Video
In WarGames, a 1983 American Cold War science-fiction techno-thriller, David Lightman (Matthew Broderick) unwittingly accesses a U.S. military supercomputer (WOPR) programmed to execute nuclear war with the Soviet Union. Important lessons are learned in a simple game of tic-tac-toe, and nuclear war is averted. This session will be a highly competitive group activity, as participants are divided into teams and told to win as much as they can. A series of decisions will influence outcomes for individual and collective groups combined. With a win in mind, teams will reach a consensus to strategically choose among provided options, while in alternating rounds they are tasked with negotiating strategy with other groups. Collaborative concepts are tested against the individual charge to win as much as you can. Play along, and in the end, you may suggest that we play a “nice game of chess.”
Read MoreEmbarking on the renovation or reconstruction of a new public works garage requires the integration of many planning factors that most public works professionals do not typically encounter. Determining what functions should be incorporated, calculating their sizing, arranging the layout, and specifying major equipment needs should be based on best industry practices. This session provides public works professionals with a robust methodology for rationalizing and justifying the design criteria for their garage projects, allowing them to move forward with a compelling rationale for budget approval. Created by both a fleet manager and an industry-experienced architect, this seminar will focus on seven design principles: robust definition of your building program, workflow efficiency, staff productivity, asset control and security, supervision and communications, building performance and sustainability, and integration of future trends.
Read MoreThis session will provide attendees information about the Water Resources Management Committee, provide an opportunity to select water resources topics for discussion, and foster discussion among attendees.
Read MoreThe City of Carlsbad has developed the Automation, Compliance, Tracking, Inspection and Owner Notification (ACTION) System, a comprehensive post-construction best management practice (BMP) data management platform. The ACTION System creates a “big picture” perspective of post-construction BMP compliance using cross-site analytics that allows staff to prioritize sites, schedule inspections, and monitor compliance throughout the City’s network of structures. The system configures geographic information system (GIS) applications into new data scripts, integrates backend data, and packages it into a single user endpoint. This combination has resulted in a completely digital and cohesive data management platform. The ACTION System provides a comprehensive way to virtualize the program as an integrated network. The public exchange of compliance information using the ACTION System has created a measurable shift in norms, processes, and relationships.
Read MoreThe National Framework for Advancing the U.S. Recycling System, released November 2019, is the product of a multi-stakeholder collaborative effort that began on November 15, 2018. Recent passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which was firmly supported by EPA, now presents an opportunity for EPA to offer competitive funding grants to Public Works agencies in support of the framework.
Read MoreLevels of Service (LOS) is a component of asset management planning that is significant and has a great deal of impact. Municipalities' core purpose is to provide public services to the…
Read MoreManagers of public spaces need to share best practices and network to stay current with trends and technological updates for continuous improvement in operational efficiencies and sustainability efforts. Designed to…
Read MoreAre you aware that the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has specific requirements related to managing snow on public property? Did you know that you have always been required to maintain your accessible routes, even during the snow periods? Further, are you aware that you cannot just plow the streets and shovel the sidewalks without clearing off the curb ramps too? Also, did you know you cannot place the plowed snow where it will obstruct accessible parking or the route to the accessible parking? In this presentation you will learn from an expert how to keep your citizens with disabilities safe while protecting your agency from completely avoidable access-related litigation arising from ADA non-compliance in your winter maintenance practices.
Read MoreWorking with multi-generational union and non-union staff can present many challenges. Understanding different workforce attitudes and good planning are essential for successful management of this diverse workforce. This session will offer tips for how best to work in this environment for ultimate success.
Read MoreThe Village of Niles maintains geographic information system (GIS) maps of their infrastructure for sewer, water, data, and street lighting. Using GIS maps, the Village self-performs all locate requests. Inaccurate maps are a liability. After a project is built, features are selectively surveyed, field measured and used in combination with a plan mark-up to enter into GIS. This process means the GIS database may not be updated for months after construction. This time gap creates a significant risk for damage. Recently, the Village constructed a 17-mile street lighting and fiber optic infrastructure improvement. Public works (PW) worked with the contractor to use a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) receiver to geolocate the system as it was installed. The benefits include reduced liability from incorrect locate marks, cost-effective survey-grade data, and reduced risk for service outages. PW also worked with the GIS department to have real-time data available to the entire project team.
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