Street Talk | Spring 2016 | The Environmental Issue

VOLUME 6 ISSUE 1

The Environmental Issue See ways the City of Austin is looking into the future to keep our city clean and green! Enjoy three guest articles from departments within the City.

Campus Collaboration The Neighborhood Partnering Program teams up with college students tackle program questions.

Guest Column

$10,000 Innovation Prize Awarded to [Re] Verse Pitch Competition Winner, Austin resident, Brandon Ward.

REPORTING ON WHAT MATTERS TO PUBLIC WORKS

SPRING 2016

director’s message

BY HOWARD LAZARUS DIRECTOR

Taking the Pulse of the Department

Examining the Listening to the Workforce Survey Results

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’m going to depart from using the Director’s Message to amplify the theme of this edition of Street Talk to discuss the recently received results of the annual Listening to the Workforce Survey (LTWS). The LTWS is used to collect data from across the City’s workforce, and results are provided to department Directors and Human Resources staff. In Public Works, we analyze the information, and then use it to make decisions about where to allocate our resources, focus our training and communications, and to make adjustments that will hopefully guide us along the path of becoming and remaining a workplace of choice for all of us.

I’ve tracked the results over the past several years to identify areas where we’ve improved, where we have fallen back, and where, quite frankly, we need additional information. The table below provides a summary of the data by general area and compares the 2015 survey to our best and worst since 2008, and to City-wide results. The percentages are reflective of the portion of the workforce that is satisfied in that area. Areas where we exceed the City-wide results by five percent or more are highlighted in green. There are no areas where we trail the City-wide results by more than five percent.

I’LL REFERENCE THIS TABLE AS I SHARE MY THOUGHTS ON HOW THE DATA IS SPEAKING TO US:

AREA Participation Rate Uses the LTW results for decisions.

Well informed about workplace events.

Communicates City PRIDE values.

Personnel Policies Employee Commitment Department is Ethical Quality of Department Services Safety Pay and Benefits Employee Recognition Professional Development Performance Appraisal Department Performance Measures

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CITY 2015 29% 42% 69% 60% 64% 81% 63% 79% 81% 64% 43% 64% 58% 54%

PWD 2015 31% 55% 77% 66% 65% 85% 66% 84% 89% 67% 53% 67% 65% 53%

PWD BEST 38% 67% 86% 69% 75% 90% 76% 90% 89% 72% 59% 67% 70% 66%

2012 2012 2013 2013 2012 2012 2012 2012 2015 2012 2012 2015 2012 2012

PWD WORST 17% 52% 61% 62% 55% 79% 59% 79% 77% 49% 47% 64% 58% 46%

2010 2008 2009 2014 2008 2011 2009 2008 2008 2009 2014 2014 2014 2011

For the current year, the results are good, but do show slippage in some areas. We exceed the City-wide averages in all areas except one, and we exceed them by more than five percent in eight out of the 14 areas. The only area where we fall below the City-wide average is in the communication of our department performance measures. The historical data do show that we have sustained the improvements we’ve made since 2008-2009, but we’ve slipped a bit since 2012-2013. For some of our “grey beard” veterans who have been here for five years or more, I’d like you to think back and let me know what is different today than in 2012-2013, and how do we recapture the magic.

Our overall participation has slipped, but even at our best fewer than four out of 10 Public Workers participated. If we continue to use the LTWS as a decision making tool, then we need to get more of us to fill out the survey.

Your participation is anonymous, and there is no mystical algorithm or software provided by the NSA that allows us to track the results back to your IP address or to use facial recognition software to secretly use the web cam on your computer to watch you as you fill out the survey. So my question to you is, “How do we get more Public Workers to fill out the LTWS?” One idea has been to provide a competition, to see if we can get each division to beat its previous

year’s participation. We will also do a better job of promoting the LTWS so we are all aware of it.

In addition to department averages, we also receive the results by division. It is important that you identify your division when you complete the survey, because there are differences across the department. Identifying your workplace in no way allows us to identify who submitted the results, so not to worry. In discussions with your Division Managers, we do need to alter the survey itself to better align the choices on the survey with our current structure.

We also receive individual comments (again totally anonymous), and contrary to what many people might think these are not negative grousing. Public Workers submit comments primarily to (a) state what they like about the department or (b) submit sound and meaningful suggestions. I appreciate your dedication, professionalism, and sincerity in sharing your thoughts.

Finally, your department leadership has also agreed that we need to do some additional surveying of PWD to supplement the LTWS. This will probably take the form of a questionnaire launched on “Survey Monkey” or a similar website. Let’s continue to work to together to make Public Works a workplace of choice, and to make that leap from being very good to truly exceptional!

continue to work to together to make “ Let’s Public Works a workplace of choice, and to make that leap from being very good to truly exceptional!

”

-Howard Lazarus, Director

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VOLUME 6

contents

ISSUE 1

SPRING 2016

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06

19

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24 contributors EDITORIAL Editor-In-Chief

Courtney Black

courtney.black@austintexas.gov

Assistant Editors

features

divisions

Carolyn Perez

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Howard Lazarus

COVER STORY: THE ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUE See ways the City of Austin is looking into the future to keep our city clean and green with guest columns from three different departments

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ALL AROUND AUSTIN Public Workers discuss an array of exciting new projects and happenings around the City, telling their stories and commending staff for a job well done.

NEIGHBORHOOD PARTNERING PROGRAM: CAMPUS COLLABORATION The Neighborhood Partnering Program Teams Up with College Students Tackle Program Questions

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susan.garnett@austintexas.gov

Alexandria Bruton

alexandria.bruton@austintexas.gov carolyn.perez@austintexas.gov

WRITERS

howard.lazarus@austintexas.gov

Megan Heynen

megan.heynen@austintexas.gov

Nadia Barrera

nadia.barrera@austintexas.gov

Michelle Frith

michelle.frith@austintexas.gov

ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE INSPECTION ON CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS PWD inspectors ensure CIP projects meet high environmental standards

Susan Garnett

susan.garnett@austintexas.gov

Carolyn Perez

carolyn.perez@austintexas.gov

Lucy Bonee

lucy.bonee@austintexas.gov

Amir Emamian

amir.amamian@austintexas.gov

Terrance O’Connor

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’!

terrance.oconnor@austintexas.gov

AND TRICKS FOR 08 TIPS COMMUTING TO WORK SUSTAINABLY

Save time and money, while doing something great for the air and water

GUEST COLUMN: $10,000 INNOVATION PRIZE AWARDED TO [RE]VERSE PITCH COMPETITION WINNER Austin resident, Brandon Ward receives first ever Innovation prize

Alexandria Bruton

alexandria.bruton@austintexas.gov

Alexa Muraida

alexa.muraida@austintexas.gov

GUEST WRITERS

Carlos Cardova

Austin Energy carlos.cardova@austintexas.gov

Susanne Harm

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Susan Garnett

Austin Resource Recovery susanne.harm@austintexas.gov

Melissa Heald

Austin Resource Recovery melissa.heald@austintexas.gov

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HAPPY EARTH DAY! April 22 marks the 46th anniversary of Earth Day, a planetary party observed by nearly a billion people around the globe each year

Tiffany Lieu

Office of Sustainability tiffany.lieu@austintexas.gov

ART + PRODUCTION Creative Director Alexa Muraida

alexa.muraida@austintexas.gov

Cover Artist

Christian Flores

christian.flores@austintexas.gov

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divisions

BY MEGAN HEYNEN CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Campus Collaboration: Neighborhood Partnering Program Teams Up with College Students to Tackle Program Questions Students offer a fresh perspective.

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he Neighborhood Partnering Program (NPP), is constantly seeking new ways to innovate and expand, but needs help from its fellow Austinites! Two questions we ask ourselves are: How do we make this program more accessible and how do we continue to improve upon our outreach strategies? To help answer these questions, we are using the bright college students here in Austin. Working with students from the University of Texas at Austin (UT) and the Austin Community College (ACC), we are looking to expand our outreach methods and improve the program’s accessibility by pulling from a range of skills and majors. This semester we’re working with five different professors for a total of 11 projects at both campuses. We are looking forward to the exciting ideas that come from this collaboration.

THE CLASSES AND ASSIGNMENT TOPICS INCLUDE: BUSINESS Two business classes at UT Austin are exploring a question about future program expansions: Is it feasible for the Neighborhood Partnering Program to have a Business Partnering Program? Last semester we had four different groups explore this question and this semester we want the new group of students to build off of the data already collected. We will have one group explore how infrastructure projects affect property value and rent of surrounding businesses. The other group will conduct a series of interviews with local business owners to see what they think about a Business Partnering Program and if they would be willing to participate.

ENGLISH

COMMUNICATIONS

To address the service-learning portion of their class, we are asking students to interview the Friends of Downs Field who are working on a series of mosaic murals commemorating the African-American history of Downs Field. The ACC students will conduct interviews and compile their research of the neighborhood’s efforts to make this project happen.

As NPP is constantly working to increase the geographic equity of our program, we are asking these communications students to help improve our racial and ethnic diversity. These students will create a resource list for us to use and help us develop new marketing strategies.

ENGINEERING NPP is asking these students to help us scope potential projects and help with the early phases of our process to ease the burden from neighborhoods who may not have these technical skills.

COMPUTER SCIENCE As a part of our application process, applicants are required to collect a certain percentage of stakeholder approval. Typically neighbors collect these signatures by going door to door, but some neighbors have reduced this time consuming process by making

their signature form electronic. We are working with these students to help make an electronic form that can be accessed directly from our website to ease this process.

FELLOWS PROGRAM This class is comprised of a group of students hand-picked by their college deans.

These students will be responsible for going into the Austin community to develop an outreach plan and strategies for our program that address how to bridge cultural divides, how to maintain cultural sensitivity, and how to overcome language barriers, paying particular attention to the Rundberg area.

“

We’re so lucky to be partnered with such innovative and hardworking students – can’t wait to see what they come up with and how we can apply this new information to our program!

”

-Megan Heynen, AmeriCorps VISTA

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divisions

BY AMIR EMAMIAN CONTRIBUTING WRITER

2016 National Bike to School Day Safe Routes to School encourages our younger Austinites to safely bike to school

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very year, the City of Austin’s Safe Routes to School Program promotes and participates in the National Bike to School Day. The first-ever National Bike to School Day took place on May 9, 2012, in coordination with the League of American Bicyclists’ National Bike Month. Almost 1,000 local events in 49 states and the District of Columbia joined together to encourage children to safely bicycle or walk to school in its first year.

This event gives communities across the country the opportunity to join together in bicycling to school on the same day. It is part of a movement for year-round safe routes to school and encourages families to see for themselves that biking to school is a fun, easy and safe way for students to make the commute while helping to reduce the carbon footprint.

Safe Routes to School promotes National Bike to School Day throughout the Austin Independent School District and selects one elementary school to feature that has increased their ridership throughout the school year. On May 6th of last year, Brentwood Elementary was selected with nearly 100 students and parents riding in to school.

This year National Bike to School day takes place on May 4th.

THERE ARE TWO WAYS YOU AND YOUR CHILD CAN PARTICIPATE

1 | Bike from home Great for: Students and families who live close enough to walk or bicycle to school on a route that is appropriate for these modes.

How it’s done: Encourage students and their families to walk or bicycle to school. They might join other families and form groups in their neighborhoods to travel to school together. This is the essence of Walk and Bike to School Days.

2 | Designated starting points Great for: Families who live too far to walk or bicycle, families with limited routes for walking and bicycling, bus riders and children with disabilities.

How it’s done: Identify one or more locations where students and their families will gather to walk or bike to school together, or where families can park and make their way to school from there.

For more information regarding the National Bike to School Day and how your child’s school can participate, contact Amir Emamian, Program Coordinator for Safe Routes to School, at amir.emamian@austintexas.gov or visit the official Walk/Bike to School website at http://www.walkbiketoschool.org/.

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divisions

BY TERRANCE O’CONNOR CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Environmental Compliance Inspection on Capital Improvement Projects PWD inspectors ensure CIP projects meet high environmental standards

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hen assigned to a Capital Improvement Project, an Inspector from the Construction Services Division has a number of important responsibilities. Tasks include: tracking quantities for contractor payment, compiling a daily report of the conditions and activity on the job site, ensuring quality workmanship and many more. However, one of the most crucial responsibilities is ensuring compliance with environmental standards.

Inspectors understand that a successful project is one that keeps pollutants out of nearby waterways and protects critical environmental features. The CSD Inspector is the first line of defense in minimizing the project’s effects on the environment.

The inspector’s primary environmental responsibility is making sure the contractor controls the discharge of sediment from the construction project. When rainwater lands on disturbed ground and runs off, it erodes the exposed sediment and carries it into the waterways. Sediment, which is recognized as a pollutant by the EPA, can kill small fish by clogging their gills, which disrupts the natural food chain. Furthermore, murky, sedimentladen water impedes the growth of desirable plant life in waterways.

In order to combat sediment pollution, construction project plans contain an Erosion and Sedimentation Control Plan, which shows the type and location of the best management practices (BMPs) to be used on the site.

BMPs (also known as Erosion and Sedimentation Controls or ESCs) are devices placed on the construction site to help keep sediment from being carried off site by storm water during a rain event. One of the most common BMPs is called silt fence (see photo), which is commonly seen around the perimeter of construction sites. Silt fence obstructs the flow of water leaving a construction site to allow the sediment carried by the water to settle within the limits of construction, rather than in nearby waterways.

The inspectors check environmental BMPs on a daily basis to ensure that the site

is ready to withstand a rain event without pollutants leaving the site. They are familiar with the critical details of City specifications that govern the material and installation of the environmental controls. Inspectors also ensure that revegetation is complete at the end of the project so that soil is stabilized to prevent erosion.

Sediment isn’t the inspector’s only concern. They monitor secondary containment, which captures chemicals and petroleum products that leak from containers that are stored on the construction site. They also ensure that no traffic or excavation takes place in the root zone of trees through the proper use of tree fences. Often construction plans will call for root treatments to be applied to trees before and after construction. It’s the inspector’s job to make sure the root treatments are performed as directed. Other critical environmental features, such as rock formations, springs, caves, wetlands and other habitats may also be called out to be protected. Again, the inspector makes sure that contractors steer clear of these sensitive areas.

If BMPs do not meet City specifications or aren’t placed according to the plans, Inspectors must ensure that the contractors take the action necessary to get the construction site back into compliance. The inspector must demonstrate keen powers of observation, communication, and documentation in their role as Public Works environmental heroes.

Ensuring environmental compliance is a daily challenge, but it is one that CSD inspectors take very seriously. Knowledge is the key. At their January Division Meeting, CSD personnel participated in a comprehensive environmental training. The training helped clarify the inspector’s role in environmental compliance and allowed them to brush up their knowledge of the requirements of the City’s specifications governing environmental BMP’s. This periodic training further demonstrates CSD’s commitment to preserving water quality and protecting our fragile environmental treasures.

SECONDARY CONTAINMENT

SITE WITH SILT FENCE

CREEK WITH VARIOUS BMP’S (SOIL RETENTION BLANKET, MULCH LOGS, BYPASS PUMPING)

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divisions

BY NADIA BARRERA CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Tips and Tricks for Commuting to Work Sustainably Save time and money while doing something great for the air and water

ACCORDING TO THE AUSTIN COMMUNITY CLIMATE PLAN, PASSED BY CITY COUNCIL ON JUNE 4, 2015, THE AVERAGE AUSTINITE:

• • •

Spends 41 hours in traffic per year Commutes to work 92% of the time with only 8% using public or alternative transportation Pays 25% more for housing and transportation than national affordability standards recommend

This means Austinites in general are missing out on a big opportunity to not only save time and money, but also do something great for clean air and water. How, you ask? This April, consider ditching your single-occupancy vehicle and trying walking, bicycling, using transit, or carpooling to work. Below are a couple of tips and tricks to get you started, paired with resources in case you have move questions.

DO YOU LIVE TWO TO FIVE MILES FROM WORK? IF SO, CONSIDER WALKING OR BICYCLING TO WORK.

TIPS TO TRY TRANSIT

TIPS Test your route on a weekend to find the shortest or most pleasant way.

Use Google Maps walking and bicycling feature to get a good idea about recommended routes.

Check the weather and plan what you are going to wear the night before. You will likely have to bring a change in clothes if it is going to be hot or rainy. When you pack your clothes, try rolling them to prevent wrinkles.

“There is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing.” Stay dry, warm, visible, and safe by wearing appropriate clothing while bicycling and walking.

Make sure your bicycle is in good working condition. Pump up the tires to the psi recommended on the tire and make sure the brakes, brake levers, brake pads, pedals, and chain are functional. Consider taking your bicycle to the local bike shop for a quick maintenance check.

Plan your route using CapMetro’s trip planning app for smart phones or their website. Plan how you are going to get to the stop. Capmetro.org/parkandride/ has a list of all the Park & Rides available for transit users.

Install a rack and a box or basket to carry work essentials with you for the ride.

Consider walking or bicycling to the bus stop. Use the bicycling and walking feature of Google Maps to map a route to the transit stop.

Invest in a good U-lock for your bicycle. The general rule of thumb is to spend 10 percent of the cost of the bicycle on keeping it secure. Be sure to lock the frame and front wheel to a bicycle rack.

Mounting your bike on the bus is easy.

There are tons of great YouTube videos that can show you how.

Take a Traffic Skills 101 course to learn basic rules of the road for cyclists, crash avoidance maneuvers, and other safety tips. Remember, bicycles are considered vehicles by state law and must adhere to all the same rules as other vehicles. You can learn more about bicycle education courses at www.bikeaustin.org.

Get to the stop at least five to 10 minutes early.

A front white light and red rear reflector is required by state law. I recommend a red rear light and additional retro-reflectivity for good visibility.

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Get your free CapMetro pass from Human Resources on the 7th floor of One Texas Center. This pass lets you use all of CapMetro’s routes, including the train.

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Bring a book, work (all buses and trains have free wifi), or just people watch and enjoy the ride.

divisions STAY PROFESSIONAL BY USING SHOWER FACILITIES WHEN YOU GET TO WORK. THE FOLLOWING BUILDINGS HAVE FACILITIES FOR EMPLOYEES TO USE TO SHOWER AND CHANGE CLOTHES: Austin Recreation Center (1301 Shoal Creek) – must show City ID Aviation Department (the building next door to the LRC - 2716 Spirit of Texas Drive) Dove Springs Recreation Center (5801 Ainez) – must show City ID Ed Bluestein Campus

BECOME A COMMUTE HERO!

Diane Rice | Project Manager Diane Rice, Project Manager for the Sidewalk Program, is a Commute Hero! She often commutes to One Texas Center by bus or train. She takes the CapMetro 985 Leander/ Lakeline Direct Bus or 550 – MetroRail Train.

The train is generally faster (because it doesn’t have to deal with traffic) and has more frequent boarding and alighting times. However, it is good to have the bus as an option as well. Diane enjoys walking from her home to the train station and from the train station downtown to the OTC. She gets the additional benefit of exercising while getting to work.

(4201 Ed Bluestein) Fire Department Building (1621 Nash Hernandez Sr., 78702 - formerly called Festival Beach) One Texas Center (505 Barton Springs Road) - 8th floor St. Elmo Service Center (4411-B Meinardus Dr.) Town Lake Center (721 Barton Springs Road) – 2nd Floor (must show City ID to

CARPOOLING RESOURCES CapMetro also has some great carpooling and vanpooling resource information. Find out more on their website: capmetro.org/rideshare.

Commute Solutions, provided by the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (CAMPO), includes mycommutesolutions.com and car.ma/Austin – both of which help folks that are in the same area connect to carpooling options.

security guard) Waller Creek Center (625 E. 10th St, Austin, TX 78701)

CONSIDER GETTING AN AUSTIN B-CYCLE MEMBERSHIP

City of Austin employees get a 50% discount! There are almost 50 bike share stations and they are generally located near transit stops and other major destinations. This means you can pair bicycling and transit for a trip chaining effect that will not only get you active, but also let you enjoy the feeling of letting someone else drive you to work. The Bike Share Benefit Program is an opportunity for City of Austin employees to get around, whether for a meeting at One Texas Center or a lunch break spin, on one of those handy red bikes docked all over downtown. All employees have to do is complete a one-hour training course to receive a free annual membership to Austin B-Cycle.

To register, search for “B-Cycle” in the TRAIN system.

For more information, contact the Active Transportation Program’s Smart Trips hotline at 512-974-7853.

GURANTEED RIDE HOME City of Austin Guaranteed Ride Home (GRH) provides employees who regularly (twice a week) carpool, vanpool, bike, walk or take transit to work with a FREE and reliable ride home when one of Life’s unexpected emergencies arise. The City recognizes that things can happen during the day that may require you to make an unexpected trip, and that it should not keep you from using an alternative commute. The Guaranteed Ride Home program offer reimbursement for emergency taxi service up to $25 per incident, two times a year. Think of it as commuter insurance!

Contact one of the registered taxi services listed below and schedule a trip. Then submit your taxi receipt with the reimbursement form (http://bit.ly/1T3qQmN) for processing.

Austin Cab Company 512.478.2222 Lone Star Cab 512.836.4900 Yellow Cab Austin 512.452.9999 Also, note that generally there are City of Austin vehicles available for employee use, so you do not have to use your personal vehicle for work trips. Have more questions about trying any of these options? Feel free to reach out to me for more information: nadia.barrera@austintexas. gov or 512-974-7142.

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divisions

BY LUCY BONEE CONTRIBUTING WRITER

The Office of the Director Family is Growing!

Meet the newest members of the team and get reacquainted with those you already know

Lucy Bonee Adminsitrative Manager

Susan Delgado Executive Assistant

Jennifer Pierce Adminsitrative Specialist

C

hances are you’ve probably talked to one of the five staff members over the phone or received an email from someone on the team and wondered who they are and what they do. They are the Office of the Director (OOD) support staff and this is their story.

Three years ago, the team consisted of a receptionist and an Executive Assistant (EA), but they quickly realized that it takes a village!

In the past couple of years the team’s manager has hired an administrative specialist, an administrative senior, a new EA, and a new receptionist. The two timekeepers from HRO are also part of this team.

The team’s DNA includes boomers, millennials and generation x’ers who together have more than 75 years of work experience.

They are a self-motivated, high performing team with a passion for service and process improvement, and valuing relationships with their colleagues.

Lucy Bonee Adminsitrative Manager Lucy leads the team. Lucy has been with the City for 15 years and previously worked at Austin Energy, the Municipal Court, and also assisted in the City Managers Office when needed.

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Kathryn Potenza-Arnold Adminsitrative Senior

Sandra Soler Adminsitrative Senior

Anita Mata Adminsitrative Senior

Jessica Rendon Adminsitrative Assistant

Susan Delgado Executive Assistant

Sandra Soler Administrative Senior

Susan has been with the department since December 2015 and is Howard Lazarus’ assistant. She worked for the directors at the Parks and Recreation Department and Austin Water prior to joining the team. In a short time, she is already managing Howard’s schedule, travel, projects, assignments and many other tasks.

Sandra has been with PWD since August 2015 and her main role is timekeeping. She has a passion for the technical side of things, collaborating with other departments, and providing assistance to the support staff. She’s originally from Miami, but is quickly adapting to the Austin culture.

Jennifer Pierce Administrative Specialist

Anita Mata Administrative Senior

Jennifer has been with PWD for two years and previously worked at Austin Energy. She is the customer service superstar for the OOD. She was instrumental in planning the Texas Public Works Association 2015 conference and has a passion for process improvement. She supports the Assistant Director of Business Enterprises and the Chief of Staff.

Anita has been with PWD for many years and her primary role is timekeeping. Anita has been instrumental in training Sandra on the timekeeping process. She is very passionate about her work and cares deeply for her customers.

Kathryn Potenza-Arnold Administrative Senior Kathryn has been with PWD for one year and previously worked for Austin 911 as a call taker.

She’s full of energy and has a passion for learning. She is a technology wiz and can handle any project we give her. Kathryn supports the Street and Bridge Assistant Director and the Engineering and Project Delivery Assistant Director.

Jessica Rendon Administrative Assistant Jessica comes from a long line of COA family members and is very resourceful. She is our receptionist with the can-do attitude! She loves helping others and learning about different departments within the City.

“

So now that you know a little more about us and what we do, please stop by sometime so we can get to know more about you!

-Lucy Bonee, Administrative Manager

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BY SUSANNE HARM, AUSTIN RESOURCE RECOVERY GUEST WRITER

$10,000 Innovation Prize Awarded To [Re]Verse Pitch Competition Winner T

he first-ever [Re]Verse Pitch Competition awarded a $10,000 innovation prize to Austin resident Brandon Ward for his idea of turning spent grain, a byproduct from the brewing process, into “Brewnola” granola bars.

Ward is one of eight finalists who presented ideas on how to repurpose byproducts at the final competition on December 9 at the LBJ School of Public Affairs. He presented alongside two team members, Matt Miller and Ceschino Brooks de Vita, who are his classmates at the UT McCombs School of Business.

The winning pitch proposes to create a company that would pay employees $24 per hour, locally source ingredients for the granola bars, use compostable packaging, and donate a portion of proceeds to Austin-area homeless shelters.

“I’m not sure that we ever would have become aware of the environmental impact of spent beer grain if not for the Reverse Pitch competition,” Ward said. “The competition helped open our eyes to this problem and gave us the opportunity to solve it. Hence, with help from the City of Austin, Brewnola has been born.”

Ward plans to use the prize funds to prototype the product and conduct market research before launching larger scale production and distribution.

In addition to inspiring entrepreneurs to look at waste as a profitable venture, this competition also served as a prototype for challenge prizes at the City of Austin. The City’s Office of Innovation is exploring how challenge prizes might be utilized as a tool for other public challenges in the future.

The [Re]Verse Pitch Competition is a oneof-a-kind social innovation program to turn

valuable raw materials that are currently leaving local businesses, nonprofits and institutions as waste into the foundation of new social enterprises. The competition started in November when five local companies and institutions pitched byproduct materials to social entrepreneurs. These entrepreneurs created business ideas using these byproducts.

The judging panel included Ray Brimble of Lynxs Group, Scott Collier of Pasadera Capital, Bob Gedert of Austin Resource Recovery, Zoe Schlag of Unltd USA, and Rosa Rios Valdez of Business and Community Lenders of Texas.

In addition to points from public voting, judging was based on business viability, sustainability impact, economic impact and social impact, along with effectiveness of pitch delivery.

EACH OF THE SEVEN FINALISTS MADE IMPRESSIVE PITCHES FOR A VARIETY OF BUSINESS CONCEPTS: Sue Sende Cole, Working with Wicker (repurposing wicker baskets) Santiago Diaz, Austin Building Materials Depository and Working Space (repurposing books, spent grain, vinyl banners, water proof clogs, canvas, and decorative glassware) Joe Diffie, The Table to Bacon Feed Company (repurposing spent grain) Aaron Pierron, Fine Glass Recycling (repurposing decorative glassware) Melissa Rothrock, Calling All Seamstresses (repurposing vinyl banners) Cory Skuldt, Clover’s Brewery Bites (repurposing spent grain) Renata Sturdivant, Safe Innovative High Heels (repurposing vinyl banners and waterproof clogs) The [Re]Verse Pitch Competition is a collaboration between the City of Austin, the U.S. Business Council for Sustainable Development, Impact Hub Austin and the RGK Center for Philanthropy and Community Service with additional support from a wide variety of community partners.

Learn more at www.ReversePitch.org.

“

I’m not sure that we ever would have become aware of the environmental impact of spent beer grain if not for the Reverse Pitch competition. The competition helped open our eyes to this problem and gave us the opportunity to solve it. Hence, with help from the City of Austin, Brewnola has been born.

”

-Brandon Ward, Innovation Award Winner

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April 22 marks the 46th anniversary of Earth Day, a planetary party observed by nearly a billion people around the globe each year 12

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Earth Day was founded by U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson, who leapt to action after witnessing the ravages of the 1969 massive oil spill in Santa Barbara, California. Inspired by the student anti-war movement, he realized that if he could infuse that energy with an emerging public consciousness about air and water pollution, it would force environmental protection onto the national political agenda.

At the time, Americans were pumping leaded gas into massive V8 sedans. Industry belched out smoke and sludge with little fear of legal consequences or bad press. Air pollution was commonly accepted as the smell of prosperity. “Environment” was a word that appeared more often in spelling bees than on the evening news.

Because of Senator Nelson’s efforts, the movement gained traction and on April 22, 1970, 20 million Americans took to the streets, parks, and auditoriums to demonstrate for a healthy, sustainable environment in massive coast-to-coast rallies. Thousands of colleges and universities organized protests against the deterioration of the environment. Groups that had been fighting against oil spills, polluting factories and power plants, raw sewage, toxic dumps, pesticides, freeways, the loss of wilderness, and the extinction of wildlife suddenly realized they shared common values. The first Earth Day led to the creation of the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the passage of the Clean Air, Clean Water, and Endangered Species Acts.

Since that time, the movement has only gained momentum.

Earth Day is now the largest civic event in the world, celebrated simultaneously around the globe by people of all backgrounds, faiths and nationalities.

Spend the day celebrating all things sustainable at the Earth Day Austin Festival on April 23 at Mueller Park. Visit earthdayaustin.com for more info.

columns

BY CAROLYN PEREZ ASSISTANT EDITOR

MAKE EVERY DAY EARTH DAY Sometimes, environmental discussion can be a downer, and the average person may feel there’s nothing they can do to reverse the horrible problems facing our planet. Other times, expert recommendations can come across as preachy and unrealistic. Live in off the grid in a treehouse!

Forage for roots and insects! Forgo all material goods!

While addressing big-picture issues such as climate change and pollution does require a global approach and the involvement of big industry, there are small, achievable actions we can take to walk lighter on the planet.

We may not think our actions matter, but if millions of other people did the same, think how much impact we could have! Consider making the following simple lifestyle tweaks to show Mother Earth some love.

1

Eat less meat

Yes; this is Texas, home of fajitas, chili, and slabs of smoked brisket. No need to go all out vegan unless you want to – but consider adopting a Meatless Monday practice http://www.meatlessmonday.com/. Even going meatless once a week reduces our carbon footprint and save resources like fossil fuels and fresh water. It may also reduce your risk of chronic preventable conditions like cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and obesity.

2

Don’t buy junk

When deciding how to spend your hard earned money, think about where that adorable plastic knickknack, toy, or gadget will end up when it breaks in a few months. Investing in high quality items that are meant to last reduces the burden on our landfills. As an added bonus, buying less stuff means our homes and offices are less cluttered!

3

Remember that food is a precious resource

Did you know that we Americans throw away nearly 40 percent of the food we grow? To get our food from farm to plates we utilize 50 percent of all U.S. land, 10 percent of the total U.S. energy budget and 80 percent of all the freshwater consumed in the U.S. Needless to say, if we waste less food, we would also waste less land, energy, and water: all precious and finite resources. Diverting food waste from landfills also reduces greenhouse gas emissions. Get started on composting by watching Austin Resource Recovery’s online composting class https://www.austintexas.gov/composting

4

Use safer home products

Harsh household cleaners such as Mr. Clean are not only bad for the environment, they are made with toxic chemicals that have been linked to everything from respiratory illnesses, to rashes, to cancers. Switching to a cleaner free of phosphates, sulfates and harmful chemicals is an easy way to live healthier and greener.

5

Grow something!

Plant a tree, grow a pot of basil on a sunny windowsill, or bring an air-cleansing plant into your home or office http://greenupgrader. com/6600/green-plants-for-fresh-air/.

6

Cut down on light pollution

Unfortunately, urban sprawl in our area brings more than just air pollution — it brings “light pollution,” where unnecessary artificial light floods the night skies, making it impossible or difficult to see the stars. Choosing “dark skyfriendly” fixtures and bulbs makes a huge difference and can preserve the beauty of a starfilled night sky. http://www.hillcountryalliance. org/uploads/HCA/BetterLightsBetterNightsb. pdf.

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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!

“B

e humble in your confidence, yet courageous in your character.” This quote

by Melanie Koulouris perfectly describes Carlos Gonzalez, Tech II in North District. Carlos’s quiet manner and direct answers speak volumes about his character.

Carlos was raised in Aguascalientes, the smallest of the Mexican states located in North Central Mexico. His father Francisco was a foreman on a ranch with cows, horses, trees and fruit. Carlos fondly recalls that every day after school, he would finish his homework NEIGHBOR and ask his mother, Carlos Gonzalez Belen, if he could accompany his Dad taking fruit to town.

DIVISION As the middle child Street and Bridge, of three boys, CarNorth District los became closer to his dad on these TITLE trips. Francisco and Belen were careful to Tech II raise their sons to be polite and respectable young men. He taught himself how to drive heavy equipment like tractors and four-wheelers around the early age of 11.

Carlos enjoyed his studies and was especially good at math. His teachers encouraged him to continue his education, but Carlos was determined to go to the U.S. Francisco, while sad that Carlos was leaving, gave his son solid financial advice to make sure he would be successful. He left high school at 17 to move to Austin where he worked for several years at Boyd Tile, laying tile with his uncle. Carlos

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enjoyed the work, but dreamed of bigger challenges. In 2011, Carlos joined Public Works under Ronnie Hernandez in North District’s landscaping crew. Carlos is confident in his computer skills and technical knowledge of the equipment, and he shares that both Ronnie and Baldomero Ramirez provide encouragement to pursue his dreams.

In 2008, he met his wife Alejandra at the front desk of the YMCA after going there for a workout. They have now been married for seven years and have two sons, Thadeo (6) and Josiah (3). Both children are very intelligent.

Thadeo attends elementary school at UT and Josiah is nearly able to write his own name.

Alejandra, a kindergarten teacher at Child, Inc. is a devoted mom, continually looking for the best learning opportunities for the boys. The children have attended swimming, yoga and karate lessons and love to ride bikes with their dad. Their parents are strict in making sure the boys are polite and respectful, and do their best to provide the best of examples.

Currently, Carlos is pursuing his United States Citizenship through Manos de Christo and plans to take his citizenship test soon. He is quickly improving his English skills and intends to complete his GED with the help of the PWU GED Program. Always looking for ways to im-

“

prove his opportunities, Carlos is excited about the prospects through the Public Works Career Advancement Program and hopes to soon become a Tech III. “I think Career Advancement is a fair way for people to move up in their jobs.

You have to show you know how to do the job well. We also get a chance to cross-train to improve our skills. I hope to stay with the City until I retire.”

The Gonzalez family often returns to Mexico to visit their extended family, including Carlos’s brothers, Diego and Alfredo.

When asked what he admires most about Alejandra, Carlos answers “she is a great mother, and is very smart. I like the way she thinks, the way she is – everything! She is bilingual and has a side business doing taxes. She is a great mom and wants to work in immigration someday. My family motivates me to be the best I can be.”

It isn’t hard to see that Thadeo and Josiah have amazing role models. This humble family man was given good example as a child and now passes those examples on to the next generation.

I think Career Advancement is a fair way for people to move up in their jobs. You have to show you know how to do the job well. We also get a chance to cross-train to improve our skills. I hope to stay with the City until I retire.

”

-Carlos Gonzalez, Tech II

columns

H

is smile is quick, but the story is in Robert Pirtle’s eyes. He observes the world, and then delivers a beautifully translated visual interpretation.

Robert, the only son of Faye and Robert Lee Pirtle, was born and raised in east Dallas. His father, a refrigeration engineer, was a World War II veteran, having fought in Europe against Hitler’s Nazi Germany. He passed away when his son was only a teen. A bookkeeper at Southern Methodist University (SMU), Faye raised the children, Connie, Robert and NEIGHBOR Holly alone.

Robert Pirtle During junior high, a basic drafting class set RobDIVISION ert’s path. He was Project naturally talented at Management technical drawing and quickly became fascinated with arTITLE chitecture. In high Project Manager school, he studied architectural drafting for two years and won awards from the Dallas Home Builders Association for his designs and drawings.

He wanted to learn about technical perspective drawing, but his teacher lacked the necessary background, so Robert took the bus to a downtown bookstore and bought a book and learned on his own. He was on fire!

On vacation in upstate New York with a friend, Robert discovered the game of lacrosse.

For over eight years, Robert played lacrosse in college and later on men’s club lacrosse teams in Dallas and Austin.

He attended Texas Tech University, earning a professional degree in Architecture. He then studied urban design at Washington University in St. Louis, but was eager to begin working. He returned to Dallas, working in architecture firms for a couple of years before moving to Austin in 1981. He began managing architectural projects for the University of Texas, the UT System, and the Texas State Preservation Board - including the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, a personal favorite.

Carrying a camera to his projects, Robert began shooting photos for records of the field conditions. As photography technology progressed, he began to see a new world through the lens of the new digital age. “I saw the potential of photography as a means of expression. It has become a tremendous creative outlet for me. I enjoy project management,

“

I saw the potential of photography as a means of expression. It has become a tremendous creative outlet for me. I enjoy project management, but photography is my real passion. Part of what inspires me is having two good photography friends who are also work colleagues, Jessica Salinas and Wade Mullin. We collaborate and travel together for photo shoots and have all improved because of our common love of photography.

”

- Robert Pirtle, Project Manager

but photography is my real passion. Part of what inspires me is having two good photography friends who are also work colleagues, Jessica Salinas and Wade Mullin. We collaborate and travel together for photo shoots and have all improved because of our common love of photography.”

At a party in 1981, Robert was introduced to a co-worker’s friend. Sylvia and Robert were married a short six months later. Sylvia was a schoolteacher and principal for over 25 years and then earned her PhD in Education. She is now an Education Consultant for the American Institute of Research. The two of them enjoy movies, traveling, and country drives to Fredericksburg and the Hill Country. Their son Jacob works as an Accountant in Austin and is getting married in October. Their younger son, Caleb, is a Construction Engineer in Fort Worth and was married last year.

Both sons played lacrosse in high school and Robert hopes that his interests have also inspired his sons in visual arts. Jacob has taken up watercolor painting and Caleb’s career in

construction engineering reflects his dad’s interest in architecture.

Robert earned an MBA from Southwest Texas State University in 1999 and joined the PWD Project Management team in the fall of 2010. He is currently a Project Manager for the new ABIA Terminal and Apron Expansion project, which he finds both challenging and exciting. Upon retirement, Robert plans to pursue his passion for photography by way of road travel with Sylvia, and spend more time with their children – and hopefully their future grandchildren. He is now into digital photography, watercolor painting and genealogy research. “Photography is an adventure, a game of discovery. I have long enjoyed getting intentionally lost to explore new places and find my way back. You can’t find beautiful things to capture in a photograph unless you take new roads. To find fresh opportunities and discover new places, things, and people, sometimes you have to get off of the highway and explore the back roads.”

Now, that is a beautiful perspective.

Stone ranch house ruins at the base of the Sandia Mountains, near Bernalillo, NM.

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The Environmental Issue Looking into the Future to Keep Austin Clean and Green!

BY COURTNEY BLACK EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

A

ustin is the third fastest growing metro area in the country. With an average of 110 people moving to Austin each day. Keeping up with this growth means planning for the future in sustainable ways. The City of Austin is a leader in green infrastructure and has developed and implemented many programs with a slant on keeping our city clean and green.

This issue, the Office of Sustainability, Austin Resource Recovery and Austin Energy are sharing the spotlight as they each cover a topic, environmental in nature, that gives just a small glimpse of something each department is doing to preserve Austin and our natural environment.

In an effort to showcase even more City of Austin programs and giving them some well-deserved recognition, I’ve compiled my own list as well! Some of these are existing initiatives, other programs, and some great rebates that residential customers of the City are eligible for!

Austin ReBlend

Dropcountr

Did you know that the City of Austin gives away free paint? Available in three colors, Austin ReBlend is a 100 percent post-consumer, reblended flat paint (with low VOCs) made from paint collected at the Recycle & Reuse Drop-Off Center. It’s available for free at the Recycle and Reuse Drop-Off Center located at 2514 Business Center Drive.

Curious about your water usage and want real-time tracking? Austin Water is currently conducting a pilot program of 10,000 residential customers, offering them free home water use reports using this app. Stay tuned for more and visit www.dropcountr.com for more information!

Home Composting Rebate

Volunteer

Are you a City of Austin residential customer? Have you ever wanted to start composting? If so, you may be eligible to receive a $75 rebate on a home composting system. Visit https://austintexas.gov/composting for more information.

Austin has a lot of great resources for those looking to volunteer their time to Mother Nature:

Recycling With so many materials out in the world, it’s hard to keep it straight! This online guide has most of the common items and is searchable by first letter in the alphabet: https://austintexas.gov/what-do-i-do. This guide is for residential recycling customers, but generally applies to the City of Austin as well.

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TreeFolks’s City Shade Texas Parks + Wildlife Sierra Club Chapter

Clean Sweep 2016 Keep Austin Beautiful, a local non-profit organization, hosts this annual city-wide cleanup. There are numerous sites all over and a volunteer appreciation party after at Fiesta Gardens. Pick a site that works for you and come prepared to work! Sign up here: http:// keepaustinbeautiful.org/program/clean-sweep.

feature AUSTIN ENERGY

BY CARLOS CARDOVA, AUSTIN ENERGY, GUEST WRITER Home built before 2007?

Energy-upgrade it!

environment is “ The where we all meet; where all have a mutual interest; it is the one thing all of us share.

”

- Lady Bird Johnson

Farmer’s Markets Eating local is not only better for the environment, but it also boosts Austin’s economy. There are a ton of farmer’s markets every week, even during the winter months. Find one close to with this great resource: http://bit. ly/1QFDZjM.

While a 10-year-old home may seem relatively new, many internal systems need professional attention once a home reaches this age.

Austin Energy offers these customers a whole-home approach to energy efficiency through Home Performance with ENERGY Austin Energy AC unit testing STAR® upgrades on air conditioning equipment, home weatherization and air duct systems.

Austin Energy recommends that customers contact at least three registered contractors for price estimates to begin the process. Once chosen, the registered contractors perform a walkthrough visual inspection of the home then create a custom proposal identifying energy-saving upgrade opportunities.

Why work with registered contractors?

Why now?

Austin Energy’s registered contractors follow special guidelines to perform these upgrades, assisting customers with the rebate and financing process, which can save an average of $1,500 in rebates per improvement project.

These contractors meet high standards as they enter the home with the expertise to improve indoor air quality, increase comfort and reduce energy bills by about 20 percent.

Austin Energy will perform a final inspection to ensure quality completion.

Texas weather may be unpredictable, but we can always count on the summer heat. So before March 31, you can enjoy a $200 discount on certain air conditioners and heat pumps.

Significant incentives will help you prep your home for the hotter months, while ultimately making your home and wallet healthier.

Plus, participating homes are compliant with the City of Austin’s Energy Conservation Audit and Disclosure ordinance, which can help in a future home sale.

Begin your benefits and take advantage of whole-home energy efficiency today. For a list of registered contractors or for more information, visit austinenergy.com/go/healthyhome or call 512482-5346.

What is included?

Get Outside: Of course the Austin Parks and Recreation Department has a slew of programs dedicated to preserving the environment and maintaining open spaces for the community to experience nature. The Austin Nature and Science Center has numerous events and activities for people of all ages to participate – one of my favorites is an exhibit called “The Secret Lives of Honey Bees.” Learn more and check out other programs here: http://bit.ly/1nEqt68.

These are just a few resources that our great city offers to help people enjoy the environment, help protect it and limit our direct impact.

Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® typically addresses the following as needed for each home: Air conditioner/heat pump replacement Duct system improvements: sealing, repair or replacement.

Home weatherization: weatherstripping and caulking, attic insulation, window screens and film.

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feature

continued from pg. 17

AUSTIN RESOURCE RECOVERY

BY MELISSA HEALD, AUSTIN RESOURCE RECOVERY, GUEST WRITER Austin Resource Recovery Introduces the Recycle & Reuse Drop-Off Center Two facilities merge, creating new and expanded opportunities to recycle, reduce and reuse The Recycle & Reuse Drop-Off Center is a one-stop shop to drop off many hard-to-recycle items, as well as pick up free items that others have dropped off. Austin Resource Recovery runs the Drop-Off Center, which used to be two separate facilities: the Household Hazardous Waste facility and the Resource Recovery Center. Since merging in October 2015, the Drop-Off center offers all of the services previously provided by the two facilities, plus several new ones.

Most Recycle & Reuse Drop-Off Center services are free to Austin residents, but some have a fee. You can learn more at austintexas.gov/dropoff.

Drop-off

Pick-up

One of the big changes is that the center now accepts Styrofoam for recycling. You can drop off pieces of packing Styrofoam as well as Styrofoam food containers—but everything must be clean and dry. You can also drop off Styrofoam packing peanuts, but it’s recommended that you contact packing/mailing stores to see if they will accept them instead.

Some of these stores can reuse peanuts that are in good condition, which is more efficient than recycling them.

There are also many items available for free pick-up. When people drop items off, staff members sort the materials that are in good condition and can be reused from the materials that are ready to be recycled or disposed of.

Reusable items are stocked in our ReUse Store, where residents pick them up. Selection varies, but can include items such as household cleaners, pesticides and herbicides, automotive fluids and even art supplies.

Another free item residents can pick up at the center is Austin ReBlend paint. The paint is recycled from paint that has been dropped off at the center, and it comes in three colors.

Finally, the center offers free mulch, made from brush and yard trimmings that are dropped off.

Here are items you can drop off: Styrofoam All single-stream recyclables Chemicals and automotive fluids

Location + Hours

Electronics and large appliances

The Recycle & Reuse Drop-Off Center is located at 2514 Business Center Drive and is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays 7 a.m. to noon.

Large hard plastic items Fluorescent lightbulbs Batteries Brush and yard trimmings Tires and scrap metal Paint If you aren’t sure whether you can drop something off at the center, visit austinrecycles. com and use the What Do I Do With tool to find out.

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feature OFFICE OF SUSTAINABILITY

BY TIFFANY LIEU, OFFICE OF SUSTAINABILITY, GUEST WRITER Be a Net-Zero Hero Top 10 Ways to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint and Save Money!

Last December, Austin was one of 195 cities worldwide that signed the Paris Agreement at the United Nations Conference on Climate Change, agreeing to lower greenhouse gas emissions to alleviate the worst impacts of climate change. But this is only the most recent development in a long history of climate action taken by our city. In 2007, City Council approved a resolution to make Austin a leading city in the fight against climate change. Building on that effort, in 2014 Council set a target of community-wide net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

But what does it all mean? Currently, the City is working to implement over 130 actions that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions from energy, transportation, and materials and waste sources. But it’s going to take more than city action to meet the net-zero goal – everyone has to do their part to cut carbon.

That’s where we need your help! Taking personal action isn’t hard and also comes with great benefits. In addition to reducing your carbon footprint, you’ll also save money and time, avoid traffic, reduce pollution, improve air quality, and create a healthier, more active lifestyle.

10 easy ways you can start making a difference

1 | Stop buying your water in plastic.

Get a reusable water bottle and keep it filled and with you at all times. You’ll save money and the environment!

7 | Set your thermostat to 78 in summer and 67 in winter. And turn-off the heat and AC when you’re not home. You’ll be surprised at the difference it makes in your energy bill.

2 |

Incorporate walking or biking to some of your regular short-trip destinations.

In most instances, you can walk a mile in less than 15 minutes. This is a great way to add exercise to your busy schedule.

8 | Drive efficiently.

3 |

9 | Keep stuff out of the landfill.

Turn off lights and unplug devices when you’re not using them.

Every little action adds up!

4 | Keep the tires on your car properly inflated and get regular tune-ups.

When your car’s tires are low on pressure, it has to work harder to move from point A to point B, wasting gas and increasing emissions in the process.

5 | Eat more food that is grown or made locally and less red meat.

Taste the difference, feel better and support the Austin economy!

6|

Use the cold water cycle for washing your clothes.

And do your laundry in FULL loads. This will decrease the amount of water and energy used, helping you save time and money. Bonus points for line-drying – it takes a lot of energy to power your dryer!

Use the accelerator lightly, coast to red lights, stay near the speed limit, and park and go inside instead of idling your engine in a drivethru.

Sell items you no longer use to thrift shops, have a yard sale, or donate them to charity.

Recycle or repurpose everything you can’t get rid of.

10 |

Use alternative transportation (bus, train, carpool, or bike) to get to work one day per week. Enjoy the chance to catch up on your reading instead of testing your patience in traffic!

Simple actions really add up when everyone joins in! Deciding to take action means that you want to take care of this place we call home – make Austin greener today and for many years to come. Doing your part makes you a Net-Zero Hero!

NET-ZERO HERO: GEORGE COFER Net-Zero Heroes are Austinites who have made simple but impactful lifestyle changes to help reach net-zero community-wide greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Here’s the story of how one person can make a difference.

Meet George Cofer, Executive Director of the Hill Country Conservancy. George contributes to Austin’s Net-Zero goal in several ways, including being a bike commuter. George no longer owns a car and uses his bike as his primary source of transportation. We spoke with George on how he did it, what his toughest challenges have been, and what advice he has for others looking to live Net-Zero.

How have you cut your carbon? I’m helping make Austin Net-Zero by being a long-time bike commuter – I no longer own a car!

What inspired you to take action?

I was inspired by my mother Carolyn FitzGerald Chapman, and Shudde Fath. They are both amazingly generous mentors and friends, and they set me on the “nature path” from my birth. And what keeps me going whenever that “path” feels difficult are the cold, starry Hill Country nights, the sounds of clear and clean running springs, streams and creeks, and so many friends and colleagues working so hard towards Net-Zero. I am blessed to know so many Heroes!

What advice do you have for others?

Just Do It! Commit. Don’t get hung up on outcomes – if one is on the right path, then the outcomes for the environment and the community will be good. Respect all species.

Humans are such a tiny, tiny part of the ecosystem, and yet we’re the ones screwing it up badly. Last but certainly not least, be mindful every minute.

Follow George’s example because every action counts!

Tell us your Net-Zero story at sustainability@austintexas.gov.

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events

2

Public Works Connects You...

All Around Austin

As construction forges ahead on the Mopac Mobility Bridges, cyclists and pedestrians in southwest Austin will soon have a better option for traveling downtown. Chad Crager, Community Services Division Manager, and Nadia Barrera, Urban Trails Program manager, recently gave Council Member Leslie Pool’s office a tour.

This project includes three phases totaling approximately two miles of bicycle, pedestrian, and restriping southbound Mopac to create an additional lane for traffic.

Phase I, which spans Barton Creek, is expected to be complete in June 2016. Phase II, spanning Loop 360, is expected to be complete in March 2016.

Public Works builds our city’s future and celebrates our successes with PWD staff and events all around town.

1

Howard Lane Extension opens for pedestrian and vehicular traffic

On January 25, 2016, City staff and officials from Travis County, as well as residents, attended a ribbon cutting to celebrate the opening of the Howard Lane extension. This project, which was a joint effort between the City of Austin and Travis County, installed approximately a mile and a half of new roadway, providing connectivity from Howard Lane to the SH 130 Toll Road.

Project Manager Clay Harris was instrumental in making this project become one of the first Complete Street Roadways built in this area. Highlights includes six-foot wide sidewalks, bicycle lanes, sustainable native plants that require very little watering, and a reclaimed pavement section that reduced the project carbon footprint. This project will increase mobility and accessibility for all modes of travel and integrates best-practice “Green Street” principles to improve the quality of life for area residents.

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City and Travis County staff gathered to cut the ribbon, officially marking the grand opening of the Howard Lane Extension.

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Howard Lane Extension Location Map

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3

Major milestone reached on the Waller Creek Tunnel Project

Under the watchful eye of Project Manager Gary Jackson and his team, The Waller Creek Tunnel Project Inlet at Waterloo Park recently reached a major milestone. The structural phase of construction that includes closing the roof was completed in December 2015. The full structure includes the tunnel inlet, screening facility, creek dam, flood diversion pond, and pump stations.

Completion of the roof marks the beginning of a new phase that involves numerous trades in electrical, plumbing, instrumentation, Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA), debris handling equipment, and trim needed to finish out the facility.

This milestone essentially means that work will now divert from the exterior of the building to the interior, with just a few exceptions. It also means that numerous people will be working on a variety of different types of functions in a very crowded space. The project team is looking forward to this next phase, expected to take several months to complete.

Design is underway for the Montopolis Community and Recreation Center

The City of Austin, in partnership with design consultant McKinney York Architects, hosted a Community and Project Team Meet and Greet in December to launch the design phase of the Montopolis Recreation and Community Center Project. The evening was an opportunity for the community to get to know the consultant team, gain an understanding of the project timeline, and share their input on the facility’s early design stage.

Following the Meet and Greet, the project team headed back out to the neighborhood in January to hold design charrettes by way of two Community Visioning Workshops. The goal of these workshops was to provide an opportunity for residents to collaborate with their neighbors on the planning of access to the new facility, how it connects to the community, and how the building and its amenities fit on the site. The project team was delighted to see so many community members excited about playing such an important role in the future of their recreation center.

The consultant is now prepared to sit down at the drawing board and come up with a preliminary design that will be presented to the Montopolis community in March.

5

Shoal Creek Greenbelt Trail Improvements makes a connection

In December 2015, a new bike and pedestrian bridge was placed across Shoal Creek near the intersection of 4th Street and Rio Grande. The bridge is a part of the Shoal Creek Greenbelt Trail Improvements Project, which will reinforce Shoal Creek, add trail lighting, relocate a wastewater line out of Shoal Creek, as well as provide chilled water lines to a new development. This is an important project for the downtown area and will make this portion of Shoal Creek, the hike and bike trail, and neighboring businesses more accessible.

A new bike and pedestrian bridge is placed across Shoal Creek as part of the Greenbelt Trail Improvements project.

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continued from pg. 21

6

Barton Hills Mosaic celebrates completion

On a rainy Saturday, the Public Works Department’s Neighborhood Partnering Program and the Parks and Recreation Department joined the Barton Hills-Horseshoe Bend Neighborhood Association and Friends of Barton Hills Community Park to celebrate the completion of a mosaic entitled “We Are Barton Hills.” Mayor Steve Adler and District 5 Council Member Ann Kitchen also attended the event and thanked the neighborhood for their vision and hard work.

Now the crowning gem of the park, the mosaic represents the collective efforts of nearly 1,000 volunteers who worked tirelessly to create tiles and install the stunning art piece that borders the playground at the park.

Fun fact: Local artists teamed up with residents, students, and parents from neighborhood schools to create and install the tiles.

7

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Homegrown Traffic Calming Devices

We are all aware of the many talents shared by the great employees across the Public Works Department, and now we are proud to add a new one to the list. Our very own manager for the Engineering Services Division, Kevin Sweat, came up with a way to home-engineer traffic calming devices for public use in the downtown area.

As the Crosstown Bikeway was nearing completion along 3rd Street, a key connection appeared to be missing to the existing bikeway on 4th Street. Trinity Street was getting a two-way, physically protected bike lane that connects the bikeway from 3rd to 4th Street, however, vehicular traffic along Trinity flows only in one direction so there was no way for bicyclists heading south to safely make that connection.

Concrete domes known as turtle bumps had been installed along the Cap Metro rail lines and successfully kept cars away from the train tracks, so the project team decided that the same should be used along the bikeway, in addition to a concrete curb, to help delineate the protected area.

As the team began the search for pre-manufactured turtle bumps, they ran in to some bumps themselves and had to come up with a new plan. They then decided to begin experimenting with making their own. After sampling different shapes and sizes, Kevin created an acceptable substitute using plastic salad bowls and began production of the final product in his own back yard. Once complete, City crews painted the devices and installed them along Trinity late last year for public use.

Thanks to down-home innovation, an effective homegrown and low-cost method was found to implement safety improvements on city streets, staying in line with the City’s Vision Zero plan to help eliminate traffic fatalities for those traveling on our roadways.

8

Empowering the ladies in the house

PWD Executive Sara Hartley had a vision for the 2015 Texas Conference for Women - to give non-managerial employees an opportunity to attend. A call for applications was sent out to the department with the expectation that if selected, participants had to share their experiences and what they learned with the management team.

For the uninitiated, the Conference provided connection, motivation, inspiration and skill building to thousands of Texas women; over 7,000 to be exact!

Ten women were selected from Public Works to attend the Conference at the Austin Convention Center on October 15, 2015, and came back full of knowledge and excitement to share their take-a-ways. During the January Division Manager Meeting, the group presented what they had learned, expressed appreciation for the opportunity provided by the department, and shared their hopes that this trend of development would continue with similar opportunities in the future.

One of the most important lessons learned came from one of the speakers from the Conference, Dr. Gloria Mayfield Banks. Dr. Banks is an international teacher, trainer, life coach, and Mary Kay Executive. She asserted that in order to get ahead we must learn to imagine ourselves where we want to be. She explained that there is no comfort in the comfort zone, and sometimes we don’t even know we are stuck in a rut. In order to be successful, we need to turn our careers into something we are winning rather than just working.

HERE IS WHAT SOME OF THE ATTENDEES HAD TO SAY ABOUT THE CONFERENCE:

“ “

I learned that I don’t have to be a supervisor to be a leader.

-Patty Moreno, Construction Services Division Initially I didn’t think this was for me; upon arriving I had a different perspective.

”

”

-Felicia Teague, Construction Services Division

“

Since attending the conference, I have been energized and motivated to get back on track with my education.

I’m proud to say that I have started working toward my bachelor’s degree at Concordia University.

”

-Katherine Hernandez, Public Workers University

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NEW ASSISTANT DIRECTOR JORGE MORALES

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

Jorge Morales has accepted the position of Assistant Director for Engineering and Project Delivery. Jorge joined us from Watershed Protection, where he was responsible for the Flood Hazard Mitigation Program. His responsibilities in this position included supervision of design related work, oversight of project implementation, public engagement, and financial management. Jorge also has a diverse background, including public and private sector experience, including time as a Project Manager and Interim Assistant City Engineer. His personal history shows a progression as a manager and a leader, starting with his service in the US Army.

Please welcome Jorge to PWD, and provide your very best support to him as he moves into his new role.

FAREWELL JIM VICKERY Jim Vickery Retirement Join us in wishing Jim Vickery a fond farewell as he surfs in to retirement. Jim’s career with Construction Inspection Services began on March 12, 2001. He will be greatly missed!

PMD A&R WAFFLE BREAKFAST The Project Management Division enjoyed waffles, bacon, coffee and fruit at their Awards and Recognition Breakfast on January 12th. Darryl Haba and Jose Ibarra received Just in Time awards; while Robin Camp, David Smythe-Macaulay, Robin Field and Robert Pirtle were each the proud winners of two hours of administrative leave.

The PMD A&R Committee is headed by Delia Uballe, Randy Harvey, Demira Wyatt, Allison Dietzel and Greg Johnston.

Left Photo: (L to R) Randy Harvey, Greg Johnston and Delia Uballe Right Photo: (L to R) Randy Harvey and Greg Johnston

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UPDATES FROM THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT

FAREWELL KALPANA SUTARIA, AIA, LEED-AP Project Management Supervisor Kalpana Sutaria, AIA, LEED-AP, retired on January 31st after more than 26 years with the City of Austin.

PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENTS DURING HER TENURE: Pfluger (Lamar) Pedestrian/Bicycle Bridge Project Austin Mayor Kirk Watson in 2001: “Kalpana, you are the best, thanks for this great gift to Austin!”

Austin Animal Center (LEED Gold) Funding was approved in 2006 Bond Election for a new building on a City owned site, six miles east of Downtown.

After many meetings and presentations to the Council, staff was given the goahead to start design phase. Cost was a concern, but with hard work of the team and diligently watching the scope and budget, the nationally acclaimed Animal Center Facility achieved LEED Gold Certification.

From Kalpana: “There were many challenges due to opposition from some well-known architects and the cost of building a new bridge. I was invited to a meeting at City Hall with the City Manager Jesus Garza, Assistant City Manager Toby Futrell, Assistant City Manager Marcia Conner and Public Works and Transportation Director Peter Rieck. Jesus Garza asked the group what to do. I spoke up and recommended moving forward with Phase I since that would help with safety problems with the historic Lamar Bridge. Jesus agreed and asked Peter if he was going to hit me on my head. Peter laughed and then asked to move forward at full speed. Peter and the City Manager’s office provided full support to complete the main portion of the project.”

Carver Museum & Carver Branch Library (LEED Certified) The Carver branch library, which opened in 2005, was a hub of neighborhood activities prior to bond funding approval in 1998 for expansion and renovations. The east Austin African-American community worked hard to help get bond funding and they had many ideas and expectations for the first phase of the project.

Through a series of community engagement meetings and working with the entire team, the facility was completed within budget, made the community proud, and was LEED certified.

Green Alley Demonstration Project This unique project was done in partnership with the Guadalupe Neighborhood Development Corporation (GNDC), the neighborhood community, and the School of Architecture and Center for Sustainable Design at the University of Texas at Austin (UT). Community involvement was key to the success of this project and due to the community’s strong commitment, valuable input and physical work. This project included alley selection, sustainable pavement replacement options, landscape, use of rain gardens and artwork.

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milestones

IGNACIO ARAUJO RECEIVES A HEARTFELT THANK YOU

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

YEARS OF SERVICE

It really speaks volumes when an Austin resident takes the time to write in and commend a city employee for going out of his way to be helpful, and Street & Bridge Drainage Maintenance Assistant Ignacio Araujo received just that.

Austinite Hema Mullur had this to say about Ignacio: “I hope this email is reaching the right people! I’m writing to commend the city on one of its employees, Ignacio Araujo. Earlier today, I misplaced my wallet and assumed I had left it inside my home. When I returned, I found Mr. Araujo waiting outside in his city truck and he asked me if my name was “Hema.”

I said yes, and he told me that while inspecting a street concern, he found my wallet near the sidewalk. He tried to call a phone number he found inside (sadly, an old one) and when there was no answer, he called 3-1-1 to report the wallet. I happened to arrive while he was still waiting, at which point we called 3-1-1 back and told police the owner of the wallet had been found.

Mr. Araujo could easily have left the wallet near the sidewalk for someone else to find, but he was thoughtful enough to pick it up and do his best to get it back to the right person.

His actions saved me what could have been a lot of heartache! He refused any measure of thanks from me, even a bottle of water, so I asked for his name so I could directly tell his supervisors about his kind deed.

I assume you probably get more complaints than kudos, so I hope this is a welcome change and that you’ll once again give Mr. Araujo my thanks for his kindness!”

“ Binaya Sharma | 10 years of service

continued from pg. 25

I hope this email is reaching the right people! I’m writing to commend the city on one of its employees, Ignacio Araujo.

”

- Hema Mullur, Austin resident

RECLASSIFICATION HR PROMOTION NEW HUMAN RESOURCES SUPERVISOR Nika Brogan accepted the position of Human Resources Supervisor within the Human Resources Division. Nika has been part of our human resources team for two years and has supported our department in areas of both employment services and employee relations. Prior to joining the City of Austin, Nika had over 15 years of progressive experience in the field of human resources as well as a background in finance and accounting.

Justin Norvell is now an Engineer B and works with the Sidewalk Program and SBO

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UPDATES FROM THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT

REUNITED AND IT FEELS SO GOOD!

Once scattered throughout One Texas Center (OTC) and among other buildings, disjointed and separated until the renovation, four divisions and over sixty employees have now been brought together again through the renovation of the 8th floor.

OTC has been in dire need of an update due to outdated work practices and advancements in technology since it was built back in 1984. The new open-concept design for the 8th floor maximizes natural light and encourages collaboration, all while increasing productivity. Public Works gained a library, two phone booths, and five new conference rooms, all with completely updated technology.

Intimidating and hierarchical architecture was rejected in favor of a space that invites innovation and feels welcoming to visitors and the public. Some of the inspiration for the redesign came from different visits to other innovative offices all around Austin.

The 8th floor renovation was led by Public Works’ Assistant Director James Snow, who worked tirelessly to ensure that the quality of the project was never compromised. Public Works’ Architect Kit Johnson diligently oversaw Laurie Smith Design Associates’ work on the complex remodel from start to finish. Other integral partners for this project include Jahn Construction, Move Solutions, FMG Inc., Titus, and Soft DB. This renovation marks the first in a series of identified facilities projects to modernize and address workflow issues, with the next project to be the final consolidation of Public Works’ Administration and Capital Delivery groups at 105 Riverside Drive. Other planned facility improvement projects include the OTC 9th floor, St. Elmo, Harold Court, and Manor Road locations.

HOORAY FOR HENRY! VICTORY OVER CANCER The Safe Routes to School team recently celebrated crossing guard supervisor Henry Nunn’s victory over cancer. At the beginning of the school year, Henry was diagnosed with cancer for the second time.

He feared he would not be able to continue his duties, but with the support of his wife and an amazing team of doctors, Henry beat the cancer. He’ll continue doing what he loves, which is protecting and helping Austin’s kids get to school safely. We wish him continued good health!

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milestones

continued from pg. 27

WELCOME! PWD NEW HIRES

Anna Dolph

Lauren Rowe

Meagan Norris

Billie Gilkey II

Thuan Nguyen

Kathryn PotenzaArnold

Sandra Soler

Susan Delgado

NAME DIVISION POSITION Meagan Norris Engineering Services Supervising Engineer Susan Delgado

Office of the Director

Dept. Executive Assistant

Michael Castro Pavement + Infrastructure SBO Ops Tech II Lauren Rowe Shared Services Administrative Assistant Michael Cochran District Maintenance SBO Ops Tech II Fil Hernandez District Maintenance SBO Ops Tech II Lin Rui Li Shared Services Financial Specialist Laron Limuel District Maintenance SBO Ops Tech II Anna Dolph Community Services Division Childrens Program Specialist Sandra Soler

Billie Gilkey

Shared Services

Utilities + Structures

Administrative Senior Supervisor, Street + Drainage

Amir Emamian Jr. Community Services Division Program Coordinator David McKinney Pavement + Infrastructure SBO Ops Tech II Arnold Romero Pavement + Infrastructure SBO Ops Tech I Robert Middleton Utilities + Structures SBO Ops Tech I Eric Natal District Maintenance SBO Ops Tech II Kathryn Potenza-Arnold

Office of the Director

Administrative Senior

Thuan Nguyen Project Management Project Manager Eric Bailey Project Management Project Manager

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calendar

MARCH Monday

Tuesday 01

Wednesday Thursday 02

03

Friday

Saturday

04

05 Texas Independence Day Paraade and 5K Run

Sunday

Defensive Driving Class

First Thursday on South Congress

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

08

07

06

West End First Thursday

09

10

2016 ABC Zilker Kite Festival

$ PAY DAY

11

12

Sunday New Employee Safety Orientation

SXSW Interactive, Film and Music

1:00-5:00 PM

14

15

16

17

18

13 19

Sunday 20

St. Patrick’s Day Festival

21

22

23

24

$ PAY DAY

25

26

Sunday New Employee Safety Orientation

27

1:00-5:00 PM

28

29

30

31

Sunday

30

STREET TALK SPRING 2016

To find Austin events around town, visit https://www.austintexas.gov/citystage

calendar

APRIL Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday Thursday

Friday

Saturday 02

01

Zilker Garden Festival The Rosedale Parade

Sunday 03

West End First Thursday

First Thursday on South Congress

05

04

06

Austin Urban Music Festival

07

$ PAY DAY

Austin 10/20 Marathon

08

09 Longhorn Run

Sunday New Employee Safety Orientation 1:00-5:00 PM

11

Safety Meeting Handbuilt motorcycle show

8:00 AM to 9:00 AM St. Elmo

12

13

14

15 Austin Reggae Festival

18

Safety Meeting

Safety Meeting

8:00 AM to 9:00 AM St. Elmo

8:30 AM to 9:30 AM OTC- 325

19

20

21

Defensive Driving Class 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM OTC-325

$ PAY DAY

10 Statesman Cap 10K

16

Dell Children’s 5K + Family Fun Fair

Sunday 17 BP MS 150

23

22

Austin Earth Day Festival

Sunday Safety Meeting 8:30 AM to 9:30 AM OTC- 325

25

New Employee Safety Orientation

Austin Food and Wine Festival

1:00-5:00 PM

26

24

EARTH DAY!

27

28

30

29

Eeyore’s Birthday Party

Sunday Safety Meeting

Safety Meeting

8:30 AM to 9:30 AM OTC- 325

8:00 AM to 9:00 AM St. Elmo

To find Austin events around town, visit https://www.austintexas.gov/citystage

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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