Video

How Two Towns Survived and Recovered from a Devastating Winter Storm

On October 29, 2011 the State of Connecticut received a massive and unprecedented winter storm that devastated many towns thought the State. The following account represents a summary of the storm preparation, snow removal, emergency operations, and cleanup efforts performed in two of the hardest hit towns of Simsbury and Avon from the standpoint of their Directors of Public Works.

The Good, The Bad, The Ugly in Snow & Ice Control

As agencies continue facing issues of declining budgets and diminishing resources, the challenge of providing quality service in a timely fashion has never been greater. This session presents issues involving plowing, chemical applications and other snow related items. It includes real examples of the consequences of not following Best Practices when performing snow and ice control work. 

Best Practices for the Storage of Salt, Sand and Liquid Deicing Agents

This session will help you evaluate how to select snow and ice storage facilities and liquid deicing equipment. It will also examine the many environmental issues surrounding salt, brine and chloride storage.

Canadian Infrastructure Report Card (CIRC)

The 2016 Canadian Infrastructure Report Card (CIRC) was released on January 18, 2016. The report card was developed to present the state of municipal infrastructure and the state of asset management in Canada.

More Cyclists Through Better Winter Maintenance

In Helsinki, Finland they have about 100 snow covered days per year, with snow depths varying from 0 cm to 60 cm. For bicycles, as little as 2 cm of snow is too much. They are embarking on a pilot program consisting of brush and salt and deicing tactics and cooperation with the Helsinki Cyclists association to promote winter cycling and get feedback on the pilot’s success. 

Public Works Director Roundtable – Where Directors Go to Grow!

Don't miss this completely interactive, compelling, and relevant exploration of the challenges and solutions public works directors encounter every day. Who will pick the topics to be discussed? YOU! Who will be the speakers? YOU! Be inspired to share your story and learn from the mastery achieved by your colleagues in the public works profession. You are going to be so enthused about what you are learning – you'll be tweeting out your insights to your pals who can't join us! 

Caring for the Urban Forest

What's a Lightning Round (LR)? LR’s consist of three presentations on a similar theme or group of topics. We hope that you will enjoy these fast-paced and concise presentations followed by the opportunity to ask questions, share, and network.

The Benefits of Implementing a Pavement Management System

Considering the cost of maintaining critical pavement assets coupled with inadequate funding, efficient pavement management practices are more more important than ever. Implementing a pavement management system can: 1) assist your organization in reducing the penalty cost of deferred maintenance; 2) guide the development and provide justification for budget proposals; and 3) provide visibility to current pavement conditions and future trends. Ask questions, share experiences, and hear from people actively engaged in implementing pavement management systems.

Overcoming the Challenges to Bring More Women into the Trades

Women represent just 4 percent of the workforce in natural resources, construction, and maintenance. By increasing outreach to attract more women into public works careers, a community can increase diversity in the qualified applicant pool. We’ll discuss the challenges women face in careers in the infrastructure trades and suggest ways for employers to be intentional about developing a diverse workplace culture.

Implementing Fully Automated Garbage and Recycling Collection

Do's and Don'ts of Implementing Fully Automated Garbage & Recycling Collection

Commerce City, Colorado has rolled out new residential trash and recycling collection services, switching to a fully automated system which reduces environmental impacts, improves neighborhood appearances and continues to provide quality pick-up service as the city grows.