard- driving to a project site just to check quantities and reports ware and software upgrades, your organization generally has been eliminated; this now can be done from the home just pays a monthly or annual subscription fee. And if the office, satellite office, motel room or home. Project closeout cloud computing application doesn’t work out for you, all times can be reduced as less time is spent producing paper you are out is the subscription fee for the time you used it, documents, determining what documents are still outstand- not the enormous capital expense you’d have to write off ing, and producing the final change order. if you implemented a traditional software application you later decided to drop. Both costs and risks are reduced for There are several vendors offering capital infrastructure you in this model. program management applications. These can manage an agency’s estimating, bidding and construction programs. The availability of Internet-based cloud computing appli- When data is entered once—directly into your construc- cations intended for construction management has blos- tion management system—errors are greatly reduced, and somed, and when used, they greatly reduce the total cost of instant access to the data allows all parties to be aware of ownership. This puts the agency in an advantageous posi- project status in real time. Perhaps the best advantage is that

38 APWA Reporter June 2009 departments can share data and provide management with Will your staff get on board? That is always a tough question. a “dashboard” view of the status of all projects that are in People need to be prepared for and open to change when a the system—and indicate what projects are at risk of being new system is implemented. The good news is that almost delayed or over budget. everyone has used a web browser at one time or another, thus the interface of a web application is fairly intuitive. Also, these systems can provide reports that enhance fi- Web applications also tend to be more flexible than their nancial transparency. FHWA has been keying in on the ac- old-guard counterparts, so the ability to customize fields al- countability of funds disseminated to local agencies, and the lows agencies to get the cost savings of an off-the-shelf sys- new presidential administration is emphasizing this con- tem and make it fit their individual needs. Staff members cern. Having a system in place that can show project data will enjoy having a system that fits the unique workflow of throughout the life cycle will be a key to avoiding trouble your department. during an audit. It is also important to note that a new generation of workers What else can these applications do? How about Internet has entered the workforce, and web applications just make bid submission for contractors? Contractors in more than perfect sense to them. To this group, real-time decisions 30 U.S. states and Canadian provinces are submitting bids and answers are no longer added value, they are expected. via the Internet for state and provincial transportation con- According to a white paper entitled “Workforce Shortage” struction projects. The efficiencies gained in this process published by the Society for Marketing Professional Servic- alone are huge—and there’s no more throwing away the low es, 2007 saw two million engineers eligible for retirement bid due to administrative errors. (These systems can have and 196,000 engineering students entering the workforce. built-in error/omission tracking that ensures contractors With a shrinking workforce, the industry will need to rely submit complete bids.) Local agencies around the U.S. are on technology to make up for the gap of fewer workers and already taking a cue from the DOTs and implementing these implement the tools that this generation embraces. bidding systems. In addition to error-free bids, they get ac- cess to a wider pool of bidders and save effort and time pro- Thanks to web technology, there has been a marked reduc- cessing these electronic bids. tion in total cost of ownership and a huge increase in the flexibility of construction management systems. Is your Having one system in place brings new value to your con- construction department reaping the benefits of an auto- struction data. Archived projects can be referenced to create mated system? more accurate engineers’ estimates. You can create project models using historical data and track construction progress Greg Fehrman can be reached at (315) 455-2000 or gfehrman@ against the models on a daily basis to ensure projects stay cscos.com; Charles Engelke can be reached at (352) 381-4400 or on course. All of these abilities are absent without an auto- [email protected]. mated, life cycle web application. Don’t miss this chance …to get in the APWA Reporter’s Transportation and Projects of the Year issue

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June 2009 APWA Reporter 39 Project management with a catch: the Buckroe Fishing Pier

Fred Whitley, P.E. Senior Project Engineer URS Corporation Newport News, Virginia Historian, APWA Virginia/D.C./Maryland Chapter Landing the Big One,” a phrase eas, public beaches, private residential deemed to be the best for constructing that sport fishermen use to de- areas and, at the southern end of the a new pier. Buckroe Beach and a sur- scribe catching a trophy fish after a shoreline, the U.S. Army’s Fort Monroe rounding park are popular destinations protracted effort to reel it in, took on (which was constructed beginning in for both locals and tourists because of a whole new meaning in the man- 1819 to protect the Hampton Roads the nearly mile-long public beach and agement of the Buckroe Fishing Pier harbor from the British following the relatively calm bay waters, which at- project in Hampton, Virginia. While War of 1812, and is now scheduled to tract a number of beachgoers. The old many local government capital im- be vacated by the Army in 2011). pier had been located at the south end provement projects may involve one of the public beach, adjacent to a resi- Along Hampton’s Chesapeake Bay or more elements of difficulty such as dential area that had later developed in shoreline there were two popular wood- site controversy, a public/private part- the 1980s. This location had proven to en fishing piers that were privately nership, multiple phases, fast-tracking, offer excellent fishing, in part due to owned and which for many years were grant funding, both in-house design the unique bottom contours at the end well utilized by the public throughout and consultant design, permitting, of the former pier. the nine-month-long fishing season. citizen committee involvement, bids However, in the fall of 2003, Hurricane/ When the City first proposed to locate over budget and high visibility—not Tropical Storm Isabel roared across the new pier at the exact spot of the many projects include all of the above southeast Virginia, raising tides in the old pier, the adjacent residential neigh- elements. The Buckroe Fishing Pier Chesapeake Bay as much as eight feet borhood objected to the project and project was one such project, and the above normal and destroying a num- suggested that the new pier be con- challenges faced by the City’s project ber of waterfront structures, including structed further away from their neigh- managers and its consultants required the two fishing piers in Hampton. Fol- borhood because of their recollections extraordinary effort to juggle the vari- lowing that storm, there was an outcry about past conflicts with some of the ous elements, in order to complete the from the saltwater fishing community former fishing pier patrons. In con- project in time for the prime spring for the City to build a pier for public sideration of these concerns, the City saltwater fishing season. How the proj- use, to serve not only the area citizens, Council asked staff to look at several ect was managed in order to “get it into but also to provide a fishing opportuni- alternate locations for the pier along the boat” is not a “fish tale,” rather it is ty for tourists who are attracted to the Buckroe Beach, and after due consid- a true story worth telling. area for its water-oriented recreation. eration it was concluded that the old The City of Hampton, with a popula- The Hampton City Council responded pier location was best suited at the tion of approximately 150,000, is locat- to the calls from the fishing commu- south end of the public beach, because ed in southeastern Virginia, along the nity for a new pier, and in 2005, capital of the bottom contours and because it Chesapeake Bay, near its mouth with improvement funds were appropriated minimized the conflict between fishing the Atlantic Ocean. As part of the metro for the project, which was to include activities and beachgoers to the north. area known as “Hampton Roads,” with a fully-accessible, 700’-long pier with a However, the adjacent residential a population approaching 1.7 million, “tee head,” a new parking lot, restroom neighborhood was not satisfied with the area is a Mecca for saltwater fish- facilities and other amenities. this decision and they later tried un- ing, power boating, sailing and other successfully to stop the permitting for The first issue that had to be dealt with water-oriented recreation and it also the pier, which required the City Attor- in implementing the project was decid- has a large number of military facili- ney’s office involvement to respond to ing on the location of the fishing pier. ties, including the Norfolk Naval Base, the matter through the courts. Of the two fishing piers that had been the home port of the Atlantic Fleet. destroyed in the hurricane, the one that Soon after the City Council appropri- Hampton has approximately five miles had been located adjacent to the City- ated funds for the construction of the of shoreline along the Chesapeake Bay owned beach in Buckroe was the site new fishing pier, a local developer who comprised of a mosaic of natural ar-

40 APWA Reporter June 2009 had just completed a fishing pier in the nearby City of Norfolk approached Hampton about a public/private part- nership arrangement whereby the de- veloper would design and construct the fishing pier in Buckroe, including a restaurant on the pier, and assume all operation and maintenance respon- sibilities, subject to the City paying the developer the capital funding that was appropriated for the project upon completion. At the time, this offer seemed like a “win-win” for the City by creating an economic development opportunity in the area that would attract not only fishermen but restau- rant patrons as well, which could help spur the redevelopment of the Buckroe Beach area. So, after some months of negotiations and following Council approval of the Development Agree- ment, the developer proceeded with the plans for the pier, and permits were The Buckroe Fishing Pier in the final stages of completion, with building and parking lot work still underway sought by the developer from the ap- propriate state and federal agencies for project. Considering that the project design expertise on certain elements the project. had already been delayed over a year and consultant expertise on other ele- due to the false start with the developer, ments. This decision was supported by However, the project quickly got off to that this type of project was a first of its the fact that the concrete substructure a false start. The developer’s contrac- kind for the City, and especially that for the pier had already been designed tor was directed to begin some initial the City Council’s expectation was this by the previous developer’s consultant. test pile work on the site before the project should be completed as soon The project phases were broken down permits were obtained and, due to the as possible, there was a feeling that the into: Phase 1 – the installation of the site controversy created by the adja- City’s project managers were starting concrete substructure (concrete piles/ cent residential neighbors, this activity out in a “partially submerged boat” that concrete girders); Phase 2 – the wood- soon generated negative publicity that could only be “bailed” out if the project en superstructure (ramps/decks/rail- gave the project a “black eye.” Also, scope, schedule and budget were clearly ings); Phase 3 – the site improvements the developer’s plans for a restaurant reestablished and if the expectations of (parking lot, lighting, landscaping) as part of the project raised concerns the fishing community about the proj- and Phase 4 – the pier support services from the neighbors about potential ect could be properly managed. building (restrooms, offices, storage, late-night noisy activities. However, but no restaurant!). Sequencing of the The “bailing out” process began with from the developer’s standpoint, the project in this way allowed for some preparation of an updated project bud- project did not make economic sense overlap of phases for fast-tracking and get and schedule and a Council brief- without a restaurant. Thus, an impasse some compression of the schedule was ing in order to gain Council acceptance was reached that put the project on achieved, in anticipation of a late 2008 of the new course for the project. Rath- hold for a number of months until the completion of the project. City Council and the developer finally er than follow the traditional approach agreed to terminate the Development of designing the entire project, then The first phase of the project—the Agreement, which allowed the City to bidding it as one construction con- concrete substructure—was able to be “untangle the fishing lines” and start tract (which could have added many jump-started as the City was able to take the project all over again. months to the project schedule), the advantage of the existing design which Engineering Services staff developed a was allowed to be used by mutual agree- At that point, the City Council turned fast-track plan involving the phasing ment with the previous developer. And, to its Engineering Services staff to take of the project in four overlapping parts the City retained the developer’s struc- on the design and construction of the in order to accelerate the schedule, and tural engineer to provide the necessary fishing pier as a capital improvements to take the advantage of in-house staff inspections of the construction of Phase

June 2009 APWA Reporter 41 1. The City staff immediately went to and was able to start work immediately poration, which was available under an work on completing the permitting of upon issuance of the permit and the annual services contract with the City, the pier, and City Council approved di- execution of the construction contract and which also had experience in the rect negotiations with the developer’s with the City. design of waterfront structures. Scopes contractor, Precon Marine, Inc., which and fees were quickly negotiated for For the design of the wooden super- had already done the test piles for the these two elements, while the substruc- structure (Phase 2) and for the pier substructure. Also, this contractor had ture installation was getting underway. support services building (Phase 4), the much of the substructure material Close coordination was required be- City turned to a consultant, URS Cor- (concrete pilings and girders) on hand tween the previous developer’s sub- structure designer and the new super- structure designers in order to ensure clear lines of responsibility and a clean “hand-off” between the two design firms. The schedule for completion of the Phase 2 design was agreed upon in order to time the bid and award of that phase, concurrent with the comple- tion of the substructure, so construc- tion would be seamless between Phase 1 and Phase 2.

Phases 2 and 4 also had an element in common which would affect construc- tion access onto the pier—the floor slab of the pier services building, which was to be located at the entrance to the pier and was at the same elevation as the pier (approximately 16 feet above sea level). This 12-inch-thick, steel-re- inforced slab had to be pile supported, just like the fishing pier. Given the first two phases of the project involved cranes, pile-driving equipment, con- crete and steel placement, and related construction expertise, it was decided that the building pilings, pile caps and slab, and the structural steel building framing could best be installed by the pier superstructure contractor, rather than by the future Phase 4 building contractor. So, those elements had to be designed quickly, before the rest of the building, in order to be bid with Phase 2. This decision provided a boost to the project schedule, but it also in- creased the complexity of the project because of the additional design coor- dination required to clearly delineate the limits of construction between the contractors who would be construct- ing their respective portions of the building, particularly in terms of pene- trations for utility lines and steel fram- ing. With close coordination between the City staff and its consultants, these

42 APWA Reporter June 2009 Looking from the end of the pier toward the beach, the 16-foot-wide cross-section includes attractive railings and shelters. design details were worked out and which was the state agency that had fits, as well as enhancements to the pier there was a smooth transition between been responsible for issuing permits support services building to increase du- the completion of the building slab for the pier. This Board, using revenue rability and reduce future maintenance. and the later startup of the above-slab derived from saltwater fishing license Also, upgrades were made to the design building construction. And, fortunate- fees, awarded grants semi-annually for of the pier including two gazebos to ly, the Phase 2 low bidder was the same research projects and for projects that provide shelters along the pier in the contractor who was installing the con- enhance fish stocks and/or create salt- event of inclement weather, and up- crete substructure. Thus, the City got water fishing opportunities. The Buck- graded lighting. the benefit of competitive bids for the roe Fishing Pier project was viewed by second phase, including the building the Board as an excellent opportunity Meanwhile, the design was initiated on floor slab, and in addition there were for saltwater fishing for those who the third phase of the project, the site some savings in heavy equipment mo- might not have access to a boat, and work, using in-house civil engineer- bilization costs, as well as continuity of the pier would also be able to offer edu- ing expertise. This required in-house contractors (and one source of respon- cational opportunities for youth and for survey and design of a 60-space park- sibility for Phases 1 and 2). research including the potential for an ing lot along with lighting and land- artificial reef under the pier, and better scaping. Design support was provided Soon after construction of the pier record keeping of size and species of fish by the Planning Department for the started, the City was apprised of an op- caught for scientific studies. Because of landscaping, and consultant assistance portunity to seek state funding through these benefits, the project was awarded was obtained for the electrical/lighting the Virginia Saltwater Fishing Advisory a significant grant from the VMRC. This design. This phase of the project was Board, a citizens group that operated grant allowed for upgrades in the site also competitively bid, but the bids ex- under the umbrella of the Virginia Ma- improvements for water quality bene- ceeded the funding that was allocated rine Resource Commission (VMRC), for the site work. The City was then

June 2009 APWA Reporter 43 faced with a choice of either rebid- decided that the water quality benefits ect, the City hosted a public meeting ding the project, reducing the scope of of the pavers and the aesthetics of the open to all citizens to receive a brief- work, or reallocating other funding to selected light fixtures were too impor- ing on the pier project. At this meet- cover the shortfall. Rebidding was out tant to forego, and funding was reallo- ing, staff presented the project sched- of the question due to the additional cated to be able to quickly award the ule, scope and design parameters and time that would be required, and there construction contract for this phase. much useful citizen feedback was ob- were only two elements of the site de- Thus, the site work for the project was tained, particularly in the area of pier sign that could potentially have been able to begin while the pier construc- operations and maintenance, which altered to significantly reduce the cost. tion was still underway, with some was to become the responsibility of One was a concrete open web paver coordination being required between the Parks and Recreation Department. contractors to deal with the onsite pier Later in the design process, a number (TurfstoneTM) that was selected for the materials that were temporarily stored of citizens who attended this meeting parking lot in order to provide a pervi- in the area of the future parking lot. continued to follow the progress of ous surface that would accept stormwa- the project and, in response, the City ter and reduce pollution from runoff at During the time periods of the pier site established an ad hoc citizens commit- this bayfront site. The second option selection controversy and the unsuc- tee which was called the “Fishermen’s was to replace the selected light fix- cessful efforts by the developer, finally Focus Group,” to provide feedback on tures with a more utilitarian light fix- leading up to the City’s management the various design elements of the pier. ture that could be provided, installed of the project, there was significant This focus group contributed invalu- and maintained by the local power local newspaper coverage of the proj- able ideas on details such as the opti- company at a much lower initial cost. ect, much of it focused on the lack of mum lighting for nighttime fishing so These options were discussed with the progress. The City was also receiving as to reduce glare while putting enough City Manager’s office, whose direction a number of inquiries from the public light on the water to attract fish. Other was that this pier should be an aes- about updates on the schedule for the suggestions were offered including re- thetically pleasing, environmentally project. In an effort to respond to the visions to the building floor plan to im- friendly, and first-rate facility. So, it was rising tide of public interest in the proj- prove the operation of the pier.

The fourth and final phase of the proj- ect, the 2,000-square-foot pier support services building to be located over the Order Custom Bulk beach at the entrance to the pier, was de- signed to include restrooms, a bait shop, a snack bar and other spaces. The design Editorial Reprints of this facility required the resolution of a number of code-related issues, which led to some delay of the final phase of Now that you have been featured the project. In particular, fire exiting re- in the APWA Reporter, why not quirements presented some challenges, leverage this opportunity to because of the uncertainty of the oc- promote your product or service cupant loading on the pier. The initial calculations showed occupant loads so with custom reprints? high that a second ramp from the pier down onto the beach would have been Custom reprints are available in required. This second exit would have quantities of 100 or more and are added a significant cost to the project printed on high-quality, gloss-coated (due to the long ramp length necessary to meet ADA slope requirements), but paper stock in black & white or full after reconsideration of the probable color. Custom reprints make great occupant load, this need for a second handouts at trade shows, and direct exit was eliminated. Also, the revised mail pieces. occupant loading helped overcome some other code requirements for what would have been vastly oversized rest- Call our reprint department at room facilities. (800) 259-0470 for complete details. The City staff also called upon the Fish- ermen’s Focus Group when it became apparent that the fishing pier build-

44 APWA Reporter June 2009 ing design and construction would of the change in the project open- took the support of the City Manager’s take longer than anticipated, and the ing. Had there been no focus group, office and the coordination among project completion schedule would be and had the City made the decision various City departments to keep the impacted. The committee was asked if to delay the project opening unilater- project “on course” and to overcome they would prefer to be able to utilize ally, there would no doubt have been the various design and construction the fishing pier with the building still much “hue and cry” from the fishing obstacles thrown “across the bow” under construction, or if they would community; thus, the group provided of the project. All things considered, prefer to have the project 100% com- an invaluable service to the commu- the Buckroe Fishing Pier project serves plete, which would mean delaying the nity as well as to the City government as a good example of what can be ac- fishing from the pier over the winter in helping maintain good relations. complished with a clearly established months. The City was prepared to goal and the close collaboration of provide temporary restroom and bait As of the spring of 2009, the Buck- the project team and the community. shop facilities, in trailers, if the focus roe Fishing Pier project is still under Come spring 2009, the fishing com- group felt that it was more important construction with Phases 1 and 2 munity will have a brand new top- to open the pier as soon as possible, complete; and with Phase 3, the site notch facility for saltwater fishing and prior to the completion of the build- work, and Phase 4, the support ser- the City of Hampton will be able to ing. However, the group felt that it was vices building, both well underway. proudly display its “trophy catch,” as more important to have the pier 100% And, a late spring grand opening is another enhancement to the quality complete rather than have some por- being planned for the pier. To get to of life in this waterfront community. tion still under construction and they this stage, the project took technical felt that a delayed opening over the and project management expertise, as Fred Whitley is a former member of winter months would be acceptable. well as good communication, among APWA’s Engineering and Technology This acceptance by the focus group a number of City staff, consultants, Technical Committee as well as the and their communication of this de- contractors and citizens, who all Education Advisory Committee. He can lay to the fishing community helped worked together collaboratively. Once be reached at (757) 383-6206 or fred_ the City with the public acceptance the project scope, budget and sched- [email protected]. ule were approved by City Council, it HOWBIGISYOURNETWORK?

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June 2009 APWA Reporter 45 Don’t let your “Infrastucture Stimulus Dollars” get washed away!

Mike Knechtel and Brian Koochel, Meteorologists, Weather or Not, Inc., Shawnee, Kansas

he abundance of road projects this season guarantees How much rain will we get? that many eyes will be glued to radar sites. Read on for As you decrease in temperature, the lighter dBZ numbers will tips from Weather or Not’s meteorologists on how to represent heavier rain. The reverse is also true. So, 15dBZ at increase your lead time before inclement weather hits 35 degrees may be a steady rain but at 90 degrees may never your location. (This article is about liquid precipitation only.) reach the ground. For the sake of brevity, this article assumes Radar 101 moderate temperatures. Radar sends out short pulses of microwave energy into the Radar returns of 25dBZ or less indicate light rainfall, drizzle atmosphere. The amount of energy that is reflected back to and sprinkles. Returns of 30-40dBZ indicate moderate rain- the radar from the precipitation is directly proportional to fall. While 45-60 dBZ returns indicate heavy rain, they are the volume of precipitation detected. Graphically, this re- often associated with thunderstorms. Returns larger than flected energy (backscatter or Z) is represented by color con- 60dBZ usually indicate the presence of hail. tours in units of decibels of Z (dBZ). For APWA members in a more tropical climate such as New Clear air mode is highly sensitive detecting very small par- Orleans, high dBZ returns may not be thunderstorms but ticles in the atmosphere such as dust, birds and smoke. Its simply very heavy rain. Remember, radar does not detect sensitivity helps detect very light precipitation such as driz- lightning! zle, mist and sprinkles. When working on a sensitive project such as bridge work, roofing or iron work, monitor clear air Since most radar sites on the Internet are graphically varying mode. If more than .05”/hr. is required to disturb your proj- versions of the National Weather Service radars, rain/storm ect, precipitation mode has what you’ll need. rainfall estimates can also be found with a simple click of the mouse. It’s important to note that these products are The radar automatically changes from clear air mode to pre- radar-derived estimates and less accurate the farther away cipitation mode based on its software. The best way to tell if you are from the radar antenna (site). Here’s why: a radar image is in clear air or precipitation mode is to look at the color-coded precipitation intensity. See the diagram The radar beam tilts at an angle relative to the earth’s sur- below and note the numbers, both positive and negative. face. Therefore, the farther you get from the radar site, the higher up in the atmosphere you’re looking. So, if a thun- derstorm is 90 miles from the radar site, the radar is beaming at approximately 11,000 feet higher than the earth’s surface at the radar site. You may simply be looking into the entire cloud rather than the rain-shaft. Since all of what is being reflected is not making it to the ground, radar rainfall esti- mates are somewhat skewed. When and for how long? This is where experienced human assessment proves to be as valuable, if not more so, than computer technology. Some Internet features offer the user tracking capability. These computer algorithms attempt to tell the user when rain will arrive at a given location and how long rain will fall. Unfor- tunately, it’s not that simple. Often these programs assume that an area of rain will maintain the same speed and direc- tion through time. However, storms often speed up, slow down, change direction, dissipate and expand. Therefore, making expensive decisions based on these tracking pro- grams is not always the best solution. Use these tools care-

46 APWA Reporter June 2009 fully, removing the arrows, etc., and confirming that reality outflow boundary! This tells you that heavy rain and storms is conforming to the algorithm’s assumptions. will hit those locations in 5-20 minutes depending upon dis- tance and atmospheric instability. Thunderstorms and severe weather Radar can be an invaluable tool in evaluating the intensity With relatively fast-moving, severe thunderstorms, the and severe weather threats of thunderstorms. When ana- winds accompanying a gust front or outflow boundary can lyzed properly radar can provide an early warning for torna- be dangerously strong. However, if you connect the dots does, damaging winds and destructive hail. and spot an “outflow” but there isn’t any other precipitation around and it’s too dry for rain, you may simply be in store Tornadoes for nothing more than a subtle wind shift. Most tornadoes are associated with a “supercell” thunderstorm. What makes supercells unique is that they rotate and can last for several hours. Rain of- ten wraps around the rotating portion Engineering | Construction | Environmental | Architecture of the storm. On a radar image this can appear as a hook and is common- ly known as a “hook echo.” The hook echo is typically located on the south- west flank of the storm. It is important to note that a hook echo does not al- SERVING ways indicate the presence of a tornado but rather the presence of strong rota- THE WORLD WE LIVE IN SM tion within a thunderstorm. Regardless, improving life for generations you should be shut down long before this approaches your job site!

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Radar image of a supercell producing a tor- nado (May 3, 1999). Notice the hook shape on the southwest side of the storm.

Connecting the dots gives way to a thunderous early warning! Outflow boundaries can serve as a fo- cus for additional thunderstorm de- velopment. When looking at a line of thunderstorms, look ahead about 20- 40 miles. Do you see a bunch of blue specks? Can you connect the specks to Offi ces throughout the US • pbsj.com • 800.477.7275 form a line similar to the line of thun- derstorms? If so, you’ve identified the

June 2009 APWA Reporter 47 Conversely, an outwardly spreading outflow boundary, Thunderstorm com- such as in the picture below, can cut off the parent thun- plexes (particularly derstorm from its source of moist, unstable air causing it to squall lines) have the eventually dissipate. ability to transfer strong winds aloft down to the ground. These strong winds cause the thun- derstorm structure to “bow out” along the leading edge. “Bow echoes” are easily de- tected by radar and al- most always indicate Radar image of a bow echo in a squall the potential for damag- line ing winds, especially at the apex of the bow.

Radar can be helpful but it’s only one tool! By spending as much time analyzing satellite imagery and weather observa- tions in areas where your weather is coming from as you do analyzing radar, you’ll increase your “lead time” by as much as 30-60 minutes. With today’s minimized budgets and the skyrocketing cost of asphalt and concrete, that could mean Thunderstorm cluster and concentric outflow boundary: Outflow thousands of dollars! patterns like this normally occur with slow-moving or stationary “air mass” thunderstorms and often do not generate strong winds. Mike Knechtel and Brian Koochel can be reached at (913) 722- 3955.

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48 APWA Reporter June 2009 Navigating the EECBG Program for cities and tribes

Tom Arnold, P.E. Principal - Civil Department Manager Coffman Engineers, Inc. Spokane, Washington

s part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment requirement of the funding opportunity announcement. Act of 2009 (ARRA), cities and tribal entities across There are 14 eligible activities listed in the opportunity an- the country are being asked to rapidly respond to nouncement from residential/commercial building energy and apply for Federal Economic Stimulus Fund- audits, updating building codes and inspections, retrofits of ing as part of the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block traffic signals and streetlighting, implementing renewable Grant (EECBG) Program. The primary goals of this particu- energy technologies, to material conservation programs. Ad- lar program are to increase energy efficiency, reduce energy ditionally, preparation of the EECS and technical consultant consumption and costs, create new jobs, improve air qual- services are also eligible activities under this grant program. ity, and accelerate deployment of market-ready distributed Search Google for Financial Assistance Funding Opportunity renewable energy technologies. For cities with populations Announcement Number: DE-FOA-0000013 for a full list of equal to or above 35,000, direct allocations—known as for- eligible activities. mula grants—have been identified and range from $135,000 to as much as $6.1 M in Washington State. See www.eecbg. Technologies energy.gov. Depending upon which area a city and its citizens focus their efforts, a myriad of technologies will need to be considered. The challenges cities are facing in responding to this oppor- tunity include: For example, if a city or tribe is looking at facilities and buildings (whether it be private or publicly owned), a deci- • Developing a strategic plan to use the EECBG funds sion as to when to complete an energy audit will have to within the guidelines of the grant. This includes getting be made. For some, an initial audit will help identify and up to speed and deciding upon which technologies are estimate the cost of the improvements eligible under the available and/or eligible under the program, partner- program, including potential incentive funding from local ing with other local agencies/programs, and leveraging and regional power utilities for energy savings projects as additional resources as part of the strategy in order to part of the EECS process. For others, the initial audit, design maximize the resulting energy, economic and environ- and improvements all can be completed after grant award mental benefits. for identified facilities. Regardless of which option is chosen, professional expertise in this area will be needed to assist cit- • Determining how to actively engage citizens in devel- ies in this effort. Coffman Engineers, Inc. is providing this oping and prioritizing programs/projects prior to the professional engineering service for the City of Spokane Val- application deadline as part of the strategic planning ley, Washington—a city with an estimated 2008 population process. of 88,920 with a formula grant allocation of $823,400. • Tracking and understanding the evolving criteria and In Washington State, the Bonneville Power Administration requirements of the program on the designated federal (BPA) has an active conservation program to provide incen- website. tive funding for energy savings projects. The incentive to • Obtaining local official approval and submitting a com- the owner is around $0.20/kwh for remodel and $0.27/kwh plete application by the deadline of June 25, 2009 (for for new projects for one year of savings. The incentive pay- states the deadline is even earlier: May 26, 2009). ment is limited to 70% of the incremental cost of the con- servation measures. For the EECBG program, the remodel EESC Plan Development program may provide a city with the significant ability to Cities and tribes must submit to the Department of Energy leverage the EECBG funds for existing facility projects. The (DOE) a proposed Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strat- process with BPA is fairly straightforward: Step one: provide egy (EECS). This can be done through one of two methods: an energy audit per BPA guidelines; Step two: submit the a) submit the EECS with the application due June 25, 2009; audit findings to BPA with a second proposal to do the en- or b) submit the EECS not later than 120 days after the ef- gineering for the conservation measures that are cost effec- fective date of the award of the grant in accordance with the tive; Step three: implement the conservation measure.

June 2009 APWA Reporter 49 Some of the potential energy conservations measures can greenhouse gas emissions, and other planning activities that include: promote long-term sustainability and the creation of jobs.

• Electric furnace upgrades Engage your citizens • Variable frequency drive additions For cities and tribes that are developing energy efficiency programs for the first time, this is probably the most sig- • Premium efficient motors nificant challenge considering the short time frame between • Compressed air system upgrades EESC plan development, application, and implementation of the improvements or strategies. The major concern from • Fan systems agencies is in trying to make it meaningful for citizens in • Refrigeration systems this short of time frame. This is a very important step in the • Heat recovery systems process in order to ensure approval of an application. Com- munities that fail to involve its citizens will likely face their • Envelope improvements application being returned and/or funding approval denied. • Controls systems to reduce process loads Tracking EECBG Program requirements Process improvements that reduce energy consumption • This is a new program for the DOE as part of the ARRA. As a • Interior and exterior lighting retrofits if part of the me- result, as with several of the stimulus programs initiated by chanical upgrades above President Obama, it is important to keep up with the col- laborative communication that is occurring on a daily ba- For other technologies, detailed analysis may be necessary sis under this program. As a registered agency or consultant as part of the EESC plan development. Other examples of helping a city or tribe prepare the EESC and application, common technologies being considered across the country updated information can be found on www.fedconnect.net. include: Light-emitting diode (LED) lighting retrofits for All questions and answers posed by agencies and applicants traffic signals and street/parking/building lighting, imple- can be found at this site as well as technical updates regard- mentation of transportation alternative programs (i.e., bike ing program requirements. and pedestrian plan development/projects) that help reduce Computer-Based Testing NOW Available!

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2009 Open Testing Blocks July 6-17, 2009 November 9-20, 2009

For more information visit APWA’s website at www.apwa.net/certification or contact Becky Stein at [email protected].

50 APWA Reporter June 2009 Needed bike lanes can qualify for EECBG funds.

In summary, by publication of this article hundreds of cit- private sector business groups/committees in develop- ies and tribal agencies will have moved through this pro- ing a program. cess and have completed their EESC plans and applications. However, for those still in the process, here are a few sug- • Bring on technical (consultant) expertise that has ex- gestions: isting relationships with the local and regional util- ity power providers for assistance in leveraging EECBG • Creativity and collaboration are the keys to success. grant funds and providing energy and technology ex- Not only are cities going to rely on existing projects/ pertise. programs as a starting point, but rapid collaboration be- tween cities, agencies, consultants, suppliers, and own- Specific questions relating to the application and award process ers will be critical. Make sure the program and applica- should be directed to [email protected]. tion fit a community’s priorities. For general questions regarding the EECBG Program, contact the EERE’S Information Center at http:///www1.eere.energy.gov/ • Start the public process early and provide as many op- portunities as possible for citizens or tribal members in informationcenter/ or call toll-free at 1-877-EERE-INFO (1-877- helping develop and prioritize the programs/projects. 337-3463) between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. EST, Monday-Friday. Consider using recent historical citizen/tribal surveys as Tom Arnold, P.E., is a Principal - Civil Department Manager for a starting point. Coffman Engineers, Inc. and has over 20 years of experience in the management, planning, design and construction of munici- • Take advantage of the information provided in the web- site links provided above. There are many answers to pal infrastructure and public/private site design/development. His common questions already available. municipal background includes a special emphasis in transporta- tion, utilities (including combined sewers), and related land use/ • Use existing established relationships with adjoining site development requirements. He can be reached at (509) 328- cities, counties, special purpose districts, and reputable 2994 or [email protected].

June 2009 APWA Reporter 51 “Does the new stimulus ergy efficiency in all sectors. The Fund- Good question. Just because program have a category ing Announcement specifically calls out our budgets have been re- to assist agencies in devel- “Development of infrastructure such as duced doesn’t mean we oping bike and/or pedestrian pro- bike lanes and pathways and pedestrian aren’t responsible for mowing, cut- grams?” walkways.” For more information you ting weeds and brush, and trimming may want to check out a recent press trees. The Federal Highway Adminis- I’m not aware of any provi- release about the program at: www.en- tration (FHWA) has a great pamphlet sion for these areas in the ergy.gov/news2009/7101.htm. titled “Vegetation Control for Safety: actual stimulus package but A Guide for Local Highway and Street I do know that the Depart- “Summer is almost here Maintenance Personnel.” It was revised ment of Energy has some funding for and we’re facing the in August of last year so the informa- these programs through their new En- maintenance of our road- tion should be pretty current. Control- ergy Efficiency and Conservation Block ways and rights-of-way ling vegetation isn’t just an issue of aes- Grant program. The grant funds are to with fewer people so we need to thetics. If not controlled, it can create be used to assist state, local, territorial work smarter. Can you provide safety hazards in many ways. Tall grass, and Tribal governments to implement any information on better ways weeds, brush and tree limbs can ob- strategies to reduce fossil fuel emission, to control the vegetation in these scure a driver’s view of the road ahead, total energy use, and to improve en- areas?” traffic control devices, approaching ve- hicles, wildlife and livestock, as well as pedestrians and bikes. FHWA has pre- Welcome To The Latest Version Of The pared this guide to help maintenance Ultimate Tool For Pavement Management workers identify locations where veg-

TM etation control is needed to improve traffic and pedestrian safety, to provide MicroPAVER 6.1.2 guidance for maintenance crews, and to make workers aware of safe ways to MicroPAVER™ is State-of-Art technology in pavement mow, cut brush and otherwise control management recognized world-wide and with a roadside vegetation. The publication reputation for quality and continuous improvement. is available electronically at the FHWA PAVER development has the support of both the Office of Safety website at: http://safety. public works and Department of Defense fhwa.dot.gov/local_program/guidance/. communities. Updated and improved features: “I heard something about • Enhanced GIS Identification Tool KFC paying to fill pot- • Split-Budget capabilities holes. You’ve got to be • PCI Displays overlayed on top of Aerial Photo images kidding me! Can this re- • “Deferred” PCI Calculation option ally be true?” • “Search” Selector with “broadcast” enabled (under Visual Menu) I am not kidding you when I • Unique M&R Project Formulation assistance say that Kentucky Fried Chick- en (KFC) has indeed developed a proposal they are offering to Order your copy of MicroPAVER for Roads and Highways (MP.NEW) or Airports cities to help patch the potholes in the (MP.NEWA) on-line at http://paver.apwa.net or call APWA Publications at 800-848-APWA. nation. The plan they offer is to fill the

Members $995*, Non-Members $1095* (*plus $44.50 S&H) potholes in your community with the only requirement being that they be allowed to stencil the patch with the statement “Re-Freshed by KFC.” The

52 APWA Reporter June 2009 campaign is “in honor” of their “Fresh Dean Scharmen, at dscharmen@irbc- The 53rd agency to be accred- Tastes Best” campaign. The company ity.com for further information. Keep ited is Brighton, MI, popula- sent letters to the nation’s mayors of- in mind, some states do not allow for tion 7,500. With a total public fering to patch their potholes for free. construction manager projects by state works staff of 23 employees, The first community to accept the of- law. Be certain to get all the details be- the agency was responsible for 32 of fer was its hometown of Louisville, KY. fore you begin. the 35 chapters in the 5th edition of Plans call for an additional four com- the Public Works Management Practices munities to be completed. I’ve heard “What’s the smallest agen- Manual and accreditation was awarded of small cities that held bake sales to fill cy to be accredited by on March 30, 2009. Way to go, Brigh- potholes so I guess “everything old is APWA?” ton! new again.” There seems to be a growing trend among companies to build good- will. Charmin has provided a public re- stroom in Times Square during last holi- day season and has even developed an application for iPhone and BlackBerry that helps consumers find toilets when the need arises. Seems reasonable in this time of “selling the rights” to sports are- nas and public buildings. From potpies to potholes! Ya gotta love it!

“The Charlotte County Board of Commissioners has tasked the staff with exploring the possibility of using the ‘Construction Man- ager At-Risk’ method of construct- ing road projects. Some had said it is a more efficient, faster and less expensive method of completing street projects, but the only people I know that have used it have done so with building construction. Do Winkler Canvas is the source for you know of anyone who has used it for this purpose? If so, I’d like to your storage and hauling needs visit with them about their proj- ects and level of satisfaction with the program.” For over 30 years Winkler Canvas Ltd. has designed and manufactured quality, long-lasting products: The “Construction Manager At-Risk” method of construct- Winkler Structures uses on average ing buildings has been around for several years. The program 30% more steel in our buildings and is designed to promote team building that’s what makes us more committed to between the owner, the design engi- manufacture the best performing structure neer, and the contractor/construction around today. All our trussed structures manager from the concept through the building to the final acceptance and come pre-engineered and the pipe & usage of the project. Those who have ratchet system keep the cover tight and used this method find it provides for virtually maintenance free. flexibility in the implementation of design changes late in the design pro- Contact us to find a dealer near you! cess without impacting construction schedules and final delivery dates. The 1-800-852-2638 | www.winklercanvas.com City of Indian Beach Rocks, FL, has uti- [email protected] lized this method of constructing some street projects and you might like to Winkler, Manitoba | Hwy 14 and Green Farm Road contact the Director of Public Services,

June 2009 APWA Reporter 53 Please go to www.apwa.net/WorkZone for information on how Director of Public Works/City Engineer to submit a position advertisement on the website and in the City of Bridgeton, MO APWA Reporter. The City of Bridgeton, MO, is accepting applications for the position of Director of Public Works/City Engineer. Appli- Public Works Director cants must have a degree in civil engineering from an ac- Eureka, MO credited college or university and hold a valid license as a The City of Eureka (10,000 population), located 25 miles Professional Engineer in the State of Missouri. The candidate west of St. Louis, is accepting applications for a Public Works must have at least five years of experience in the areas of Director (current Director retired after over 30 years of ser- public works administration, street maintenance, zoning, vice). There is no application deadline—interviews will be building code, capital improvement project, fleet mainte- conducted periodically until the position is filled. Starting nance and budget preparation administration. This posi- salary is $70,000.00, plus excellent benefits. Job description tion also acts as the City’s Building Commissioner. This is and employment application available 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. a department head level position overseeing the activities Monday through Friday at Eureka City Hall, 100 City Hall of 35 employees. The City offers excellent fringe benefits. Drive, and on the City’s website (www.eureka.mo.us). Mail Salary range $71,326–$104,092 DOQ. Résumés must be ac- to: Craig E. Sabo, City of Eureka, P.O. Box 125, Eureka, MO companied by a completed application, which can be found 63025. For additional information, contact Craig Sabo at on the City’s website, www.bridgetonmo.com. Submit to the [email protected] or at (636) 938-5233. Administrator, Thomas Haun, at 11955 Natural Bridge Road, Bridgeton, MO 63044.

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54 APWA Reporter June 2009 Products in the News

Inc. (SSI) to accurately detect “invisible” infrastructure and structural anomalies. SSMC is also an authorized representa- tive for SSI, offering sales, service and training. GPR is used to locate and map utilities, post tension cables and rebar, dis- cover voids, estimate cover depth and measure slab thickness. SSMC can help you reduce the chance of hits by up to ninety percent while performing cutting, coring and drilling opera- tions. Can you say that about your current system? For more information please visit www.southeasternsurveying.com. The WeedSeeker from NTech Industries, Inc. The WeedSeeker has the ability to spot-spray weeds, not bare ground or pavement, and can Winkler salt/sand storage buildings reduce chemical use by The Winkler commercial buildings combined with Al- up to 90%—resulting in lied Steel’s Gatorshield® Galvanized Tubing and ZRC weld reduced costs, reduced protection give a superior protection against rust. Further, chemical exposure to with applying the epoxy coat option it will extend the life the environment and of the building in the harsh conditions of storing your sand, improved personnel salt or fertilizer bags. Winches are typically bolted on the management. The Weed- outside of the building to keep them away from corrosive Seeker uses advanced op- materials. When using the “barn” style the corrosive mate- tics and circuitry to sense rial goes up to a determined line on the wall, and so it does the presence of a weed. not actually come in contact with the galvanized (inside and When a weed enters out) steel tubing. It keeps the materials out of the elements, the sensor’s field of view, a solenoid is triggered to deliver and with the light that is allowed in through the 12-oz. cov- a precise amount of herbicide. WeedSeeker systems can be er it gives great natural lighting. The Winkler structures give mounted on a variety of vehicles such as street sweepers, you the option of using wood, or concrete pony walls, and pickups, tractors and utility vehicles or can be purchased as if there is a need to be even more mobile a concrete block complete turnkey systems. For more information contact pony wall is an option as well. For more information please NTech Industries, Inc., 740 S. State St., Ukiah, CA 95482, contact Winkler Canvas at (800) 852-2638, send e-mail www.ntechindustries.com, [email protected], toll to [email protected] to find a dealer nearest free: (888) 728-2436, phone: (707) 467-3747, fax: (707) 467- you, or visit our website at www.winklercanvas.com. 3750. GPR systems used by 2009 WJTA Conference and Southeastern Surveying Expo, August 18-20, Marriott & Mapping Corporation Westchase Hotel, Houston, TX Southeastern Surveying The WaterJet Technology Association (WJTA) Expo & Mapping Corporation will feature products and equipment for industrial cleaning (SSMC) uses Ground Pen- and cutting, including waterblasting and industrial vacuum etrating Radar (GPR) Systems by Sensors & Software equipment, nozzles, pumps, valves, hoses, fittings, lances,

June 2009 APWA Reporter 55 orifice inserts, shaping and cutting systems, CNC robotics, Cal Pipe stainless abrasives, and abrasive waterjet accessories. A special exhibit steel security preview and reception will be held Tuesday evening, August bollards protect 18, in Exhibit Hall A. A second reception will be held on pedestrians from Wednesday evening, August 19, in Exhibit Hall B. For a com- plete program schedule and more information, visit www. traffic hazards wjta.org or contact WJTA by email: [email protected], phone: A new line of stain- (314) 241-1445, fax: (314) 241-1449. less steel security bollards featuring Humidity indicator an internal locking plugs install easily mechanism is now to monitor closed available from Cal Pipe Security Bollards for use in pub- containers lic areas with busy vehicular traffic. The internal locking feature allows the bollards to be secured into place with a A full line of desiccator tamper-proof key, eliminating the vulnerability of exposed plugs, humidity indica- padlocks. Bollards can be individually removed when auto tor plugs and windows access is desired or when moving large items or equipment that can be installed on rigid onsite. A stainless steel flip-top lid falls into place when the and flexible containers to bollards are removed, preventing tripping hazards. Remov- monitor the humidity inside able steel bollards are designed for maximum vehicle-stop- is available from Sphinx ping strength and are offered in a range of diameters from Adsorbents, Inc. of Spring- 4” to 12” to fit different security needs. They are available field, MA. Sphinx Desiccator in stainless, galvanized steel, and a range of colors. For more Plugs, Humidity Indicator Plugs and Windows can be in- information or to receive a free product catalog, call (877) stalled on rigid metal containers, fiber drums, and vapor- 283-8518 or visit www.calpipebollards.com. proof bags to provide a visual indication of the humidity levels inside without breaking a seal. Ideal where the long- EZ Fuel term preservation of container contents is critical, they are announces adaptable to virtually all applications for Method II packag- exclusive ing of MIL-STD-2073-1D Method 50 and AS26860 aerospace specifications. For more information, call (413) 736-5020 or agreement with visit www.sphinxadsorbents.com. Blue1 EZ Fuel & Tank New low-cost double Solutions has an- socket ratchet wrench nounced that an ex- set clusive Agreement Lowell Corporation has with Blue1 Inter- introduced a new set of national of Belgium double socket ratchet has been finalized between the two organizations. This wrenches for workers in agreement will give EZ Fuel the ability to manufacture and the construction, pipeline, distribute the same proven, quality DEF (Diesel Exhaust water, and wastewater in- Fluid) mini-bulk storage and dispensing systems that are in dustries. The price of $159 use throughout Europe today. “This agreement is the ideal includes a durable plastic arrangement for DEF customers. We will combine our na- carrying case and three wrenches with a lifetime warranty tionwide sales and service infrastructure with the product against defects in materials and workmanship. Each wrench expertise that Blue1 has perfected,” stated Dave Polak, EZ is 12” long and has Lowell’s Bolt-Thru feature which lets Fuel President and CEO. For more information, please con- workers tighten nuts on long bolts and on any length of tact Charles Culverhouse, Marketing and Sales Manager, threaded rod. This eliminates the need for deep sockets or Blue1USA, (770)-688-1958, [email protected]. open-end wrenches. To make using the tools more comfort- New road dust control able and secure, each wrench has a vinyl grip which also reduces fatigue. The grips are color-coded to make wrench product offers eco- identification easier in murky conditions such as a ditch or friendly alternative in the back of a service vehicle. For more information, call EnviroTech Services, Inc. announces durablend, (800) 456-9355 or visit the company’s website at www.low- its new eco-friendly dust control and road stabilization ellcorp.com/dsrws. product blended with a performance enhancing polymer to keep surfaces stable and dust free. durablend bonds to

56 APWA Reporter June 2009 aggregate and dust on the road, reducing migration and improving friction in moisture situations to allow for safer driving surfaces while lowering the impact on nearby vegetation. Using half the standard chloride of other dust control products, durablend covers twice as much area and with continued use, reduces road base loss and improves road maintenance and application efficiency. The lower application rates mean a smaller delivery volume, further reducing the carbon footprint. Offered at a price comparable to standard products, durablend is an environmentally friendly and practical alternative. For more information, visit www.envirotechservices.com. Trenchless Consulting Services (TCS) improves Hustler Turf Equipment Hustler Sport™ competitiveness in a The Hustler Sport™ is the lowest-priced Hustler z-rider volatile construction market ever introduced. Now homeowners can have Hustler qual- SSC has announced their intent to offer comprehensive ity of performance and durability at an affordable price. trenchless consulting services designed to help engi- Features and benefits include: very high blade-tip speed neering firms improve their competitiveness as they adapt for awesome quality of cut; welded steel deck and tubular to the downturn in the construction market. Building on frame—not stamped!; 18” drive tires, 11” caster tires; hydro- its 40 years of experience in the trenchless industry, SSC static transmissions for true zero-degree turning maneuver- has created “Trenchless Consulting Services” (TCS), which ability; commercial-duty, serviceable deck spindles; toughest translates customers’ business needs into actionable solu- frame, front forks, and deck in the industry; two-year, lim- tions. With TCS, engineering and construction design firms ited bumper-to-bumper warranty—parts and labor; simplest can identify new trenchless revenue opportunities, enhance maintenance in the industry; three-gallon fuel capacity; the customer experience, improve operational efficiency SmoothTrak™ steering with patented automatic park brake and manage the risks associated with new technology im- system; and 42” or 48” side-discharge/mulching decks. For plementation. More information is available at http://www. more information visit www.hustlerturf.com. sscboring.com/services. Envista debuts “Shovel Malcom Plastic Ready” project tracking Welding Kit in newest product A new series of plastic release welding tool kits that Envista Corporation, the can be configured by the exclusive provider of web- user for making specific based software for infrastruc- types of repairs such as ture project coordination, has tanks, bins, liners, and announced Envista 2009 roofs is available from Release 1. Among many enhancements, the new version Malcom Hot Air Sys- debuts Envista “Shovel Ready” infrastructure project coor- tems of Portsmouth, dination and tracking to support the renewal efforts of mu- Rhode Island. The Mal- nicipalities, counties, highway agencies, and utilities. This com Plastic Welding Kit important feature lets users designate these time-sensitive features a compact 1600 projects as “Shovel Ready” and enables project stakehold- Watt Leister Triac hot air ers to coordinate critical schedules. The key to success for tool with adjustable temperatures from 70° to 1400°F and starting “Shovel Ready” projects on time is early notifica- variable air flow to 8 CFM. The kit includes a 2 lb. assort- tions to utilities needing to upgrade or relocate their infra- ment of PVC, PP, PE, PC, LDPE, and ABS welding rod and structure before other work can begin. This capability helps users can order specific types of welding tips and tools to project owners meet the “Use It or Lose It” requirements of build their own custom kit, depending upon their needs. the economic stimulus funding. In addition, sharing infor- Packed into a handy tool box with a tray, the Malcom Plas- mation on economic stimulus projects using a web-based, tic Welding Kit can include such items as a speed welding map-driven application supports transparency and account- tip, a rotary burr for preparing grooves, side cutters, pliers, ability. For more information, call (978) 232-6300 or visit a scraper, and other tools. For more information call (800) www.envista.com. 289-7505 or visit www.plasticweldingtools.com.

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58 APWA Reporter June 2009 FIND IT ALL UNDERGROUND PHONE/POWER LINES, MANHOLES, PIPES, CONTROL WIRES 800-999-8280 www.schonstedt.com

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A World Leader in Landscape Architecture Landscape Architecture • Planning Urban Design www.swagroup.com

June 2009 APWA Reporter 59 UPCOMING APWA EVENTS International Public Works Congress & Exposition North American Snow Conference 2009 Sept. 13-16 Columbus, OH 2010 Apr. 18-21 Omaha, NE 2010 Aug. 15-18 Boston, MA 2011 Apr. 10-13 Spokane, WA 2011 Sept. 18-21 Denver, CO For more information, contact Brenda Shaver at (800) 848-APWA or send 2012 Aug. 26-29 Indianapolis, IN e-mail to [email protected]. 2013 Aug. 25-28 Chicago, IL For more information, contact Dana Priddy at (800) 848-APWA or send National Public Works Week: May 16-22, 2010 e-mail to [email protected]. Always the third full week in May. For more information, contact Jon Dilley at (800) 848-APWA or send e-mail to [email protected].

JUNE 2009 JULY 2009 3 APWA: Web-Based Training, Public Fleet Manager Study 11-15 Soil and Water Conservation Society, 2009 SWCS Annual Guide #1, (800) 848-APWA, www.apwa.net Conference, Dearborn, MI, www.swcs.org

10 APWA: Web-Based Training, Public Fleet Manager Study 13-17 ESRI User Conference, San Diego, CA, www.esri.com Guide #2, (800) 848-APWA, www.apwa.net 23 APWA: Click, Listen & Learn, “Greening the Fleet: It’s More 11-13 American Society of Certified Engineering Technicians, 45th Annual than a Color Change,” (800) 848-APWA, www.apwa.net Meeting, Kansas City, MO, www.ascet.org 24-28 National Association of Counties, 2009 Annual Conference & 17 APWA: Web-Based Training, Public Fleet Manager Study Exposition, Nashville, TN, www.naco.org Guide #3, (800) 848-APWA, www.apwa.net

25 APWA: Click, Listen & Learn, “The Real Dirt on Subsurface AUGUST 2009 Utility Engineering,” (800) 848-APWA, www.apwa.net 6 APWA: Click, Listen & Learn, “Solid Waste Issues,” (800) 848-APWA, www.apwa.net 28-7/1 International Right-of-Way Association, International Education Conference, Indianapolis, IN, www.irwaonline.org 16-20 StormCon, Anaheim, CA, www.stormcon.com

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS When you contact an advertiser regarding a product, please tell them you saw their ad in the APWA Reporter. Thanks! – The Editor Legend: IFC = Inside Front Cover; IBC = Inside Back Cover; BC = Back Cover

AlertMat, p. 58 Gee Asphalt Systems, Inc., pp. 12, 58 SWA Group, p. 59 www.AlertMat.com www.geeasphalt.net/apwa www.swagroup.com AssetWorks, Inc., p. 48 Harris & Associates, p. BC thomas engineering group, llc., p. 58 www.assetworks.com www.harris-assoc.com www.thomas-engineering.com Burns & McDonnell, p. 59 Henke Manufacturing Corp., p. 58 Tracker Software Corp./PubWorks, www.burnsmcd.com www.henkemfg.com p. 58 www.PubWorks.com Camosy Construction, p. 59 Holt Technologies, p. 59 www.camosy.com www.holttechnologies.com Upper Iowa University, p. IFC www.uiu.edu/apwa Carollo Engineers, p. 9 Manhole Adjustible Riser Co., p. 58 www.carollo.com www.manholeriser.com USABlueBook, p. 23 www.usabluebook.com CIPPlanner Corporation, p. 37 Metal Forms Corporation, p. 59 www.cipplanner.com www.metalforms.com Wade Trim, p. 31 www.wadetrim.com Dannenbaum Engineering Com- MJ Harden Associates, Inc., p. 56 pany, p. 58 www.mjharden.com WaterJet Technology Association, www.dannenbaum.com p. 7 NTech Industries, Inc., p. 58 www.wjta.org Designovations, Inc., p. 59 www.weedseeker.com www.designovations.com WEST Consultants, Inc., p. 59 PBS&J, p. 47 www.westconsultants.com East Jordan Iron Works, p. 6 www.pbsj.com www.ejiw.com The Willdan Group of Companies, Pulltarps Manufacturing, p. 58 p. 59 ESRI, p. 5 www.pulltarps.com www.willdan.com www.esri.com/fleet Schonstedt Instrument Company, Winkler Canvas Ltd., p. 53 FirmGreen, Inc., p. 42 p. 59 www.winklercanvas.com www.firmgreen.com/publicworks www.schonstedt.com Southeastern Surveying, p. 58 www.southeasternsurveying.com

60 APWA Reporter June 2009 Thanks for Celebrating National Public Works Week.

Every year National Public Works Week gets bigger At APWA one of our main goals is to educate the and better. The number of participating municipalities general public about the value and necessities of public continues to grow, which means the number of citizens works projects throughout North America, and public who are exposed to the value of public works grows. works professionals like you are our best ambassadors. Thank you for making 2009 National Public Works Week the biggest and best ever!

© 2009 American Public Works Association 04-2009 Advertisement - APWA Reporter.indd 1 4/29/2009 1:08:07 PM