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How do Public Works organizations in the southeast prepare for the worst when we are given the minimal amount of equipment and resources?Our locale puts us in an environment where we may battle snow, snow and ice, or just ice during the same event, which can have a detrimental effect on our economy and our infrastructure. Forecasting for the area is troublesome, a change in the temperature by 1 to 2 degrees can have you struggling to clear the streets (looking incapable), or left with crews looking at each other (inept). This session will showcase the challenges of fighting snow/ice in the southeastern regions of the US and discuss how we deal with the ongoing struggle to maintain a positive impression with the general public.
Learning Objectives:
– Examine how to make confident decisions when planning questionable weather events.
– Discuss how to develop training and scheduling procedures for short term events.
– Collect forecasts from several sources to make informed decisions.
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This session will look at a two-way protected bike lane installed on a busy arterial street near the University of Minnesota. It will follow the project from feasibility and design, with community engagement, through construction by city forces, and into the first winter as maintenance crews work to provide high levels of service.
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This presentation provides an overview of the City of Dubuque's, snow and ice control operation. The presenter will cover the approach taken by the city for winter operations including planning, operations, equipment and how new technologies, including blending and AVL, has been incorporated into their operation.
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Many public works agencies in North America have achieved APWA Accreditation. Representatives from several of these agencies will share not only the efforts it took to be successful but also the benefits they have reaped since completing the process. It's all about what you are doing well and what you can do better.
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Abandoned utilities take up a great deal of the limited supply of the right-of-way. At a time when agencies are trying to fit more utilities in less space, can we afford to have that space used by unnecessary installations? Learn how other agencies are handling abandoned utilities and how they are keeping track of what’s hidden underfoot.
With no pay increases in over four years, and talented newer technicians feeling trapped at the bottom of the pay scale, Milwaukee implemented a new pay plan for technicians and shop personnel that allows movement to higher pay rates based on training and certifications earned by technicians. The success of the program has raised shop morale, pride, productivity, and retention of talent.
Learning Objectives:
- Create new pay incentives to develop and retain talent, encourage continuous improvement, and recruit above average personnel.
- Develop and implement job standards to hold personnel accountable and improve overall efficiency.
- Expand similar programs to support personnel such as welders, fluid power techs, auto electricians, field service techs, and service writers.
SPEAKERS:
Jeffrey A. Tews, CPFP
Fleet Operations Manager, City of Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI
Opinions differ between agencies if it is more prudent to do planned asphalt pavement preservation or to react to crisis situations resulting from poorly constructed or poorly maintained roadways. This program presents information about the importance and value of developing preservation maintenance strategies for asphalt.
Upon completion of this program, participants will be able to:
- Identify proven asphalt treatment strategies.
- Prepare a strategy to convince elected officials and the public of the long-term financial gain to using preservation strategies.
- Recognize different strategy applications from case study examples.
Overseeing the City of Ottawa’s public works fleet involves many moving parts. Canada’s capital city relies on thousands of vehicles to maintain roadways, public services, and infrastructure. Information management and…
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The Decider Guide: How and When to Use Cooperative Purchasing Contracts to Add to Your Public Dollar
You put a lot of time and energy into your operations to make them run smoothly. Purchasing puts a lot of time and energy into solicitations to be compliant and…
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By far, radar is the most used weather tool by nearly any professional making decisions about weather. Radar seems like a simple concept—the colored pixels represent precipitation, and if you…
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