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Message from the City Manager Austin is evolving, and the Public Works Department is evolving along with it to meet the growing needs of our dynamic city. Charged with maintaining transportation infrastructure, establishing standards for work performed in the right of way, delivering major Capital Improvement projects and keeping Austin connected via streets, sidewalks, and trails, the department is looking ahead and planning for the future. This year’s Annual Report outlines how the Public Works Department used the public funding it received and demonstrates the performance of its various divisions over the past year. It also highlights the tenets of innovation, transparency, and economy that the Department continues to embrace. From installing new protected bike lanes, to managing the construction of public spaces such as the Central Library, to keeping hundreds of miles of roadways in good repair, the Public Works Department enhances the quality of life for all of Austin, making it one of the best managed cities in the country. Marc A. Ott City Manager City of Austin, Texas
Public Works Annual Report The members of your Public Works Department are proud to present the third edition of our Annual Report to you – our residents, businesses, and “shareholders.” The past 12 months were filled with delivery of long-awaited projects, improvements to our transportation and utilities infrastructure, and enhancements to our neighborhood-oriented services. The Annual Report, which provides visibility and insight into the more than $400 million you have entrusted us with, is organized by service delivery area for the fiscal year stretching from October 2012 through September 2013. This report also serves the purpose of meeting our reporting requirements as specified within the City Code. On the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) side, FY 2013 saw the completion of the African American Cultural & Heritage Facility, the Austin Asian American Resource Center, the Barton Springs Bypass Tunnel, the Barton Springs Road Cycle Track, and numerous street improvement projects. Significantly, we also broke ground on the New Central Library and the related trail, bridge, and road improvements. Progress continued on the signature projects of the Waller Creek Tunnel, Water Treatment Plant 4, and the Ladybird Lake Boardwalk. All three of these projects are scheduled for completion in the coming year.
Our operations activities also continued at a high pace, with an eye focused on improving and maintaining the quality of our streets, sidewalks, curbs, ramps, and bicycle facilities. During 2013, the multi-modal focus has been evident on streets throughout Austin, including the installation of protected bicycle lanes on Barton Springs Road and Pedernales Street support of Bus Rapid Transit; and improved pedestrian connections. While we are proud to have “public” as part of our name, our success is reflective of the larger “public works family” within city government. We work with an exceptional team of internal and external partners and outreach staff to ensure that services are delivered efficiently, seamlessly, and transparently. We thank you again for your trust and support, and look forward to continuing to “Connect You All Around Austin!” Howard S. Lazarus, PE, PWLF Public Works Director City of Austin, Texas
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Photo courtesy Michael Knox
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contents 06 08 10 13 14
28
DEPARTMENT ORGANIZATION department awards FINANCIAL OVERVIEW SUPPORT SERVICES CAPITAL PROJECTS MANAGEMENT FUND 15
CAPITAL PROJECTS DELIVERY
20
CAPACITY EXPANSION
22
Neighborhood Connectivity
26
neighborhood Partnering program
CHILD SAFETY FUND 30
31
CHILD SAFETY initiatives and highlights
TRANSPORTATION FUND 32 34 35
Infrastructure and asset management Roadway Maintenance Project highlights Embracing the three R’s: Reduce, reuse and Recycle
Transportation Fund Revenue Transfers In Requirements Full-Time Equivalents (FTE’s)
2011-2012
2012-2013
$52,975,637
$53,544,660
$1,875,385
$410,000
$47,587,127
$52,281,758
257
264
ACTUAL
APPROVED
Capital Projects Management Fund $24,605,147
$23,463,500
$0
$0
$23,235,798
$24,620,470
190
193
Revenue
$1,725,025
$1,605,000
Requirements
$1,723,205
$1,851,612
4
7
Expense Refunds
$3,272,926
$2,454,878
Grant Requirements
$1,510,200
$38,835
Total Budget
$77,329,256
$81,247,553
Revenue Transfers In Requirements Full-Time Equivalents (FTE’s)
Child Safety Fund
Full-Time Equivalents (FTE’s)
+
80
Total Lane Miles 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Very Poor