Video

Uninsurability: What It Is, Why It Matters, and How to Avoid It in Your Contracts

Have you ever had an architect, engineer, or other design professional tell you that some terms in your contract for professional services are "uninsurable"? Ever wondered what that really means, or why design professionals don’t just go out and buy insurance that covers these contractual promises? Maybe you’ve even suspected that some design professionals use insurance coverage as an excuse to reject contract terms they don’t like. If so, don’t miss this discussion offering lessons learned and tips for avoiding this issue during your contracting process. 

 

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Achieving New Heights at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport

One of the ten busiest airports in the world, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport's designers needed to find innovative ways to integrate a transit system to connect to key facilities at the airport and to Valley Metro Light Rail. Solutions included an automated people mover (APM) system that includes 3 stations and a terminal station that is the only LEED Gold-Certified transportation campus in the world. 

 

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Traffic Incident Management: Training Public Works as Responders

Certain conditions require the significant deployment of temporary traffic control devices for lane closures and detours. Public works and DOTs have the equipment, personnel and experience in handling this type of first responder activity. Learn how FHWA, in collaboration with APWA, will conduct the Traffic Incident Management (TIM) Responder course, making it available to chapters at no cost, other than providing a suitable venue. 

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Street Maintenance Efficiency Development in Finland

Based on a 2014 study made for the Finnish Ministry of Transportation and Communications, this presentation will cover the savings and benefits gained through out-sourcing maintenance work in Finnish cities. Among the topics to be discussed will be: uniform standards, guidelines, and procurement processes for street/road maintenance; development of infrastructure asset management systems, streamlining the decision-making process, and resource and knowledge development. 

 

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Leadership Development for Public Works

If your agency is looking for ideas for how to establish or improve an existing leadership development program, this session is for you. We’ll feature the learning models, technology tools, innovative processes, and guiding principles used by leadership development programs established by The Regional Municipality of York, Ontario, Arapaho County, Colorado, and the City of Scottsdale, Arizona. 

 

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Going Green — Rate Making for Fiscal and Water Sustainability

The value of water is rarely understood by the average person. Drought issues in several states have highlighted the need for protecting this precious commodity. Reinvesting in aging systems is critical, but rate increases will be difficult. Explore the key components of rate analysis, fixed costs vs. variable costs utilizing base fees vs. water usage fees, peaking demand costs, and revenue stability. 

 

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The State of the Science, Practice, and Policy of Using Urban Trees for Stormwater Management

Sponsored by APWA's Facilities & Grounds Committee Join this discussion of recent research into the practice of using trees as a stormwater control measure. Examine a calculator developed to quantify tree stormwater benefits, including soil storage, interception, evapotranspiration, and water quality benefits; and discover the cost effectiveness of using trees as a stormwater management tool. 

 

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Investing in the Future: Succession Planning

This program discusses succession plans – how to invest in your department's future on your own, or with the quality people you hire.

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The What-If Machine: How One Community Is Charting Its Infrastructure Future

The City of Rancho Palos Verdes conducted its own infrastructure report based on the framework of ASCE's Infrastructure Report Card. This led to the formation of a community infrastructure management advisory committee, the creation of a comprehensive infrastructure management plan and an intuitive, web-based infrastructure planning tool to try "what if" scenarios based on priorities, economics, and community factors such as quality-of-life. 

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City of Peoria Apprenticeship Program

The City of Peoria, Arizona, decided it needed to grow its own water/wastewater professionals instead of relying on the ability to attract trained personnel from other municipalities. The City's Apprenticeship Program successfully partners with a local community college to train future certified water utility workers. 

 

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