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A panel discussion focused on a current hot topic, exploring workforce innovations in public works. Panelists will delve into what they have been doing to address current workforce challenges, including…
Read MoreStormwater management has become more challenging, as we face higher intensity, longer duration rain events at greater frequency. We need to bring different thinking and solutions to the challenges that climate change…
Read MoreThe presentation will give a brief history of Charlotte's first African-American park, the purpose for the renovation project, determination and analysis of existing conditions, and how and why the design…
Read MoreThe City of Waconia, Minnesota, is an expanding west metro community within the seven-county region of Minneapolis and Saint Paul. Waconia has used stormwater for irrigation of multiple green spaces in order to reduce and meet stormwater requirements. Stormwater reuse has grown exponentially with new and programmed system expansions. Staff have been monitoring phosphorus, total solid reductions and chloride levels specifically to understand their impacts, which may ultimately impact turf and landscape plantings by use of the stormwater for irrigation.
The State of Minnesota recently adopted a Statewide Chloride Management Plan and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has implemented several minimum control measures into their Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) requirements for winter maintenance.
Accurate equipment calibration is a cornerstone best management practice for winter maintenance operations. Yet, many agencies do not recognize or understand its value. Attend the first session in this two-part series for a first-hand account to understanding the “What” and the “Why” of calibration. Part 2 in the series will discuss the “How.”
Read MoreAll municipal separate storm sewer systems (MS4s) conduct various activities to inspect and maintain their system, but how many have those activities organized as procedures in written form? Over the years, Charlotte Storm Water Services developed various documents for individual MS4 inspection and maintenance activities, but they weren’t all compiled in one organized manual, and the relationships between activities and various groups conducting them were not formally documented. Recognizing that, Charlotte worked with a consultant to write such a manual. The manual organizes activities in sections based on the nature of the activity. It explores program driver policies, methods and practices, inspection and maintenance schedules/frequency, documentation methods, data metrics, and staff responsibilities. This presentation will explore the resulting manual and the process, experiences, and lessons learned in developing it.
Read MoreSeveral municipalities have developed their Municipal Infrastructure Resilience Plan, but a few have moved beyond planning towards implementation. The Region of Durham has been one of those leaders to take that next step in the Greater Toronto Area and Ontario.The August 2021 IPCC’s “Code red” warning makes it all-important now for us to plan, design and build our infrastructure with future climate change impacts in mind. Hear from Durham’s Chair of Transportation Task Force on Climate Change and the Climate Consultant, who led Durham’s riverine flood risk assessment to identify the bridges and road segments that need to be improved for present and future flood risks. This presentation will help municipal staff and transportation agencies to understand how to approach a flood vulnerability assessment considering several factors, including a socioeconomic lens, to identify and improve the resilience of the transportation system in a changing climate.
Read MoreThe City of Raleigh, North Carolina, is currently developing its own Flood Early Warning System (FEWS), where capabilities include advanced prediction of potential stream flooding and at localized hotspots, with an increased lead time for road closures, evacuation, and emergency response. Operational flood modeling coupled with current precipitation estimates from gauge adjusted radar rainfall (GARR) forms the basis for predictive flood modeling in near-real-time (NRT). In the first two phases, the FEWS system was set up along Crabtree Creek, with model calibration and inundation mapping, followed by expansion to Walnut Creek to the Neuse River. Model output is configured to produce predictive inundation maps, stream stage and discharge, and notifications when critical thresholds are reached. Results from this program offer increased lead time to notify first responders and to help manage flood emergencies within the City before, during, and after the event.
Read MoreSmall cities and rural communities have a unique perspective with regard to leadership and management. Small communities have fewer resources available to them to adequately serve their residents compared to their larger counterparts, yet the expectations are higher in small communities to provide excellent customer service. Learn how senior leaders in small communities have developed strategies and leadership philosophies to motivate staff when faced with adversity.
Read MoreSmall cities and rural communities have a unique perspective with regard to expanding their limited resources. Small communities have access to limited expertise and capacity on staff to handle various tasks. Regardless of the frequency, third-party experts may need to be necessary, whether it is a contractor or engineering consultant. Learn how small communities have developed contractual relationships with on-call contractors and engineering consultants to expand their services to their communities.
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