Street Talk I JUNE 2014 I Work, Play, Travel Issue

STREET TALK VOLUME 4 ISSUE 3

INSIDE

REPORTING ON WHAT MATTERS TO PUBLIC WORKS

JUNE 2014

Work, Play, Travel Issue

Cover Story HOW DO YOU DEFINE PLAY?

Pg. 18

CHILD SAFETY SCHOOL YEAR IN REVIEW

Pg. 07

PROJECT CONNECT: CENTRAL CORRIDOR

Pg. 14

Bartholomew Pool

director’s message

BY HOWARD LAZARUS DIRECTOR

The Best Summer of Your Life D

o you love summer? I love summer -- long days and warm nights, legendary family road trips, sand so hot it burns the soles of your feet, monster mosquito bites, sunburns that makes you feel like a French fry, drippy ice cream, eating like a teenager, early morning tee times, and baseball twilight doubleheaders. I mean, I really love summer. Do you?

If you do, what was the best summer of your life? I know what mine was – the summer I spent between my sophomore and junior years of college. After three weeks of intensive fitness training, I went to the hottest place on the planet – Fort Benning, GA (don’t care what the thermometer reads – heat, humidity, and stress level at the Army Infantry School are always oppressive) – for Airborne training where I learned how to jump out of a perfectly good aircraft (only the Army would take three weeks to give you a “crash” course in how to fall down from 1,500 feet).

After that, I spent a month in Bavaria with a construction platoon, followed by four weeks of traveling Western Europe with a rail pass. I spent the country’s bicentennial (7/4/76) at the embassy in Paris (still the best block party ever). It was during that summer that I sort of decided what I would be when I grew up (assuming that ever happens).

I asked our fellow Public Workers the same question. As always, the responses highlighted the complex and diverse experiences of our department: steve nelson Following college graduation the spring of 1985, I worked a couple of months and saved just enough cash to take the summer off before starting graduate school in the fall. I spent the summer in my home state of Montana, cruising around in my cherry red, 1959 Ford (named Marilyn, after the movie star). I spent four weeks leading backpacking trips with different friends in the wilderness areas of the Beartooth Mountains just outside Yellowstone Park (they all had jobs and could only take off a week at a time). Alternating between weeks of backpacking, I had a home base in beautiful Bozeman, Montana, and floated or fished a different blue ribbon trout stream every day. I barbequed trout every night – the universe was in balance, and life was good…

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trish wadsack

janae ryan

A summer vacation as a child to the Grand Tetons and Yellowstone with my parents.

I spent part of a summer in Egypt putting in a waterline for a refugee camp in the Sinai desert. When I returned, I left for a 10-day Caribbean Cruise.

nadia barrera The summer of 2001.

I’d just graduated from UT, was working full-time as a lifeguard at Barton Springs, and was getting ready to head to my post as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Panama. I was anticipating an exciting adventure, enjoying the leisure of living in West Campus, riding my bike to work and hanging out at Barton Springs all day. What could be better?

carolyn perez That’s easy for me! Three years ago my family vacationed in northern California (Marin County). We lived like nomadic surfers for a week, staying in various inns up and down the coast. We drank fabulous local wine, ate chargrilled oysters plucked right out of Tomales Bay, rode around in our friends’ old beat up VW van, and watched the kids play for hours on the beach with nary a PlayStation or TV in sight.

Although it was only a week, it made my whole summer.

Tales and memories of halcyon summers remind us that time is fleeting (tempus fugit), and we need to make every day count. Create your new memories this summer. Be safe, and have fun.

john bowman

Michelle frith

I am thinking of the summers that have occurred recently in my life. Perhaps the most memorable summer for me was after 9/11 when I found myself building schools, a clinic and a hospital in northern Afghanistan, or the summer I took a leave of absence from the City to help rebuild a clinic in Bagdad. It could be the long hot summer I spent in Sudan and Darfur helping people caught up in political turmoil.

I was a weird little kid who preferred reading books hidden behind furniture to playing outside with other children. My dad, concerned about this for obvious reasons, signed me up for “Horse Camp” in Oklahoma for a month when I was 10 years old. When we arrived, it was obvious this was a down-on-its-luck ranch that needed cheap labor – and what better way than to call it “camp”, charge a fee and give the kids chores? My dad was about to pack me back up in the car when I spotted “Little Miss Blue”, a small blue mare with big brown eyes. I began crying, begging to stay on the ranch. Dad relented and for the next month I learned how to ride and care for my horses; won a trophy for barrel racing (on Blue) and another for goat roping; earned money for picking cucumbers (ouch!); cared for goats, pigs, chickens, cats and cows,;learned camp songs, went on hay rides, roasted marshmallows by nightly campfires; made ice cream and had mud fights with my new friends. The best summer of my life was full of joy, adventure, love of animals, pride and confidence in my new skills – and the joy of seeing my father’s eyes well up in tears as he saw me accept trophies for my competitive accomplishments, as well as the trophy for “Camper of the Month.”

gerald nation My best summer was in the mid-1990s. Our youngest son, John, had graduated from high school and was preparing to go to college.

Our oldest son, Aaron, was leaving the military after six years of service. We convinced him to stay with us while he looked for employment. He found a job within a few weeks, but his start date was not until mid-August.

For the next two months all of our family was together. We laughed and laughed the entire summer. We got to know the man who had left as a boy.

robert egan There are many. Heading up the swimming program at Friday Mountain Boy’s Camp in 1969, class IV whitewater kayaking all summer long, playing in New Mexico down the Taos Box of the Rio Grande, in Colorado through the Numbers on the Arkansas, and spending 14 incredible days in my kayak paddling the Grand Canyon, to mention just two. Then there’s that month in Las Vegas, but what happens in Las Vegas stays in Las Vegas, right?

carmela morgan The best summer of my life was August 1992 when I gave birth to my first son.

He was a month early, but he was strong and healthy!

wayne fant The July vacation of 2013 was the “BEST” summer of our lives. My wife, our fiveyear-old daughter (adopted when she was two), and I took a seven-day Alaskan cruise from the Port of Seattle to Skagway Alaska and back.

charles felipa I would have to say the best summer of my life would have to be the summer of ‘96. I had just graduated from high school (in Heidelberg, Germany), and was on my way to Army basic training, then onto military intelligence training. It was a summer full of traveling. My family and I flew from Germany to Delaware to visit my maternal grandmother for the first part of the summer. From there we drove to Summerville, South Carolina to visit with my step dad’s parents. I had some friends who had recently moved from Germany to Gray Court, South Carolina, so I took a greyhound bus to visit them for about a week. My mother’s next duty station was Ft. Campbell, Kentucky and we settled about 12 miles from the base in Clarksville, Tennessee.

The rest of my summer, which was extended because basic training didn’t start for me until September, was filled with eating a whole lot of foods I knew I wouldn’t be allowed to.

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contents JUNE 2014 Leander

Kramer

Do main Pick le

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MOPAC (coming 2015) Seton Medical Center

Right-of-Way Preservation For future transportation corridors C O LO R A D O R I V E R

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denise.riad@austintexas.gov

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Michelle Frith

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howard.lazarus@austintexas.gov

Martin Luther King Jr

Capitol Complex

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michelle.frith@austintexas.gov

Ron Koehn

ron.koehn@austintexas.gov

Chelsea Donahue

chelsea.donahue@austintexas.gov

Susan Garnett

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features 37

Along with fulfilling work, play is an essential enzyme of a well-lived life.

05 24 27

SUMMER OUTDOOR SAFETY Play it cool this summer by following these safety tips.

ALL AROUND AUSTIN Public Workers help prepare for the changing season with an array of exciting new projects and much to celebrate!

milestones What Public Workers are doing out there to achieve, foster community, impress co-workers and citizens alike, and show we really are the ‘Department with a Heart’!

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CHILD SAFETY SCHOOL YEAR IN REVIEW Another safe school year winds to a close with a look back at the Child Safety team’s outstanding accomplishments.

Robin Field

robin.field@austintexas.gov

Kit Johnson

kit.johnson@austintexas.gov

Stephen Robles

stephen.robles@austintexas.gov

Esther Crawford

esther.crawford@austintexas.gov

design Chief Graphic Designer Alexa Muraida

alexa.muraida@austintexas.gov

STAFF ATTENDS 4th 08 ESD INTERNATIONAL ROUNDABOUT CONFERENCE

An educational opportunity to experience roundabouts from a driver’s perspective.

12 SEALCOAT SEASON

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Find out how Street and Bridge crews prepare Austin for Sealcoat Season.

CONNECT: CENTRAL 14 PROJECT CORRIDOR 13 How the City is moving closer to laying down track for Urban Rail.

PWD offices at One Texas Center will soon get a new look…and a new floor.

29 CLASS ACT

Public Workers are learning lessons based on respect through PWU.

STREET TALK june 2014

Carolyn Perez

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THE DECKS AT 16 RESTACKING OTC

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Sara Hartley

sara.hartley@austintexas.gov

david.murray@austintexas.gov

City South/ TAMUSA

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fred.garcia@austintexas.gov

David Murray

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COVER STORY: HOW DO YOU DEFINE PLAY?

Fred Garcia

carolyn.perez@austintexas.gov

Port San Antonio

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susan.garnett@austintexas.gov

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Texas State University

San Marcos/ Texas State University

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carolyn.perez@austintexas.gov

Denise Riad

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University of Texas

courtney.black@austintexas.gov

Howard Lazarus

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Carolyn Perez

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columns HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW YOUR NEIGHBOR? Michelle Frith profiles two employees that work hard for PWD every day, who you may have never met!

MUSIC FOR KIDS 2014 The City Music Office in partnership with Austin Public Libraries offers summer concert series for kids

safety zone BY contributing writer denise riad

Summer Outdoor Safety Play it cool this summer by following these safety tips.

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he return of warmer temperatures brings the opportunity for freedom, relaxation, exploration, and being closer to nature. Whether you’re relaxing in the backyard, turning up your garden, or exploring the great outdoors, here are some ways to help keep you and your family healthy this spring and summer.

Bugs, Bugs, Bugs Warmer temperatures aren’t just attractive to people, but to mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas. Insects can transmit diseases such as West Nile virus, Lyme disease and even the plague!

In Austin, we love the great outdoors.

Whether you’re hiking, camping, or hunting, protect yourself from mosquitoes and other bugs by using insect/tick repellent. Wear permethrin-treated clothing when practical.

Make sure you use the appropriate insect and tick repellent and apply it properly. Prime mosquito-biting hours are usually from dusk to dawn, but ticks are out at all times. Young ticks are so small that they can be difficult to see, but both young and adult ticks hungrily look to animals and sometimes people to bite. When you come in from outdoors, you should shower as soon as possible and check your body for ticks. Make sure that your children also bathe or shower and get checked for ticks. If you find an attached tick, don’t panic, ticks are easy to remove with a pair of fine-tipped tweezers. Consult your healthcare provider if you develop a rash, fever, body aches, fatigue or headache, stiff neck, or disorientation in the one to three weeks following a bite. It could be any number of illnesses.

Don’t forget the Pets!

While you’re outside enjoying the weather, remember to protect your pets too.

Keeping pets healthy can help keep you and your family healthy. Children can get roundworm and hookworm from soil contaminated by pet feces (stool), so make sure that puppies and kittens are seen by a veterinarian and dewormed. Protect family pets from ticks and fleas by keeping them on a flea and tick control program. Talk to your veterinarian for advice on the appropriate anti-bug products to use on your pet.

Dining Al Fresco

Fun in the Sun

Nothing says summer like the smoky flavor of foods cooked out on the grill. When grilling, use a meat thermometer to make sure that you cook meat and poultry thoroughly.

Ground beef should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F in order to kill germs found in raw and undercooked meat. Also, put cooked meat on a clean platter, rather than back on the one that held the raw meat, to avoid cross-contamination. Wash hands, kitchen work surfaces, and utensils with soap and water immediately after they have been in contact with raw meat or poultry. Whether you’re cooking out in the backyard or on a picnic, always keep cold foods cold and hot foods hot. When you’re finished eating, refrigerate leftovers promptly.

Protect yourself and your family from recreational water illnesses (illnesses caused by germs or chemicals in recreational water) by doing your part to keep germs out of the pool. Do not swim when you have diarrhea, don’t swallow pool water, take a shower before swimming, and wash your hands after using the toilet or changing diapers. Keeping germs out of the pool means a healthier swimming experience for everyone.

This month’s PWD Safety and Health Newsletter had some great tips for preventing skin cancer. Be sure to review those tips with your co-workers and loved ones. Avoid being outdoors during the midday if the sun is intense, use sunscreen with at least SPF 15, cover up with clothing, wear a brimmed hat, and wear sunglasses that block UVA and UVB rays. Be aware of the signs of heat stress.

Enjoy the great outdoors and have a safe and healthy summer!

Around the Yard Gardening is a great outdoor activity for people of all ages. Stay safe and healthy as you grab your tools and head outside. Wear gloves, use safety gear when handling equipment and chemicals, protect yourself from the sun, and use insect repellent. Also watch out for extreme heat and know your limitations.

Do not allow children to play in areas that are soiled with pet or other animal feces.

Cover sandboxes when not in use to make sure that animals do not get inside and contaminate them with parasites that can cause diseases.

*Some material excerpted from CDC.gov

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Get Home Safe ATD and PWD encourage drivers to plan their trip home before going out Summer brings with it festive occasions such as Fourth of July where alcoholic beverages may be consumed. As recent tragic events have shown, driving under the influence can have devastating consequences for your life and the lives of others. Our friends in the Austin Transportation Department have developed the following list of options to help you arrive home safely. Remember, the best and most responsible thing you can do to keep yourself and others safe is to plan ahead before heading out for the night.

Park Downtown Overnight

Electric Low Speed Vehicles

The City has more than 3,000 parking spaces on the street in Downtown Austin (IH35 to Lamar Boulevard, and Lady Bird Lake to 10th Street) where people can leave their cars parked overnight. The parking meters in Downtown Austin have yellow “Next Day” buttons that allow people to buy meter time for the next day. What happens if you forget to buy time for the next day and leave your car overnight? The Austin Transportation Department does not tow vehicles. If you get a parking ticket but made the responsible decision of taking a taxi or bus home, we’ll waive the ticket! Bring your ticket and taxi or bus receipt to 1111 Rio Grande Street. Remember, meters are not enforced on Sundays.

Electric Cab of Austin, 512-900-7734

taxis Austin Cab, 512-478-2222 Lone Star Cab, 512-836-4900

Last Call Cabs, LLC, 512-992-7272

Designated Driving Services Sober Monkeys, 512-808-9232

pedicabs limo/charter services ridescout app Download the Ridescout App (www.ridescoutapp.com) to view real-time transportation options that are available to you.

Walk, phone a friend, or designate a sober driver before going out.

Yellow Cab, 512-452-9999

Bus-Capital Metro Night Owl: Capital Metro’s Night Owl bus routes run from midnight to 3:00 a.m. with service from the 6th Street entertainment district to the City’s most popular late night destinations. Just $1 gets you onboard and $2 will get you 24 hours of unlimited rides. UT students ride free with valid school ID and ACC students ride with the Green Pass.

E-Bus: The E-Bus is a late night service that picks up passengers from UT, West Campus, and Riverside areas and provides a safe alternative to driving to and from Austin’s entertainment district during weekend evenings (Thursday - Saturday from 8:30 p.m. – 3:00 a.m.). UT students, faculty, and staff may ride the E-Bus at no charge. If you are not a UT student, you may ride the E-Bus by paying a $1 fare. It is recommended you purchase a round-trip day pass for $2 upon boarding.

View Capital Metro’s full schedule and service maps online here (www.capmetro.org/planner/).

Capital Metro also offers a Guaranteed Ride Home Program. This program is based on an annual membership in which members can rely on Capital Metro for a guaranteed ride home if they have an emergency that causes the member to miss their bus or train. Learn more here: Guaranteed Ride Home Program (www.capmetro.org/guaranteed/).

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BY CHELSEA DONAHUE CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Child Safety School Year in Review

Another safe school year winds to a close with a look back at the Child Safety team’s outstanding accomplishments.

I

t’s hard to believe another school year is over, but the Child Safety Program is ready for summer break after a very busy and productive year. The theme of this year’s Crossing Guard Reward and Recognition Luncheon was “Going to the Movies” -- a fitting end for this year’s blockbuster success. Here’s a quick overview of what our team accomplished in 2013-2014.

The year started strong this past August with the best attended Back to School Bash yet. Over 7,000 AISD students and parents visited the Convention Center to get valuable information and resources, including more than 2,000 backpacks filled with school supplies, assembled by our team of crossing guards.

This event, which is co-sponsored by AISD and the City, also included a press conference in which former Superintendent Carstarphen remarked on the importance of active transportation, and our own Child Safety Trainers gave a safe street crossing demonstration.

On the first day of school we launched a Walking School Bus at brand new Guerrero Thompson Elementary so that students would have the option of safe, supervised active transportation from the start. A group of

dedicated walkers has been walking to school from their nearby apartments all year.

On October 9, International Walk to School Day, we celebrated with a big group of students and teachers at Rodriguez Elementary. Two hundred students and their parents gathered in the early morning at Franklin Park to walk together. Rodriguez Elementary, along with four other schools in the Dove Springs neighborhood, was a major focus for our Safe Routes to School work, funded by our partnership with the Go! Austin Vamos! Austin initiative in 78744. Perez Elementary now has a daily Walking School Bus, while Houston Elementary has launched a weekly “Caminata” with four parent-led walking routes each Wednesday morning.

This spring, the Child Safety Program

was thrilled to bring on four new full time employees! Herschell Esquell, Christi Shores, Claudia Padgett, and Imelda Stoebner, dedicated seasonal employees for many years, joined our team as full time staff members.

Claudia and Imelda are both Children’s Program Technicians, Herschell is our Crossing Guard Program Specialist, and Christi is our Safe Routes to School Program Specialist.

We’re thrilled to have them on board!

The ribbon cutting of the brand new North Acres Bridge was a great way to cap off the year. The long-awaited bridge was finally completed in May, making a crucial connection for Hart Elementary students living north of Little Walnut Creek. Though many lived only a half a mile from the school, the creek prevented easy walking access, requiring buses for most of the students. On May 7, those bus riders got a treat when they were dropped off in front of the new bridge instead of school.

Greeted by their principal, teachers, Council Member Chris Riley, APD Commander Baker, and many other City and AISD staff, hundreds of students walked across the bridge and to school for the first time!

After such a busy year, the Child Safety team is looking forward to a quiet, relaxing summer…

During Back to School Bash, over 7,000 AISD students and parents visited the Convention Center to get valuable information and resources, including more than 2,000 backpacks filled with school supplies, assembled by our team of crossing guards.

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divisions

ESD staff attends 4th International Roundabout Conference

An educational opportunity to experience roundabouts from a driver’s perspective

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n April, Assistant Director Keri Juarez, along with Engineering Services Division (ESD) employees Carlos Villalpando and Jennifer Massie-Gore attended the 4th International Roundabout Conference in Seattle, Washington.

The conference, sponsored by the Transportation Research Board Committee on Roundabouts, drew upon more than 20 years of roundabout design, planning, and operational knowledge and explored innovative and effective uses of roundabouts to help enhance intersection safety.

This valuable training provides ESD engineers and designers with the most in-depth knowledge on how to effectively design roundabouts and other traffic calming devices. Keri Juarez commented, “The TRB Roundabout Conference was very educational and provided a great opportunity for us to learn from experienced roundabout designers and experience roundabouts in action. We drove and walked several roundabouts in and near Seattle to experience the driver and pedestrian perspective. It’s clear that roundabout design is an art as well as a science.”

As noted in a previous Street Talk issue, “roundabout” is a British word for a road junction in which traffic moves in one direction around a central island where priority is given to the circulating traffic flow. Signs direct traffic entering the circle to slow down and yield the right-of-way. The modern roundabout was developed by the UK Transport Research Laboratory in the mid-twentieth century.

Traffic Calming is a term that emerged in Europe to describe a full range of methods to slow down or “calm” traffic. Examples in-

clude speed bumps, speed humps, speed tables and cushions, raised median, bulb outs, chokers, neckdowns, chicanes, diverters, traffic circles, etc.

Roundabouts have been shown to reduce fatal and injury-causing accidents by as much as 76 percent in the U.S. Other benefits include: eliminating the maintenance and electricity costs associated with traffic signals, reducing air and noise pollution, improving left turn capacity, improving the flow of traffic, and improving the aesthetics of a street.

Traffic calming methods can offer similar benefits to the traveling public.

As PWD’s in-house design experts, ESD produces a wide variety of design projects, including road reconstruction, bike lanes, medians, sidewalks, utilities, water quality and detention ponds, water and wastewater, storm drainage and stream bank stabilization. More and more, the division’s work includes roundabout and traffic calming design projects for the Austin Transportation Department (ATD).

With speeding and traffic congestion becoming more problematic each day, ATD is increasingly looking to roundabouts as an important tool in traffic management. Over the past four years, the number of Austin roads and intersections that have been redesigned or modified with roundabouts and traffic calming has increased tremendously.

The following are some ESD projects that are either complete, in construction or in design: ROUNDABOUTS TEAM 1 Rio Grande Blvd (constructed) ABIA – Spirit of Texas (constructed) Galindo (constructed) Felix St (in design) Perry Ln (in design) Gardenvilla Ln (in design) TEAM 2 Davis Lane/Leo (in construction) TEAM 4 Todd Lane (to be constructed) traffic calming TEAM 1 Tillery (in design) Hillside Terrace (in design) Topridge (to be constructed) Rolling Oaks (to be constructed) Battle Bend (to be constructed) Wellington (to be constructed) West Courtyard (to be constructed) TEAM 3 Rosedale (constructed) Crestview (constructed) Rockwood (to be constructed) Sendero Hills (in design) Viewpoint (in design) Lakewood (in design)

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BY Luciano Tamayo contributing writer

Completed roundabout at ABIA on Spirit of Texas Drive

“Carlos brought a very innovative idea to the Felix Street roundabout design project. It was an extrapolation of something he had learned of in Seattle – using a right hand truck apron to serve as a “hidden” service driveway for adjacent park land. Sound like a small detail? No, getting the small details right makes these projects extraordinary!”

-ATD Assistant Director, Gary Schatz 2014 june STREET TALK

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columns BY michelle frith CONTRIBUTING WRITER

How well do you know your neighbor?

Michelle Frith profiles two employees that work hard for PWD every day who you may have never met!

T

he Bible’s Fifth Commandment says to honor thy mother and thy father. A big man with a big heart, Aaron Earls embodies the spirit of this principle.

Aaron had an idyllic childhood, born and raised in a strong Christian family in Austin.

His maternal grandfather was the founding minister of Mount Zion Baptist Church and his paternal grandfather was a deacon in the Union Hill Baptist Church. Aaron’s father, Elroy, sang baritone in the church and his mother, Dimples, devoted herself NEIGHBOR to her family.

Aaron Earls An only child, at 6’ 5”, DIVISION Aaron played defensive tackle Street and Bridge and nose guard at Reagan High.

TITLE The team was Crew Lead, undefeated in Milling District and narrowly lost the Regional game in his senior year. After graduation, Aaron took the entrance exam for the Army and did very well. About to start out in the world, he discovered he was going to be a father. Two daughters, Laquanda, now 30; and Nalesha, 28, were born of the marriage, but the union didn’t last; the girls’ mother moved them out of state. Aaron was heartbroken. He says “It took me a long while to find my way back.”

Working various jobs, Aaron tried to find his way. But as many of us do, he took the wrong path and found himself in trouble. But the real trouble was just beginning. Dimples

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got colon cancer and Elroy got prostate cancer at the same time.

He reflects, “The values and work ethics today aren’t the same. I was raised to respect my elders and to understand you have to earn what you get - you aren’t entitled to anything. I had to take care of my chores first; we had chickens, ducks and a garden. Dad raised greyhounds, and Mom baked amazing pastries from scratch. Sunday dinners were always at Grandma’s and all the cousins would play together. We had a huge family – and we were all tall, big people. All the women and men were great cooks! Food was a source of comfort and we would sit and listen to family history. For example, my Dad played baseball for the Army and was the only black man on the team.” Aaron’s father described how it felt to not be served in restaurants while traveling with the team; he told stories of hangings and drownings of other AfricanAmericans in Bastrop County, where the Klan was still operating in the 1930s. As a child, Aaron remembers someone trying to run his grandparents off the road. “Racial tensions continue, but are better today. It makes me appreciate my education, values and work ethic.”

Aaron cared for his parents, married 45 years, until they passed within a year of each

other in 2002 and 2003. Shortly afterwards, a Probate Court battle took the house and its contents. Aaron lost his family’s history – photographs, recipes and the home he grew up in.

Rebuilding, Aaron became more conscientious of his own health. Now he eats healthier food, works out at Gold’s Gym and is involved with Healthy Connections programs.

He and new wife Inga are building their own family history and recently celebrated their fourth wedding anniversary. Inga works in medical records for Brackenridge Hospital.

Her children, Darren, 28, and Argilon, 25, were added to the family. Aaron’s oldest daughters returned from California and Aaron’s other children Sherre’, 24, and Aaron Jr., 25, round out the family, now 6 children and many grandchildren. Aaron and Inga ride Harleys and now have a new home.

With Public Works for 16 years, Aaron has worked in Sealcoat and in Overlay. He is now a Crew Lead over Milling Operation and leads by example. He appreciates that Steven Robles empowers him to make decisions and hopes to be a supervisor in the future.

Memory keeper Aaron Earls honors his family and himself by sharing such an amazing story of love and devotion. Giant of a man, larger heart.

was raised to respect my elders and to under“ Istand you have to earn what you get - you aren’t entitled to anything. ” -Aaron Earls, Crew Lead

columns BY michelle frith CONTRIBUTING WRITER

R

andy Harvey sports his usual smile, appearing to hold back a laugh while being interviewed. A man who makes others feel at ease, Randy uses that easy smile and attentive demeanor in his position as Project Manager.

Randy’s parents, Billy and Rosalie, had two teens at home in East Moline, Illinois.

Donna, 18; and Jim, 15, were nearly grown when their parents discovered they were having another baby. Randy was a pleasant surprise for Billy, in grounds mainNEIGHBOR tenance for John Randy Harvey Deere and Rosalie, a CFO and part-owner of DIVISION a construction Project company. Randy Management grew up skiing and boating on the Mississippi TITLE River and played Project offensive and deManager fensive tackle in high school. His team went to State his junior year and was within one game of the state finals. Billy passed away in 2011; Rosalie is retired; Donna is a preschool teacher; and Jim is a retired truck driver.

Randy earned a B.S. in Construction Management from Southern Illinois University. After graduating, he worked as an estimator for a general contractor in Houston for eight months. Not feeling he had enough experience to be successful, Randy returned to Illinois where he worked for Terracon Consultants in the Geotechnical Engineering and Construction Materials Testing field. To further advance his career he joined Professional Service Industries, Inc. (PSI) in Austin as the Construction Materials Testing Department Manager. In June 2004 Randy joined the City of Austin Public Works Department as a Construction Inspector. Sixteen months later, Randy accepted a position as an Inspection Supervisor. He remained in that position for two years until he moved into Project Management.

“Dennis Crabill has been a mentor to me from the very start; he was the first Project Manager I ever worked with as an Inspector and now, as a Project Manager, he is my supervisor. One of the most important aspects of Project Management is interaction with

are people who are only concerned with “ There themselves and appear to be oblivious to the

needs of others around them. But some are willing to sacrifice personally for the benefit of others without a need for recognition or anything in return. That is inspirational.

”

the public stakeholders impacted by our projects. It’s important to recognize that the task of providing public utilities and infrastructure can inconvenience residents, businesses, and the traveling public. As Project Managers we are constantly looking for ways to decrease that level of inconvenience while continuing to be responsible with how we spend tax payer dollars. ” Randy’s smile brightens talking about his wife. “Robin is my best friend in the most complete sense of the word. We’ve been married nearly 20 years.” Robin is an Administrative Senior for PDRD at the Kramer Lane Inspection Office. Randy’s son Shane (26) is in Illinois and son Christopher (24) is in South Carolina. They are both forklift operators. Robin and Randy’s son, Drake (21) is studying to get his EMT certification from Texas State and Alex (18) is graduating high school this year. He has joined the Air Force and will ship out right after graduation. He would like to someday be a teacher.

The family lives in Cedar Park.

Randy takes the train and then bikes to work on his hour-long commute.

He appreciates that he is installing a portion of the Lance Armstrong Bikeway on 3rd Street. Randy has a great time biking and playing guitar, and he and the family are huge Celtics fans. He and Robin are very involved in their church. Randy is a deacon, teaches youth Bible Study, and has been on annual mission trips to New Orleans teaching Vacation Bible School and to Mission, Texas building houses. Robin enjoys working with the elderly.

When asked about inspiration, Randy thinks momentarily then says

- Randy Harvey, Project Manager

“There are people who are only concerned with themselves and appear to be oblivious to the needs of others around them. But some are willing to sacrifice personally for the benefit of others without a need for recognition or anything in return. That is inspirational.”

Caring for others without need for anything in return – maybe that’s what it is about Randy that puts others at ease.

2014 june STREET TALK

11

divisions BY ron koehn & fred garcia CONTRIBUTING WRITERs

Sealcoat Season Find out how Street and Bridge crews prepare Austin for Sealcoat Season.

W

hy is the City working on my street and why are they putting those rocks down? Public Works Sealcoat I & II are out of the gates and going strong. A total of 360 lane miles on 400 of Austin’s streets will receive this preventative measure in 2014, saving Austinites thousands of dollars.

What is sealcoat?

Sealcoat is a thin layer of liquid asphalt covered by a thin layer of clean, organic gravel, which is then rolled and locked in to place.

am proud to work for the City, and “ Ihaving a good crew is a bonus. ” -Joe Hernandez, Sealcoat 1 Team

Street Work Notices, in English and Spanish, are hand delivered to residents twice prior to work being done. Initial notices have general information as to what the work entails, contact information and the Resurfacing Hotline (512) 974-9788. The follow up notice is a 3-Day Street Work Notice that is also hand delivered. This notice is a bit more detailed with instructions on how citizens can help us do a quality job, along with a Customer Service Survey Reply Card. Crews this year are handing out Street & Bridge Operations business cards to citizens with contact information.

Brian Works, Division Manager of Pavement Operations, along with Superintendents Fred Cleveland and Byron Carter, will ensure that the department’s goals are met on time.

step 1 oil is sprayed on the street.

This year our Work Notification Cards are donning a new QR code. This enables Austinites to scan and view the sealcoat process. Try it! step 2 small gravel is spread.

scan here

visit us online!

www.austintexas.gov/streetandbridge

12

STREET TALK june 2014

columns

BY David murray guest WRITER

Music for Kids 2014 The City’s Music Office in partnership with Austin Public Libraries offers summer concert series for kids.

Music for Kids is a partner program to our public libraries’ Summer Reading Program, and is offered over the summer months in 20 different library locations throughout the city. It is a free summer concert series featuring local performers that specialize in children’s music. It provides an environment to stimulate early childhood music development and capitalize on children’s natural inclination to sing, move and play with sound. There is a growing body of evidence to support that early childhood music education not only helps kids develop a lifelong love of music, but may also help improve academic skills such as math and cognitive processing. The ATX Music Office is pleased to help bring these opportunities to Austin’s children.

june 2014 schedule EVENT NAME

DAY

DATE

PERFORMER

TIME

LIBRARY LOCATION

ADDRESS

Music for Kids

Tuesday

June 10

Walter Tragert

2 PM

Southeasy Branch

5803 Nukols Crossing Road

Music for Littles

Wednesday

June 11

Gina Chavez

11 AM

Ruiz Branch

1600 Grove Blvd.

Music for Kids

Monday

June 16

Neal Kassanoff

2 PM

Spicewood Springs Branch 8637 Spicewood Springs Rd.

Music for Littles

Friday

June 20

Gina Chavez

11 AM

Windsor Park Branch

5833 Westminster Dr.

Music for Kids

Sunday

June 22

Lucas Miller

2 PM

Faulk Central Branch

800 Guadalupe St.

Music for Kids

Monday

June 23

Neal Kassanoff

4 PM

Howson Branch

2500 Exposition Blvd.

Music for Kids

Tuesday

June 24

Lucas Miller

4 PM

Old Quarry Branch

7051 Village Center Dr.

Music for Littles

Friday

June 27

Gina Chavez

11 AM

Terrazas Branch

1105 E. Cesar Chavez St.

Music for Kids

Saturday

June 28

Lucas Miller

2 PM

Yarborough Branch

2200 Hancock Dr.

july 2014 schedule EVENT NAME

DAY

DATE

PERFORMER

TIME

LIBRARY LOCATION

ADDRESS

Music for Kids

Tuesday

July 1

Gina Chavez

11 AM

Carver Branch

1161 Angelina St.

Music for Kids

Tuesday

July 1

Walter Tragert

2 PM

Cepeda Branch

651 North Pleasant Valley Rd.

Music for Kids

Thursday

July 10

Neal Kassanoff

2 PM

University Hills Branch

4721 Loyola Ln.

Music for Kids

Tuesday

July 15

Neal Kassanoff

4 PM

Twin Oaks Branch

1800 South 5th St.

Music for Kids

Wednesday

July 16

Neal Kassanoff

2 PM

Hampton Branch at Oak Hill

5125 Convict Hill Rd.

Music for Kids

Monday

June 23

Walter Tragert

2 PM

Little Walnut Creek Branch

835 W Rundberg Ln. Blvd.

2014 june STREET TALK

13

divisions

Project Connect: Central Corridor

L E AN DE R

WIL LIA TR AV MSON IS C OU COU NT NT Y Y

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UND CONER ST

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Regional Rail, Commuter Rail MetroRail (opened 2011), LSTAR (planned)

long with the positive press about Austin being named 1st in Kiplinger’s 10 Best Cities for the Next Decade, and Forbes calling the area between Round Rock and San Marcos the Number 1 Boom Town, Austin has also received a reputation for its less-than-desirable traffic. Recently, USA Today ranked Austin 4th in its top 10 Cities with the Worst Traffic; Time magazine ranked it 8th.

Bus Rapid Transit

AUSTIN

MetroRapid (coming 2014)

Urban Rail

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Right-of-Way Preservation For future transportation corridors C O LO R A D O R I V E R

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ADOPTED JUNE 2012 Map Revised June 2013

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STREET TALK june 2014

and projected criteria such as vehicle, miles traveled, average daily trips, transit ridership, consistency with regional plans, population & employment densities, and economic development, just to name a few.

In January 2014, the Project Team began to focus on “How will we get there?” and identified service characteristics, potential modes, and alignments. Service characteristics considered were reliability, frequency, stop spacing, and speed. Mode characteristics were demand, technology, guide way, and compatibility. Alignment was trickier as the team had to consider right of way constraints, grades, block lengths, street sections, access, and the pedestrian/traffic interface. Another consideration for the team to work through was how to cross Lady Bird Lake, whether by tunnel or bridge. During the process of culling down mode, service, and alignment alternatives, many public meetings were held and the public provided very useful feedback. This feedback helped inform the Project Team in their analysis and recommendation of a Locally Preferred Alternative (LPA).

In May 2014, the Project Team recommended the LPA to the Central Corridor Advisory Group (CCAG). (SEE MAP) The LPA entails nine and a half miles of urban rail with sixteen stations at major destinations and connections to MetroRail & MetroBus services.

The alignment runs from Riverside at Grove to ACC Highland. The LPA calls for a new bridge over Lady Bird Lake with the potential to become multi-modal and include pedestrians and cyclists. The trains will carry 16,000-20,000

W CE

Planned corridors, stations, routes and modes of transit for planned lines are conceptual only.

FR

To get things moving, in 2012 the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (CAMPO) and the Mayor reinstated the Transit Working Group (TWG) where Project Connect was realized as the vision for Central Texas’ high-capacity transit system. The vision of this group is to address: Congestion, Core, Constraints, Centers and Growth. In 2013, a team was assembled to conduct a high-capacity transit study that would result in a recommendation to City Council for Austin’s next major transit investment.

Project Manager, Allison Dietzel, oversees contracts with URS Corp and Austin Urban Rail Partners. Allison said, “We’ve been very fortunate to develop a strong and cohesive team with our Capital Metro counterparts and consultants. The experience and wealth of knowledge brought to the project by the team has provided a one-of-a-kind learning opportunity.”

Throughout the varying phases of this project, the team has been asked to decide “Where are we going?” and “How will we get there?” to determine the best strategic routes for the city using comprehensive data. They have also done extensive public outreach to hear the needs of the community as well.

To kick off Phase 1, the Central Corridor was first divided into ten sub-corridors and the Core. The Core includes: The University of Texas, Capitol Complex, and Downtown.

The sub-corridors were evaluated based on feedback from the numerous public workshops and from the technical team. The team evaluated the sub-corridors based on current

14

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1

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How the City is moving closer to laying down track for Urban Rail

183

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37

people per day and will arrive every ten minutes or less during rush hour, and every fifteen minutes or less the rest of the day and on weekends. The total cost of the entire nine and a half mile route is estimated at $1.38B. In June the Mayor’s CCAG will reconvene to make their recommendation to City Council on an LPA. City Council and the Capital Metro Board will also take action around that time. Project Connect staff will attend City Council on June 26, 2014, and in August,

divisions

Georgetown

130612NGX

BY Robin Field contributing writer

Taylor

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will decide whether to call a bond election in November for a variety of transportation initiatives. If the bond election is favorable and the FTA accepts the application into New Starts Project Definition phase, the Project Team will complete NEPA and apply for New Starts Project Development (PD) phase.

When NEPA and PD are complete, the FTA will evaluate the project to determine if it’s acceptable to move into engineering phase.

Near the completion of engineering, the FTA

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MetroRapid 803 is coming Fall 2014

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Central Corridor Recommended Urban Rail Route

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will review and rate the project and approve New Starts funding in competition with other submitted projects from around the country.

If approved, a Full Funding Grant Agreement will be signed and construction will begin.

ERS

I DE

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References: www.projectconnect.com, www.fta.dot.gov, and Project Connect: Central Corridor Executive Summary.

2014 JUNE STREET TALK

15

divisions

Restacking the Decks at OTC

PWD offices at One Texas Center will soon get a new look…and a new floor.

H

ave you heard? One Texas Center (OTC) is being reorganized to consolidate departments and make much needed room for incoming staff. I know you’ve heard it before, and you might be rolling your eyes, but this truly is happening! Over the long term, OTC will need a complete overhaul, but rather than wait for the huge amount of funding required to do this, the Strategic Facilities Governance Team (SFGT) has been working with directors who have staff housed in OTC to deliver a minimal cost, interim reshuffling of our workspaces.

Whatever you heard… it was wrong

Big Ideas to guide the concept plan

Several PWD folks have come up to me and said things like, “I heard our entire division is moving to OTC,” or “I’ve been told that it’s a done deal. We will be on the 8th floor.”

I will share with you the same thing I said to them: I don’t know exactly what you may have heard, but I can tell you it was wrong.

The simple fact is we don’t know where everyone is going. The target we have been given is the 8th and 9th floors of OTC and the City of Austin leases at 105 Riverside. We’ve just started to explore how everyone will fit in these areas.

Some of the big ideas that have come forward will certainly resonate with you. The list below is just a glimpse of the desires already shared through the Executive Staff and Division Managers:

We are in good hands…. our own Independent of the SFGT’s space planner, our Director has authorized us to engage the Bommarito Group, a design/space planning firm. The Bommarito Group will take our “wish list” and create a conceptual space plan we can present to the SFGT. Howard has made it clear that if we are going to move, we are going to move into a better workspace.

Since this is to be a temporary move, we will need to be mindful of how we spend our money. Luckily, many of the improvements can be handled by simply reconfiguring our layout. Other ideas will require a fair amount of capital investment and we may have to create a few “placeholders” that are designed but not implemented.

16

STREET TALK june 2014

Access to daylight and views: Providing the opportunity for most (if not all) PWD staff to have access to daylight and views is a high priority as we start designing with Bommarito. Reconfiguring our space will allow us to pull hard wall offices and tall cubicles away from the windows. In their place we are proposing to locate workstations with lower walls along the perimeter so daylight can penetrate the space for everyone to enjoy.

Privacy: The ability to have a truly private conversation is another goal we hope to achieve with this reconfiguration. Workstations absorb some sound, but we all need access to spaces where we can make a personal phone call, have a private conversation, or just get away for a few minutes to focus and think.

Collaboration space: There is no replacement for face-to-face interaction and having a variety of easily accessible conference rooms will be a high priority as we launch into our conceptual space plan. Beyond conference rooms, we hope to carve out some areas that have a more relaxed feel and can foster opportunities for impromptu collaboration. Looking for places to “eddy” and stop for a conversation as we go from point A to point B will further the goal of making our reconfigured workspace an active place for collaboration. One of the ideas certainly to be bookmarked but

divisions

BY Kit johnson contributing writer

Lead by example

surveyor’s

We know this reconfiguration is not going to be the end-all-be-all of office space remodels, but there is great potential to test out a few of the ideas we have to improve our workspace. Hopefully, other departments will see and experience some of the simple innovations we enact and follow suit. Some departments have already pushed the envelope and created stimulating, inspiring workspaces. I’ve heard great things about the Special Events Office’s conference room on the 10th floor and the Office of Sustainability’s Offices in the Street Jones building. My hope is that by this time next year, other departments will be requesting to meet our place simply because they like hanging out in our crib.

one potential redesign look

not forgotten is an internal open stair between our department’s floors. An attractive, wide and open staircase between floors would not only encourage taking the stairs between floors, but would be designed as a place for collaboration and visual connection to further pull our department together.

2014 JUNE STREET TALK

17

How do you define play?

Along with fulfilling work, play is an essential enzyme of a well-lived life.

18

STREET TALK june 2014

A

fter an unusually cold winter with its share of ice days and a brief, fleeting spring, summer is finally upon us. It’s time to swap out those winter coats for sunscreen. Beginning in June, it seems the entire city lets out a collective sigh and relaxes a bit as the weather heats up. City Council takes a short hiatus from meetings. Kids are out of school and traffic flows easier with 50,000-plus UT students on break. In the languid heat, thoughts inevitably turn to late night BBQs, midnight swims, and Fourth of July festivities.

Although the City might slow down, it doesn’t stop. As one of the City’s busiest departments, PWD could easily be called “the Department that Never Sleeps.” Despite the temptation to grab a cold lemonade and hide out in a shady spot for the next three months, PWD “gets ‘er done” all summer long. Our Street and Bridge Operation is out in force, ensuring that Austin’s streets, curbs, and infrastructure stay in good repair. Project managers, engineers and inspectors don’t miss a beat making sure that project design and construction contin-

feature BY carolyn perez chief reporter

without play is a mechanical existence “ Life organized around doing the things necessary for

survival. Play is the stick that stirs the drink. It is the basis of all art, games, books, sports, movies, fashion, fun, and wonder—in short, the basis of what we think of as civilization.

”

- Dr. Stuart Brown, founder, National Institute for Play

ues without interruption. Various other PWD departments including Human Resources, Quality Standards, PIO and Public Worker’s University never have an off season. Throughout the summer months, our executive team will be busy planning next year’s budget to make sure the coming fiscal year is a financially healthy one.

In short, we work hard, rain or shine, hot or cold. Yet, as the days get longer, most of us get the urge to kick up our heels and let loose. Perhaps we’re nostalgic for school days, when a three-month long break seemed to stretch ahead of us with infinite possibilities.

When the school bell rang on the last day of school, we looked forward to eating buttered popcorn in air conditioned movie theaters, climbing trees, wandering through vacant

lots in search of adventure, and slathering on coconut-scented “SPF 0” tanning oil in our quest for the perfect tan.

Although those idyllic summers are now distant memories, we still need, crave, and deserve downtime. Neuroscientists have known for some time that baby rats deprived of play opportunities end up with smaller, stunted brains, and grow into fearful adults. A growing body of scientific research is now showing that the adult human brain also benefits from play. Play enables our brain to create rich new neural pathways and stay flexible as we age.

Flexibility, of course, is what allows us to innovate, create, solve problems, and continuously adapt our behavior to thrive in an everchanging world. Besides all it does for our noggins, it’s just plain fun! According to Dr. Stuart Brown, a pioneer in research on play, humans are unique among mammals in that we’re designed to play throughout our entire lives. As Dr. Brown enthusiastically comments, “nothing lights up the brain like play.”

There is truth in the old saying “all work and no play make Jack a dull boy.” Life without play is drudgery and can make us feel stressed out and miserable. With competing demands from work, family, school and endless to-do lists that seemingly pull us in a thousand different directions, unstructured down time is a prescription for a healthy, balanced life.

The type of play Dr. Brown is talking about can take many forms: storytelling, playing music, three-dimensional physical play such as sports, board or card games or simply daydreaming. Above all, it should be unfettered and joyful. In other words, if it requires a lot of planning and if it stresses you out it doesn’t count as play!

While working on masterpieces, the fa-

mous Renaissance painter Leonardo Da Vinci used to infuriate his patrons by leaving the job site for several hours at a time, claiming he needed inspiration and that “the greatest geniuses work less.” Obviously as public workers we can’t very well walk off a job site for hours at a time (that would likely involve some ‘splaining to our supervisors!), but we can adopt a playful mindset while at work.

Sure, the work we do here at PWD is serious business, but it can be approached with a lightness and sense of fun.

When was the last time you played?

I’m referring to the type of “turn yourself inside out” type of joyful play we experienced as children. Brigid Schulte writes in her new book “Overwhelmed” that in order to incorporate more play into our lives, we must be intentional and make it a priority rather than afterthought. Many Americans, especially working parents or those caring for elderly relatives, tend to plan for the someday, as in “I’ll have fun someday, when the kids are grown and the madness has stopped…someday when I retire…someday when my bank account is fatter.” The problem with this approach is none of us knows how much time we have on this earth. Why wait years or even decades to truly enjoy life? Do what you can now to weave more joy into the workplace and home.

For many of us, travel is a form of play.

This summer, PWD employees will crisscross the globe visiting exotic locales. Director Howard Lazarus will say “ciao” this month when he heads to Italy to soak up some culture and sample that country’s cuisine. Courtney Black, Street Talk’s editor, recently returned refreshed and inspired from a trip to Italy, Spain, and Germany. Other PWD employees we spoke to plan to visit Latin America,

2014 june STREET TALK

19

feature

continued from pg. 19

America’s National Parks, New York City, and Nantucket, to name just a few places.

If a trip abroad or out of state is not in your immediate future, don’t despair! Austin and the surrounding areas just so happen to be fantastic places to spend the summer, despite the heat. While preparing this issue of Street Talk, the Communication Team brainstormed some ways to help you have a playful summer. In this spirit of play, we challenge you to:

Get out of your comfort zone UT’s Informal Classes can be a great place to start to try something completely new. Archery, boxing, ballroom or salsa dancing, digital photography, acrylic painting, standup comedy are just a few of the courses they offer. http://cie.austin.utexas.edu/informalclasses/

Chill out National Ice Cream Day is on July 20th; head to one of these local spots for a cold treat: Amy’s Ice Cream – Famous for its Mexican Vanilla, Amy’s features more than 350 rotating flavors with 13 locations around town. http://www.amysicecreams.com/ Casey’s New Orleans Sno-Balls – The Big Easy meets Austin at this stand known for its chocolate cream sno-balls. 808 E 51st Street. http://www.caseys-snowballs.com/ Dolce Neve – A trio of Italian owners crank out gelato made with local, seasonal ingredients such as Poteet strawberries. 1713 South First Street. http://dolcenevegelato.com/pages/index.aspx Jim Jim’s – this popular establishment serves “Italian water ice,” a traditional Philadelphia concoction made with fruit puree and ice.

Concession stands around town. http://www.jimjimswaterice.com/index.htm

FEED your mind In addition to its popular children’s programming, The Austin Public Library has great offerings for adults too. Their events calendar is chock full of free fun--everything from book clubs and film screenings to chess games and art exhibits. http://library.austintexas.gov/adult-events

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STREET TALK june 2014

enjoy summers bounty Through a partnership between the City and the Sustainable Food Center, employees can order fresh produce from Lightsey Farms. Order weekly from a secure site; baskets are $20.

Produce pick-up is on Tuesdays at two City worksites: 10:15 a.m.

One Texas Center 10:30 a.m.

Waller Creek Center For more information, visit Farm to Work on the HealthyConnections website.

Ditch the car

Headed downtown to see the fireworks or to catch some live music? It’s incredibly liberating to get around by bike. Austin B-Cycle, the City’s Bike Share partner, has 40 bike kiosks in and around downtown. They offer COA employees a generous 50 percent discount on annual memberships. Check it out! http://Austin.Bcycle.com

see stars Is there anything more magical and relaxing than gazing up the heavens on a summer night? Austin, being a large, well-lit metro area, is not always ideal for stargazing but there are observatories within a half day’s drive that would make for a fun, three-day weekend: George Observatory - Located about one hour’s drive south of Houston within the 5,000 acre Brazos Bend State Park, George Observatory is a satellite facility of the Houston Museum of Natural Science. http://www.hmns.org/ index.php?option=com_content&view=article &id=107&Itemid=115 McDonald Observatory - This UT-owned facility is famous for its spectacular viewing due to its state of the art telescopes and the pollution-free skies of West Texas. Located 450 miles west of Austin. http://mcdonaldobservatory.org/

columns

Take a Dip: Parks and Recreation Department Pool Schedule When the mercury hits triple digits, we’re lucky to live in a city blessed with an abundance of swimming holes. north austin facilities NAME

ADDRESS

Type of Facility

Facility Schedule

Bailey Splash Pad

1101 W. 33rd St.

Splash pad

5/17 – 9/7

Balcones 12017 Amherst Dr. Neighborhood pool 6/6 – 8/24 Brentwood

6710 Arroyo Seco

Neighborhood pool

6/6 – 8/24

Kennemer

1031 Peyton Gin Rd.

Neighborhood pool

6/6 – 8/24

Murchison

3700 North Hills Dr.

Neighborhood pool

6/6 – 8/24

Northwest (Beverly S. Sheffield)

7000 Ardath St.

Municipal pool

4/28 – 9/7

Walnut Creek

12138 N. Lamar Blvd.

Municipal pool

6/6 – 8/24

ADDRESS

Type of Facility

Facility Schedule

Bartholomew

1800 E. 51st St.

Municipal pool

6/6 – 8/24

Bartholomew Splash Pad

5200 Berkman Dr.

Splash pad

5/17 – 9/7

Chestnut Splash Pad

1404 E. 16th St.

Splash pad

5/17 – 9/7

east austin facilities NAME

Civitan 513 Vargas Rd. Neighborhood pool 6/6 – 8/24 Dottie Jordan

2803 Loyola Ln.

Neighborhood pool

6/6 – 7/11

Givens

3811 E. 12th St.

Neighborhood pool

6/6 – 7/11

Govalle 5200 Bolm Rd. Neighborhood pool 6/6 – 8/24 Kealing 1500 Rosewood Ave. Neighborhood pool Closed Lott Splash Pad

1108 Curves

Splash pad

5/17 – 9/7

Mabel Davis

3427 Parker Ln.

Municipal pool

6/6 – 8/24

Martin

1626 Nash Hernandez Sr. Dr.

Neighborhood pool

6/6 – 8/24

Metz

2407 Canterbury St.

Neighborhood pool

6/6 – 8/24

Metz Splash Pad

2407 Canterbury St.

Splash pad

5/17 – 9/7

Montopolis

1200 Montopolis Dr.

Neighborhood pool

6/6 – 8/24

Parque Zaragoza

741 Pedernales St.

Neighborhood pool

6/6 – 8/24

Patterson 1400 Wilshire Blvd. Neighborhood pool 6/6 – 8/24 Rosewood

1182 Pleasant Valley

Neighborhood pool

6/6 – 8/24

Rosewood Splash Pad

2300 Rosewood Ave.

Splash pad

5/17 – 9/7

St. Johns 889 Wilkes Neighborhood pool Closed

2014 june STREET TALK

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columns

continued from pg. 21

south austin facilities NAME

ADDRESS

Type of Facility

Facility Schedule

Barton Springs Pool

2131 William Barton Dr.

Municipal pool

Big Stacy

700 E. Live Oak St.

Neighborhood pool

5/13 – 9/30

Dick Nichols

8011 Beckett Rd.

Neighborhood pool

6/6 – 8/24

Dittmar

1009 W. Dittmar Dr.

Neighborhood pool

6/6 – 8/18

Dove Springs

5701 Ainez Dr.

Neighborhood pool

6/6 – 8/24

Please check online schedule for closures

Garrison 6001 Manchaca Rd. Municipal pool 6/6 – 8/24 Gillis

2504 S. Durwood Ave.

Neighborhood pool

6/6 – 8/24

Little Stacy Wading

1400 East Side Dr.

Wading pool

6/6 – 8/24

Odom Wading 1001 Sahara Ave. Wading pool Closed Ricky Guerrero Splash Pad

2006 S. Sixth St.

Splash pad

5/7 – 9/7

ADDRESS

Type of Facility

Facility Schedule

Clarksville Splash Pad

1811 W. 11th St.

Splash pad

5/17 – 9/7

Deep Eddy

401 Deep Eddy Ave.

Municipal pool

4/8 – 10/31

Eastwoods Splash Pad

3001 Harris Park Blvd.

Splash pad

5/17– 9/7

Palm

201 N. IH 35 Frontage

Neighborhood pool

Closed

Pease Splash Pad

1100 Kingsbury St.

Splash pad

5/17 – 9/7

west austin facilities NAME

Ramsey 4200 Burnet Rd. Neighborhood pool 6/6 – 8/24 Shipe 4400 Ave. G Neighborhood pool 6/6 – 8/24 Shipe Wading

4400 Ave. G

Wading pool

6/6 – 8/24

West Austin

1317 W. 10th St.

Neighborhood pool

6/6 – 8/24

Westenfield

2000 Enfield Rd.

Neighborhood pool

6/6 – 8/24

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STREET TALK june 2014

divisions BY stephen robles and Esther crawford CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Street and Bridge completes special overlay project: Emma Long Metropolitan Park gets a fresh new look.

I

n April of 2014, Street and Bridge crews worked diligently to complete a special overlay project to revamp the existing asphalt at Emma Long Metropolitan Park. In about three days (after Seal Coat 1 and Utility Cuts did the preliminary prep work), crews took asphalt in various states of wear and disrepair and transformed it into a smooth, polished surface. Staff used approximately 2,200 tons of type D, recycled asphalt to complete the job -- all of this, right before the Easter holiday. It took the concerted effort of various staff working together to execute this project in an effective and timely manner. Kudos to all involved for their hard work and dedication.

before

day two

before

Day Two

after

overlay complete

2014 june STREET TALK

23

events

Public Works Connects You...

All Around Austin Public Workers help prepare for the changing season with an array of exciting new projects and much to celebrate!

Bartholomew Pool Gets a Face Lift!

Located at 1800 E. 51st Street, Bartholomew Pool was closed in 2009 due to leaks and structural problems and was in dire need of major renovations. By 2012, Chasco Constructors was awarded a design-build contract to construct a signature aquatic facility under the guidance of Robert Egan, Project Manager.

Construction on the pool began in September 2012, but was not without its challenges. During demolition, asbestos pipe had to be abated, and at one point the project was halted due to excessive ground water. Once these issues were resolved, construction resumed. A grand opening event occured on Saturday, June 7.

The new and improved Bartholomew Pool now boasts a lap pool with a diving well and a one-meter board; a recreation pool with a lily pad walk; a kiddie pool with a frog slide; and two, tubular water slides. Shade structures protect from the Texas sun while natural limestone blocks compliment the extensive landscaping. The entry, with its monumental sign, is skirted by the men’s and women’s bath houses. The family bath houses, a separate structure, helps to buffer road noise.

Barton Springs Grounds Improvements Project Wraps Up Just in Time for Summer The Barton Springs Grounds Improvements Project is nearing completion and is poised to be complete this month. May was a big month for the project and a lot of important tasks were finished. One of the larger ticket items was the moving of the historical monument to a more prominent location on the south side of the grounds. Another exciting milestone was the installation of a new bike rack (pictured) that is now open to the public. Sod has also been laid and staff is asking pool patrons to respect the established boundaries while the grass roots into the soil and strengthens. Other work recently completed includes the new south parking lot, installation of more bike racks in the tree court, and preparation for the new ADA lookout path.

This project has made a number of improvements ranging from preserving the health of the Heritage Oaks on the site, to protecting the native riparian habitat of Barton Springs and the population of the endangered salamanders, to making the springs more accessible to park and pool users. We cannot wait for the public to enjoy and experience all of the exciting changes! This project is managed by Robin Camp.

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STREET TALK june 2014

10-1 Renovations in Progress

Effective May 9, the contractor for the City Hall Renovations project, or 10-1, received a notice to proceed. Under the supervision of Project Manager David Smythe-Macaulay, the contractor began demolition work on the second floor and will continue through June. In late June, renovation of City Council Chambers will add space at the dais (see dais rendering) for Council Members and create more space for media and staff. Also, modifications and enhancements will be done to audio/visual, information technology, lighting and mechanical systems.

During the remodeling, City Council meetings will be moved to the Travis County Commissioners Court at 700 Lavaca St. The first meeting will take place on August 8. Council meetings are scheduled to resume in City Hall in October 2014.

The Boards and Commissions Room will be available throughout the majority of the project. Those Boards and Commissions meetings that take place in Council Chambers or in Room 1029 (the Staff Bullpen) will be moved. A schedule of these meetings will be made available on the City Clerk’s webpage at www.austintexas.gov/cityclerk.

During construction, the more disruptive construction activities will take place outside of the normal work day. Parking and access to City Hall will not be affected.

This is for the birds! NPP Meadowview Triangle Birdhouse is ready for nesting Central Library Project’s “Big Pour” a Big Success On Saturday, May 10, construction of the new Central Library reached a pivotal milestone when the construction manager placed approximately 9,000 cubic yards of concrete to form the building’s foundation. This extraordinary undertaking began at 10 p.m. Saturday night and involved more than 1,000 concrete trucks entering and exiting the job site in a continuous 24-hour rotation. Each truck took approximately one and a half minutes to deposit its concrete. APD officers were on hand to direct and keep traffic along Cesar Chavez moving as efficiently as possible.

The resulting slab is approximately 5-6 feet thick and contains 1,433 tons of reinforcing steel.

The Central Library is scheduled for completion in 2016. Cindy Jordan serves as Project Manager.

Crews worked throughout the night to spread the concrete over reinforced steel.

The legendary Meadowview Triangle Birdhouse/condominium high-rise has officially opened for business. The birdhouse, installed April 29th, was the final element of a Neighborhood Partnering Project that turned a triangular plot of land into a pocket park, complete with trails, landscaping, and benches.

The design and construction of the birdhouse was completed by members of the Highland Neighborhood Organization. The installation of the birdhouse was made possible by combined efforts from Street and Bridge and Austin Energy. Many thanks to those who went above and beyond to make this neighborhood dream a reality!

Cinco de Mayo Celebrated in Austin Style Austin celebrated Cinco de Mayo on Monday, May 5, with the EMS Color Guard opening the ceremony at City Hall. Hosted by Council Member Mike Martinez and the Austin Hispanic Network, this event showcased live music from Johnny Degollado, Mariachi Estrella, and the Saltillo Choir; along with dance performances in a colorful celebration of Mexican history.

2014 june STREET TALK

25

events

continued from pg. 25

National Public Works Week recognized publicly, celebrated internally On May 15, Mayor Lee Leffingwell presented PWD Director Howard Lazarus with a proclamation in Council recognizing May 18-24 as National Public Works Week. The proclamation read, in part, “I am pleased to recognize the contributions which public works makes every day to our health, safety, comfort and quality.�

Following the Mayoral kickoff, Public Works Week was celebrated in house with two fun events, the Public Works Family Picnic at Commons Ford Ranch and Public Works Days at the Movies. Both events were designed to thank PWD employees for all the excellent work they do. Look for pictures from both events in the next issue of Street Talk!

Building Community Relations for the Dove Springs Recreation Center Expansion Project Anticipated in 2016, the City of Austin will begin work on the Dove Springs District Park Recreation Center Expansion project. To prepare for this, the Parks and Recreation Department worked alongside Public Works to reach out the community to gain useful input on the project. Staff reached out to a number of stakeholder groups, area schools, faith organizations, the media, and utilized social media to get the word out and encourage participation.

At the May 28 community meeting, the public was asked what types of services and programming they would like to see incorporated into the design of the facility expansion. Meeting attendees were organized into small groups to share their ideas and a presentation was given in English and in Spanish.

Staff is currently compiling and tabulating responses and will use them to determine potential variations and designs for the expansion.

Another community meeting will be held at the end of this summer to present design options to the community. More information on this process, as well as an online survey, is available at http://austintexas.gov/dovespringsproject.

26

STREET TALK june 2014

street talk extra UPDATES FROM THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT

WHO’S

THAT?

New Employee Ice Scream Social

On May 2nd the new Public Works employees gathered near Sandy Beach for an ice cream social and meet and greet with our Director Howard Lazarus.

Pictured (L to R): Justin Norvell, Stephanie Rinquet, Ruben Lopez, Jennifer Pierce, Gracie Sanchez, Howard Lazarus

ESD Corner farewell Dan Lofton, Project Coordinator, left ESD on May 2nd to join AWU Pipeline Engineering. Dan started his employment with the Construction Inspection Division in June 2001 prior to moving to ESD. We wish you the best Dan!

service pins In the last division meeting, the following employees received their service pins, 5 years, 10 years and 15 years respectively: Bimal Adhikary Jorge Chavez Carlos Garcia Aaron Hanna Shirin Helmi Richard Fraser Roger Hickman Fredrick Reza Kevin Sweat John Brown Luciano Tamayo

5 years 5 years 5 years 5 years 5 years 10 years 10 years 10 years 10years 15 years 15 years

April 7, 2008 Dec 1, 2008 Mar 9, 2009 Jan 2, 2008 Jan 9, 2008 Feb 3, 2003 Jan 18, 2004 Feb 23, 2004 March 1, 2004 Dec 30, 1998 Sept 8, 1998

Street & Bridge WARM WELCOME Let’s give a warm welcome to Cornelius Smith and Leonard Joyner for joining the Sealcoat II team. Both were hired as Technician II and come to the group with several years of driving and construction experience. Please join us in congratulating and welcoming them into their new positions with SBO Sealcoat II.

Farewell Adios buen amiga…

Our Street Talk Family got a little bit smaller in May. Shannon Wisner has taken an opportunity for promotion at Austin Energy. We are very happy for her continued success, but are incredibly sad to see her go!

Shannon has been a huge part of what made Street Talk so special (and well-organized!) and PWD will miss her humor and talent immensely.

She was such an asset to all of us who worked with her daily, and we are better for having worked side-by-side with such a great person! Austin Energy is lucky to have you, Shannon! Thank you for everything you have done for Public Works and please don’t ever be a stranger.

2014 april STREET TALK

27

milestones HAPPY RETIREMENT

Tales from the 6th

by Charles Felipa Sr.

A bizarre tale to say the least…

I was sitting in my work truck on 6th Street one day when a gentleman (let’s call him Les) approaches my window. I rolled it down and ask him how I may help him; be careful what you ask for is all I can say.

This was our conversation: Les: Can you help me get a city job?

Charles: No sir, but I can direct you to the city website where you can apply for all available positions.

Les: Well, let me tell you my situation. I am homeless because my mother decided she wasn’t going to take care of me anymore.

Charles: Just out of curiosity, how old are you sir?

Les: I’m 58. What’s that have to do with my mother kicking me to the curb?!?

Charles: My guess is a whole lot.

Les: After all I have done for her? She catches me forging her signature on a social security check and that’s a deal breaker? That’s insane!

city slackers

Charles: All you have done for her, or to her?

Les: That’s a good question, but I am not going to answer it…she kicked me to the curb and never encouraged me to follow my dreams.

Charles: What are your dreams?

Les: My whole life I wanted to be a con-man and she just told me that it’s dishonest and going to land me in jail.

Charles: Was she right?

Les: Yes she was right, but that’s beside the point! I did a stretch in jail…and I learned a valuable lesson.

Charles: What’s that?

Les: Don’t get caught!

Charles: Okay. I was thinking you were leaning more toward ‘honesty is the best policy’ or ‘crime doesn’t pay’, but that’s one way to look at it. Have you gotten caught since the valuable lesson?

Les: Yes, but that’s beside the point!

Charles: What is the point?

Les: Heck if I know! (Walks away)

George Jackson, Project Manager, has decided to retire. His last day in the office will be June 27. We would like to thank George for his service and contributions to PMD and wish him well in all of his future endeavors!

Clayton Craig, Project Coordinator, announced with a heavy heart after 28 years of service his last day in the office would be June 6. We would like to thank Clayton for his devotion and dedication to the department and most certainly Street and Bridge Operations. He will be missed in many ways. Thank you Clayton!

If anyone is wondering, he never did give me the opportunity to give him the city website.

But then again, that’s beside the point!

The Maniacs

CIPID’s softball team recently took 3rd place in coed softball at the City Olympics.

Multi-departmental sand volleyball team recently took 1st place at the City Olympics, two-years in a row! Great job City Slackers!

Pictured: Patty Moreno, Lisa Wheller, Carmen Morgan, Annie Van Zant, Selinda Mendez, Theresa Mendez, Larry Mendez, Allison Dietzel, Jay Sanchez, Eric Maldonado, Simon Orta, David Taylor, Lawrence Alvarez, Beto Reyes. Not Pitcured: Tony Lopez and Rick Ramones.

Kudos to PWD employee, Susan Garnett.

Kudos to the team for representing PWD so well!

28

STREET TALK june 2014

divisions BY michelle frith contributing WRITER to Public Works scenarios, present real-world examples and encourage staff to consider applications in not just their work life, but in their personal life as well.

The classes are just a small part of the instructional services PWU offers to Public Works. Additional in-house classes are being developed, both online and classroom, and further classes will be offered through a training vendor. In the near future, PWU will roll out to another division, offering these courses and many other services, to be announced.

Lucky you, you have access to the classes, but those guys on the other side of the door at Harold Court will have to wait to find out what all the fun was about!

Class Act

Public Workers are learning lessons based on respect through PWU.

YOUR DESTINATION AWAITS

S

upervisors from other departments stared through the window in the door of the break room at Harold Court. The intermittent laughter inside raised curiosity – what were those Public Works guys learning in there? Between December 2013 and April 2014 Public Workers University (PWU) taught 35 separate classes to approximately 180 staff from Street and Bridge Operations. The thirty-five classes were comprised of four “core” courses for all PWD employees to take as part of their Career Progression. At the heart of each is the concept of respect for self and others. Utilizing role playing and videos, participants learned how to have an impact on their review process, how to be better communicators and listeners and how to effectively manage conflict. They are learned how etiquette affects them and the people who live and work around them. The courses received exceptional evaluations and comments from the

participants. On a five-point scale, with 5 being the highest, the answer to the evaluation question of “I would recommend this class to others, “The Friction Factor: Illuminating the Principles of Conflict Resolution” received an overall rating of 4.76; “Employee Etiquette and Public Perception” received a rating of 4.74; “Effective Communication: Creating Understanding, Getting Results” resulted in a score of 4.79 and “Potential Difference: Knowing Your Potential, Strategizing Your Future and Taking Control of YOUR SSPR” rated a 4.77.

You may be wondering, “How can I get into those classes?” Not to worry! Public Workers University has created a launch strategy for each division and plans to offer these same four courses throughout the department.

Developed in-house, the four core classes now being offered by PWU are customized

Our bags are packed.

Are yours?

Coming soon to a division near you….

2014 june STREET TALK

29

calendar

JUNE Monday

Tuesday Wednesday Thursday

2

0

0

3

Kerrville Folk Festival

class 1-5 PM LRC@ABIA

9

1

6

4

1

Safety Plus Meeting (SBO Pavement & Infrastructure) class 8-9 AM Cheathem Facility

0

1

Safety Meeting (PWD/PMD/ESD/CID) 8:30-9:30 AM OTC-325

Quarter 3 PE Registration Starts

0

0

5

Safety Meeting (HRO/OOD/SSD/QSMD/ ESD/NCD/FSD/SED) 9:45-10:45 AM OTC-325

1

Safety Plus Meeting (SBO District Maintenance) class 8-9 AM Cheathem Facility

Nerd Nite

1

7

1

New Employee Safety Orientation (NESO)

National Donut Day

West End First Thursday

Zilker Pops Concert

8

1 Republic of Texas Biker Rally

2

3

4

OSHA 10 7:30 AM to 11:30 AM

Moonlight Margarita Run

5

1

9

2

0

1

2

Safety Plus Meeting (PWD SBO- Utility Structures)

2

8

1

4

6

1

5

2

1

Sunday

2

7

2

2

2

8

Sunday

class 8-9 AM Cheathem Facility

0

Summer Begins

$ PAY DAY

Quarter 2 PE ends

7:30 AM to 11:30 AM

0

0

Father’s Day

CDL/ D&A Orientation

2

Sunday

3

OSHA 10

Trailer Park Tuesdays

0

1

7

National Trails Day

$ PAY DAY

class 8-9:30 AM 105 Riverside Dr. Ste 200

2

0

Sunday

Juneteenth

3

6

8:30 AM-4:30 PM OTC-325

First Thursday

class 1-5 PM LRC@ABIA

2

0

Saturday

Defensive Driving New Employee Safety Orientation (NESO)

0

Moontower Comedy

Friday

0

3

0

4

Ramadan Begins

2

9

0

5

Sunday 0 30

STREET TALK june 2014

6

calendar

JULY Monday 3

0

Tuesday Wednesday Thursday

Friday

3

0

0

1

0

2

0

Rooster Teeth Expo

First Thursday

0

8

Quarter 3 PE Starts

1

0

9

1

0

0

1 Capital City Comic Con

1

Bastille Day Festival

1

5

1

6

1

7

0

6

1

2

Sunday

Nerd Nite

4

5

Sunday

Independence Day- OFFICE CLOSED

$ PAY DAY

7

4

Austin Symphony July 4th Concert & Fireworks

West End First Thursday

0

Saturday

1

8

1

3

1

9

Forest Creek Central TX Amateur

Sunday $ PAY DAY

Go Texan Restaurant Round-Up

2

1

2

2

2

3

2

4

2

2

0

2

6

Forest Creek Central TX Amateur

5

Sunday Ramadan Ends

2

8

2

9

3

0

3

1

0

1

2 0

7

2

Sunday Trailer Food Tuesdays

You can find further details about Austin Events from austin.bigweekendcalendars.com

0 2014 june STREET TALK

3 31

Write in to us with your suggestions regarding:

Milestones

nominations

writing a guest column photo contribution

special events going on in your division employee PROFILE NOMINATIONS ...and anything else we may have missed or you want people to know about

CONTACT US:

streettalk@austintexas.gov