Street Talk | Fall 2016

FALL 2016

REPORTING ON WHAT MATTERS TO PUBLIC WORKS

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VOLUME 6 ISSUE 3

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director’s corner

INTERVIEWED BY COURTNEY BLACK, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Get to Know Your Acting Director, Robert Hinojosa U

pon Howard’s acceptance of the City Administrator position for Ann Arbor, Michigan in June, a new interim Director has been in command: Robert Hinojosa. For the past seven years, you’ve known him as the Assistant Director over Street and Bridge Operations. Robert, who came to the Public Works Department after more than 10 years with Austin Water, has a background as an Engineer Senior, receiving his degree from the University of Texas, Austin in 1982.

Robert sat down with me recently to give me some fast facts about his time with the City, what it means to be the acting director, and some of his most memorable moments, in and out of the office.

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WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR FAVORITE PART OF WORKING FOR THE CITY OF AUSTIN THUS FAR?

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I’ve been with the City of Austin for 17 and a half years, during which I worked a lot of hours in the field. Operations in the field change every day and there are constantly new problems to solve, new obstacles to overcome and there is never a dull moment.

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WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE AS YOU TRANSITION INTO THE INTERIM DIRECTOR POSITION?

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While I have an engineering background and am well-versed in the items of a more technical nature, much of my time, historically, has been spent working in the field. In that sense, re-familiarizing myself with some of the subtleties and of each division while delving deeper into the intricacies of our department on a broader level resulted in something of a learning curve.

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WHAT KEEPS YOU WITH THE CITY?

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As a Director, one of the most rewarding things for me to witness is the evolution of our staff and field operations crews.

In my career, I’ve seen staff who have started in entry-level positions, become supervisors, managers, and then mentor their own staff. It’s amazing to see the growth and leadership within our organization.

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WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT BEING A PART OF PUBLIC WORKS?

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I like working in an environment that empowers people. The culture here thrives on staff observations and recommendations. Creativity is rewarded and feedback is solicited and valued, which I think is reflected in the quality work we produce.

We are held accountable for the work we produce and uphold a very high service standard, one which we constantly raise. Maintaining the high level of service and the legacy Howard left is one of my goals.

I also enjoy responding to our customer and stakeholder needs. Our staff works very hard and we overcome a number of challenges daily.

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WHAT ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO IN THE FUTURE?

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I’m looking forward to the completion of the Waller Creek Tunnel and the New Central Library. Both of these projects are very complex in nature, but will also offer a great service to the community upon their completion. The number of hours and hard work that have gone into these projects is truly astounding.

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WHAT IS THE MOST ADVENTUROUS TRIP YOU’VE TAKEN?

I went whitewater canoeing with 15 people on the lower canyon of the Rio Grande. Rapids ranged from class two to class four and the trip spanned 84 miles over six days. The scenery around Big Bend is beautiful and prime for stargazing.

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HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR LEADERSHIP STYLE?

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I like to be a role model to staff and set a positive example. Because I myself like to feel empowered, I strive to make my staff feel the same. Mistakes happen; they don’t define you. I like to encourage people to view mistakes as learning opportunities that (hopefully) result in development.

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WHAT DO YOU THINK ARE THE MOST “UNDER THE RADAR” SERVICES WE PROVIDE?

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Often times our project delivery goes under the radar. When a project goes well, we don’t receive grand accolades or recognition. We simply move onto the next and continue to deliver a consistent product.

This is our role as public servants to ensure that we accomplish our mission. In that sense, sometimes the complexity and the amount of effort staff put into a project may go relatively unnoticed.

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WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PLACE TO GO IN AUSTIN?

Hands down, my favorite place is the hike and bike trail around Lady Bird Lake.

I often go there after work to spend some time in nature before my commute home.

I love it there. Every day you see something different. It’s constantly changing.

VOLUME 6

contents

ISSUE 3

FALL 2016

APRIL 2015

STATE OF THE

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contributors

SYSTEM REPORT

EDITORIAL Editor-In-Chief

Courtney Black

courtney.black@austintexas.gov

Assistant Editors

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Susan Garnett

susan.garnett@austintexas.gov

Alexandria Bruton

alexandria.bruton@austintexas.gov

Carolyn Perez

carolyn.perez@austintexas.gov

WRITERS Nadia Barrera nadia.barrera@austintexas.gov

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PUBLIC AFFAIRS BEHIND THE SCENES

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divisions

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From press releases to on-camera interviews, how staff get the word out and the little known ways we help prepare for the spotlight.

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AUSTIN’S SEEDLING FOUNDATION PROVIDES VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES FOR CITY EMPLOYEES

Program expanding its outreach and education methods to meet public demand.

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Become a Mentor and change a life – Learn more about available opportunities

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THE PEOPLE HAVE SPOKEN: STREET TALK SURVEY RESULTS ARE IN! What do Public Works staff read most, least – what do people want to see more of?

NEIGHBORHOOD PARTNERING PROGRAM USES THE POWER OF ONLINE WEBINARS TO TRAIN AND INSPIRE POTENTIAL APPLICANTS

CSD INSPECTORS MEET THE CHALLENGE OF INDEFINITE DELIVERY, INDEFINITE QUALITY PROJECTS Inspectors meet the demands of countless IDIQ projects while in the public eye.

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UNDERGROUND UTILITY WORK

Mike Bewley mike.bewley@austintexas.gov Susan Garnett susan.garnett@austintexas.gov Courtney Black courtney.black@austintexas.gov Alexandria Bruton alexandria.bruton@austinteas.gov Michelle Frith michelle.frith@austintexas.gov Jorge Morales jorge.morales@austintexas.gov Alexa Muraida alexa.muraida@austintexas.gov Terrance O’Connor terrance.oconnor@austintexas.gov Carolyn Perez carolyn.perez@austintexas.gov William Snyder william.snyder@austintexas.gov

Guest Writer Laura Dierenfield laura.dierenfield@austintexas.gov supplemental materials received from the Office of Sustainability and Cityspace

ART + PRODUCTION Creative Director Alexa Muraida

alexa.muraida@austintexas.gov

Cover Artist

Alexa Muraida

alexa.muraida@austintexas.gov

How the Engineering Services Division negotiates, compromises and resolves conflicts.

columns EMPLOYEE, EVERY 09 EVERY ENCOUNTER, EVERY TIME Customer Service with PRIDE training uses your ideas to help elevate our already great customer service to worldclass.

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FALLING INTO FALL When the days get cooler and shorter, there’s nothing better than curling up on the sofa to watch a great show or lose yourself in a good book or podcast

SUSTAINABLE 20 MAKING FOOD A REALITY IN AUSTIN

Anatomy of a sustainable food system and opportunities in the community.

2016 FALL STREET TALK

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division

BY MIKE BEWLEY CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Keeping the Public Works Department safe Keeping workers safe is the key goal of PWD’s Safety Office

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he Public Works department presents a number of challenges when trying to establish an overall safety program due to the variety of missions we pursue and the public nature of our department. The basis of occupational safety is an evaluation of the work environment..

A GOOD SAFETY PROGRAM ENCOMPASSES THE FOLLOWING: Hazard Identification Hazard Evaluation Hazard Avoidance, Elimination, or Mitigation Hazard Communication Employee Training Safety Auditing Close Call/Accident/Injury investigation Emergency procedures/Emergency Plan development

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Hazard Identification/Evaluation requires that the workplace be assessed for all hazards. After hazards are identified, they must then be evaluated to determine which is the most serious and the most likely to occur. Next, steps must be taken to eliminate or make the hazard less dangerous. An example of this is the extreme heat we experience in Austin during the summer months. It presents a hazard to our Street and Bridge crews who work outside in high temperatures. One way to deal with this hazard is to operate at night. If this is not possible, we mitigate the heat hazard by ensuring that workers have protective clothing, adequate chilled water, a rest area that is out of the sun, and/or extended rest breaks.

Once workplace hazards have been identified, evaluated, eliminated and/or mitigated, we must by federal law communicate the number and nature of the hazards to employees in writing.

At the core of a strong safety program are training and the operational guidelines

under which employees perform their jobs.

Generally speaking, if workers are doing the right things in the right way, they are also doing things in a safe way. When an organization identifies proper work procedures, trains the employees in the proper work procedures to accomplish their mission and then evaluates whether they are performing in a safe manner, the organization has taken major steps toward eliminating accidents and injuries.

By doing so, an organization can focus, identify and correct leading indicators of safety, rather than lagging indicators. A leading indicator of safety would be CDL drivers performing the required pre-trip inspections of their vehicles to ensure that the vehicle is safe to drive and has properly functioning brakes.

A lagging indicator would be if an accident occurs and it is then discovered that it was due to the brakes not operating properly. There is great value in focusing on identifying leading indicators versus lagging indicators. Once the accident or injury

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has occurred, it cannot be undone and serious accidents involving serious injury or death have long term consequences for the employee, their family and the organization itself.

Federal law requires that all workers receive safety training and that the training be formally documented. Training is essential to prevent unsafe work habits from becoming the norm within an organization. It can help prevent senseless accidents from occurring.

Once the hazards have been identified and dealt with, workplace procedures developed and implemented, and worker training delivered, the entire program must be audited for compliance on a regular basis. The importance of safety auditing cannot be overstated.

Take airline safety as an example: One of the reasons that commercial flying is so safe is that pilots are regularly audited for their flying and emergency operations skills. They’re evaluated each year when they must successfully demonstrate their skills in flight simulators.

Investigating close calls, injuries and accidents is important it can reveal underlying trends that could lead to serious accidents. For every serious accident or injury, it has been shown that there 292 close calls or minor incidents which preceded the major accident or injury. Injury investigation and injury trend analysis is necessary to identify workplace issues so that they can be eliminated or mitigated.

Finally, a safety program must encompass emergency plan development. The time to prepare for a large-scale emergency, such as a fire, severe weather or a pandemic, is not when it is already occurring!

Safety is a broad field; it is entirely possible to spend an entire safety career focusing on one particular branch of safety.

A GOOD SAFETY PROGRAM ENCOMPASSES THE FOLLOWING: 1 | Fleet Safety 2 | Commercial Driving 3 | Department of Transportation Regulations 4 | Construction Safety 5 | Street Construction Safety

In general, occupational safety is governed by the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) regulations. As a municipal organization, Public Works does not have to report employee injuries to OSHA, nor does OSHA inspect our operations, however OSHA workplace safety standards are incorporated by reference under the State of Texas Administrative Code.

OSHA regulations specifically refer to employee safety, not the safety of our citizens. As a government entity, we differ from private sector organizations in that our work not only impacts our employees but could impact the public. Public Works conducts much of our work in the public environment with a real possibility that our safety practices or lack thereof could impact citizens.

As you can see, the Public Works Department presents a diverse set of safety challenges, which makes it a great place to be a safety professional!

292 Close Calls For every serious accident or injury, it has been shown that there 292 close calls or minor incidents which preceded the major accident or injury.

2016 FALL STREET TALK

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BY TERRY O’CONNOR CONTRIBUTING WRITER

CSD Inspectors Meet the Challenge of Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quality Projects Although not high profile in nature, IDIQ projects are no less challenging than big-ticket projects

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nspectors in the Construction Services Division (CSD) must be prepared to meet the demands of prominent, high-profile projects. These projects are covered extensively in the media and followed closely by City management and City Council. These projects may be heavily scrutinized, but may also receive lots of praise and recognition when they’re successfully completed.

However, many of CSD’s Inspectors are assigned to lower profile projects, where their work isn’t written up in newspapers or scrutinized as closely. Foremost among these “under the radar” projects are the IDIQ (Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity) contracts. Under these contracts, a contractor is retained to tackle limited-scope projects in areas where a quick fix is needed. IDIQ projects may involve repairs to water or wastewater infrastructure, installation of ADA-compliant sidewalks, bridge repairs, or street overlays.

A Street Talk contributor recently accompanied Inspector Mansoor Yazdi as he spent a day monitoring the Water and Wastewater Facilities Rehabilitation project, to get a sense of the unique challenges inspectors face on IDIQ projects. The first thing you learn is that it involves a lot of driving. Mansoor’s current work sites stretch from the southeast edge of Austin to the northwest reaches of the city. The extensive “windshield time” requires that the inspector stay focused on safe, defensive driving, but also adds the extra challenge of budgeting limited work time. While many of us may not appreciate a job where we have to battle the

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famous Austin traffic all day, Mansoor good naturedly insists that he enjoys the driving.

Furthermore, all of his projects have a different scope of work. On one project the contractor was adding coating to newly installed valves in a water pump station. On another, the contractor was installing lids on meter vaults. On a third the contractor was directed to make extensive repairs to the electrical system at a wastewater lift station that was badly damaged during recent flood events. Beyond the wide-ranging scope of work, each site on an IDIQ project presents distinctive challenges in terms of customer relations, communication, environmental compliance and traffic control. The inspector has to be ready to meet the challenge of getting to know the nuances of multiple sites.

Finally, the record keeping requirements associated with IDIQ projects can be imposing to an inspector who is accustomed to one project site. IDIQ projects require a separate Substantial Completion for each individual work site, making it necessary to track a different warranty period for each one. Additionally, each individual site has its own application for

payment. It’s not uncommon for Mansoor to have more than a dozen pay applications in a single month! The projects may be paid for by bid item, lump sum, or force account. The inspector must be engaged to keep it all straight.

You’re not going to hear much talk around PWD about the IDIQ projects because the work doesn’t have the notoriety (or the price tag) of projects like the New Central Library or the Waller Creek Tunnel. Nevertheless, these projects, while under the radar, are no less important in achieving the department’s goal of providing “infrastructure in a sustainable manner that supports an exceptional quality of life.”

As with all demanding projects, inspectors face the challenges of IDIQ projects head on. On a daily basis, these men and women make use of their knowledge, organizational skills, and adaptability to ensure the success of the projects. CSD inspectors take pride in their work – even if it does fly under the radar.

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CURRENT IDIQ PROJECTS + ASSIGNED INSPECTORS:

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Bridge Maintenance [2015-2018]

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Wastewater Sport Repair and Relay

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Force Main and Facilities

Eddie Cooper, Inspector

Ramiro Hernandez, Inspector

Mansoor Yazdi, Inspector Kirkland Fordham, Inspector Carlos Lopez, Inspector Greg Nall, Inspector

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Bicycle Path Improvements

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Small Diameter Water Line General Service

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Meter Upgrade 3� and Larger

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Capital Metro Ramps and Bus Stops [2014-2016]

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Sidewalk Construction (Group 18 ADA)

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Local Area Traffic Management and Intersection Improvements (12A and 12B)

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Rick Ramones, Inspector

Rick Ramones, Inspector

Antonio Lopez, Inspector

Miscellaneous Streets Slurry Seal Jimmy Miller, Inspector

Mansoor Yazdi, Inspector

Travis Miller, Inspector

Mark Ellenberger, Inspector

Mansoor Yazdi inspects a water pump station.

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BE THE INFLUENCE mentoring for success Students all around Austin need a positive influence.

Public Work Department Employees are making a world of difference.

Fredrick Reza Eng Serv Communities in Schools Mentoring for two years

Susan Garnett Public Affairs Office Communities in Schools Mentoring for two years

Jorge Morales P.E., AD Seedling Foundation Mentoring for six years

Javier Perez Eng Serv Austin Partners in Education Mentoring for two years

Michael Singleton Eng Serv Victory Tutorial Tutoring for two years

SIGN UP FOR THE 2016-2017 SCHOOL YEAR TO BE A MENTOR OR TUTOR Five programs to choose from. Opportunities near work and home.

City of Austin Mentor & Tutor Program COAVolunteers@austinenergy.com/ 512.505.3746 www.austintexas.gov/mentor PWD Mentor/Tutor Coordinator: Carmen Morgan, 512.974.7150 8

STREET TALK FALL 2016

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BY MICHELLE FRITH CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Every Employee, Every Encounter, Every Time Customer Service with PRIDE training uses your ideas to help elevate our already great customer service to worldclass.

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n a scene from the movie “Wild,” rookie hiker Reese Witherspoon, on a trek through the Appalachian Trail, tugs her too-small hiking boots from her bleeding feet and throws them over a cliff. The hiker duct-tapes sandals to her feet and limps on to the next trail shelter. There she’s advised that since she bought her boots from the outdoor gear company REI and they didn’t fit properly, the company will replace her boots for free.

Reese’s character telephones REI, explains her situation, and is astonished to hear a customer service agent ask where new boots should be sent. A few days later and further down the trail, a package arrives at the next shelter on the trail, and voila – her perfectly-fitting new boots have arrived – at no charge.

That level of customer service is very rare, but is something we should strive for. Maybe we won’t be sending boots to the Appalachian Trail, but we can and should anticipate the needs of our customers and meet or even exceed their expectations! Public Works already has an amazing reputation for excellent customer service, but working together, we can continue improving in new and exciting ways.

Recently the City’s Manager’s Office communicated that all City employees are required to attend “Customer Service with PRIDE,” a new course that explores the identity and perspectives of our customers, what their expectations might be and ways in which we can meet those expectations. Each full-time staff member must complete the training by the end of this calendar year – a very ambitious goal! Street and Bridge Operations will begin offering the courses this fall and the remaining Divisions can begin scheduling at the Division Manager’s discretion.

Public Works Executives, committed to excellence in our service standards, attended

the full-day class. Eliza Adcox and Michelle Frith, leads on the training project, customized the course curriculum, activities and graphics to reflect the unique services and needs of the Public Works Department. Next, additional staff members volunteered to attend the course and in turn facilitate the classes within each division. Based on facilitator’s feedback, the class content was again modified. In late July, the Division Managers attended the training to prepare for presenting the course materials to their staff members. Volunteer facilitators assisting the Division Managers will include Eliza Adcox, Courtney Black, Alex Bruton, Max Eby, Michelle Frith, Katherine Hernandez, Tisha Kopas, Michelle McLaren, Alexa Muraida, Carolyn Perez and Jennifer Pierce.

Customer Service with PRIDE training is customized to the division level and presented by each Division Manager to their staff. It is critical that each division explore the identity of their customers, both internal and external, and to view the services of their division from the perspectives of those customers. Course activities build upon each other, leading the participants to identify break points, or opportunities for improvement. The course is full of fun activities, competitions, thought-provoking videos and photos of your co-workers.

Come to class prepared to share stories, stand in the shoes of your customer and generate new and innovative ways to deliver the level of customer service that would astonish anyone.

Your management team will schedule the appropriate date for your work team. Should you have any questions or need additional information, please contact Michelle Frith in PWU or Eliza Adcox in PWD HR. Lace up your boots! Let’s get started on the trail toward excellence in customer service.

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BY CAROLYN PEREZ CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Falling into Fall

When the days get cooler and shorter, there’s nothing better than curling up on the couch to watch a great show or lose yourself in a good book or podcast.

You may not notice it at first, but sometime this month the light will start changing. Softer and less intense, the sun will begin setting just a few seconds earlier each day and the temperatures may drop a few degrees, leading to cooler mornings and pleasant evenings. After

months of trying to avoid heatstroke and sunburn, we can finally breathe a sigh of relief--fall is here! There are many great things about this season: holiday feasts, football, and the chance to finally wear boots, to name just a few.

Along with these pleasures, fall is also a great

time to recalibrate our professional and personal lives with inspiring books, TV shows, and podcasts. The Public Affairs team asked around to see what PWD staffers are enjoying these days.

CHECK OUT SOME OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS WE RECEIVED FROM AROUND THE DEPARTMENT:

Read Vagabonding: An uncommon guide to the art of long-term world travel

by Rolf Potts If you ever dreamed of taking a break from ordinary life and setting off on a longterm journey, this one-of-a-kind handbook shows how anyone armed with an independent spirit can achieve the dream of extended overseas travel.

32 Yolks

by Eric Ripert and Veronica Chambers Superstar chef Eric Ripert’s memoir gives readers a behind the scenes look at what it takes to reach the top of the cooking profession.

Ripert overcame a sad childhood filled with loss and emotional abuse to become one of the world’s most acclaimed chefs.

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When Breath becomes Air,

by Dr. Paul Kalanithi

The Fifth Season (The Broken Earth)

by N.K. Jimisin

Heartbreaking, inspiring and beautifully written, this memoir follows the journey of 36year neurosurgeon Paul Kalanithi as he lives with—and eventually dies from--incurable lung cancer.

The Fifth Season is a powerful, epic novel of discovery, pain, and heartbreak. Set in a unique post-apocalyptic world, this novel demands much of its readers and rewards them with tales from a fascinating, dangerous, and intriguing world.

The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper

by Phaedra Patrick This novel’s storyline revolves around a widower who discovers a gold charm bracelet in his late wife’s belongings.

Unfamiliar with the piece of jewelry and curious about why his wife never told him about it, he embarks on a quest to faraway places to discover the story behind each charm.

East of Eden

by John Steinbeck Published in 1952, this novel brings to life the intricate details of two families, the Trasks and the Hamiltons, and their interwoven stories. Based in farming communities in the Salinas valley, the book spans two generations and touches on themes of love and heartbreak; good and evil; and the emotional dimensions that define a family and, ultimately, forgiveness.

Watch Chelsea Netflix Not for the faint of heart, host Chelsea Handler’s show is Netflix’s first foray into the talk show format. The show covers current event and issues, pop culture, and features celebrity guests.

New episodes every Wed/ Thur/Fri

The Get Down Netflix The Get Down is a musical drama television series set in the South Bronx in the late 1970s. Created by Baz Luhrmann and Stephen Adly Guirgis, the series debuted in August 2016. Watch if you like music, funk, a sprinkle of drama and poetry.

Stranger Things Netflix This thrilling drama set in the 80’s follows the disappearance of a young boy, and a telekinetic girl who helps his friends in their search, while the boy’s older brother and the town police chief start their own investigations. Come for the story, stay for the nostalgia.

Outlander STARZ/Amazon A married British combat nurse timetravels between World War II and 1743 Scotland, where she falls for a Scottish warrior.

Tyler Perry’s The Haves and the Have Nots Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN) This series follows three families and their lifestyles as they intersect with one another in Savannah, Georgia. Variety Magazine calls the show “one of OWN’s biggest success stories with its weekly dose of soapy fun, filled with the typical betrayals, affairs, and manipulations.”

Listen Song Exploder Designed for music fanatics, each episode focuses on one song, which is lovingly dissected, note by note, by the musicians who created it. http://songexploder.net/ Invisibilia

Listen Podcasts (digital audio files that you download to your phone or device) are more popular than ever. There’s something relaxing and old fashioned about listening to a radio show. Many are available for free and can be listened to at your convenience.

Marketplace

Here’s the thing

Next time you’re waiting for an oil change or stuck in a doctor’s waiting room, tune in to brush up on money matters and personal finance. http://www.marketplace.org/ podcasts

Actor Alec Baldwin interviews a variety of heavy hitters from diverse professions. It’s like listening in to a juicy conversation. http://www.wnyc.org/ shows/heresthething/

Stuff you should know

StarTalk with Neil Degrasse Tyson

Co-hosts Chuck Bryan and Josh Clark, both writers from HowStuffWorks, chat about everything under the sun.

Tornados! Cats! The Great Wall of China! Turn a dreary long commute in Austin traffic into time well spent.

If you geek out on stars, science, and the possibility of alien life, this one’s a mustlisten. http://www.startalkradio.net/ show/

Latin for invisible, this hour-long show takes a peak at the invisible forces that shape our world. From social psychology to daily interactions, this podcast illuminates what is at the heart of our beliefs, assumptions, and emotions. http://www.npr.org/programs/invisibilia Snap Judgment Think of each hour long episode as an auditory journey. Some stories will have you doubled over with laughter, others might break your heart. http://snapjudgment.org/ Hamilton (Broadway Musical Soundtrack) The show, inspired by the 2004 biography Alexander Hamilton by historian Ron Chernow, features a hip hop soundtrack and a diverse cast that follows Alexander rise from his roots as an orphan born in the Caribbean to his rise as one of the nation’s founding fathers.

2016 FALL STREET TALK

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Download

Ride Report

RIDE REPORT IS A FREE APP THAT TRACKS TRIPS THEN LET YOU RATE YOUR RIDES. The tracked rides and ratings are crowdsourced to create a map that will help Austin’s city government and Austinites better understand how people experience the bike network.

Available for iPhone.

Android version expected early Fall 2016.

Find out more at

austintexas.gov/ridereport

City of Austin

Active Transportation Program

512.974.4853

facebook.com/AustinBikePed

SmartTrips@austintexas.gov

feature

BY JORGE MORALES CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Austin’s Seedling Foundation Provides Volunteer Opportunities for City Employees Become a Mentor and Change a Life

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ince our theme for this quarter’s Street Talk is “under the radar,” I thought of the many things and people that are constantly under the radar. One of the things that came to mind are the talents that often go unfulfilled simply because of missed opportunities.

Our environment often helps to shape who we are or how we develop as children. When there is strong support from parents, kids can achieve great success. However, there are many kids in Austin who do not have the same opportunities and are impacted by bad choices their parents have made.

In some instances, those parents’ bad choices have led them to become incarcerated, thus adding to the challenges of the kids growing up without one or both parents in the household.

I look back and realize that I had some teachers that in-

directly were my mentors by their actions and advice. That helped to put me on the path to achieve beyond the expectations I and others had for my future. For that reason, I’ve always sought to help volunteer my time to help children and when I heard of the Seedling Foundation I knew that it was time for me to be a mentor. “Seedling Foundation’s mission is to support children challenged by parental incarceration with innovative, research driven, school-based mentoring in Austin and selected sites in the surrounding Central Texas area. Since 2006, Seedling Foundation has served over 1,600 students, with a presence at one time or another on 150+ campuses in 11 districts and 16 charter schools in Austin and Central Texas.” I have been mentoring with Seedling for six years and have enjoyed it greatly. I know that working with the kids makes a difference and perhaps I will be able to give them the opportunity to believe in themselves beyond what expectations they may have for themselves and who knows, may be in the future they too can be engineers, doctors, scientists or any other career that will help contribute to society in a positive way.

I encourage all our PWD team members to consider mentoring or tutoring to help our Austin children grow and become strong leaders within our community. Please contact Carmen Morgan at carmen.morgan@austintexas. gov for more information or see the ad on page eight.

photo courtesy of seedlingfoundation.org

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BY COURTNEY BLACK EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Underground Utility Work: ESD works with customers such as the Austin Water Utility to identify and avoid a myriad of underground conflicts Negotiating a complex underground “layer cake” of utilities - All without a map is no easy feat

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ustin is a relatively young city when looked at from a global standpoint, but it has a rich history that has layers (both literally and metaphorically) that tell a story dating back to the 1830s. The City of Austin officially became the state capitol in 1839. Over the past 177 years, there has been a lot of growth – the most noteworthy of which has occurred in the past 10 years as Austin has become a hub for local and state government workers as well as a new landing place for big technology companies, earning itself a reputation as the silicon valley of the south.

As we look at Public Works items that are “under the radar” what comes to mind are items that are quite literally buried – underground utilities. Recently, I spoke with Adewale (Wale) Odufuye, Consulting Engineer with the Engineering Services Division (ESD), and he gave me an overview of the dozens of Austin Water facilities relocation projects, within the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority (CTRMA) and Travis County (TNR) right of way, currently in the Public Works queue.

Staffers assigned to these projects are tasked with coordinating with our various partners in identifying the new roadway improvement conflicts with existing utilities and, most importantly, designing a solution that allows for the placement of roadway while continuously maintaining service to customers. While many designs are completed well in advance of construction and resolve conflicts, some designs may, Wale says, “Require that staff redesign utility relocation midconstruction due to other entities failing to relocate their facilities as planned.” He adds that “Eighteen months is the typical design time engineers are allotted for; however, staff are sometimes required to turn around a design in as few as five months. Conflicts scoping is better defined around 60 percent roadway design, giving designers a finite time to resolve them and still keep the project on schedule. This is a testament to the great talent we have within the department Engineering Services Division. With every project and every relocation, staff continue to raise the bar.”

One of ESD’s biggest customer is Austin Water, whom they work with extensively on several large sections of TxDOT (and CTRMA) Roadway Improvements throughout the City and Travis/ Williamson Counties. With TxDOT and CTRMA favoring more of Design-Build projects, there is a lot of negotiation in the mix, as our engineers determine what is feasible given the constraints of a project as they prioritize and navigate the oftentimes complicated (and cluttered) realm of what exists under the pavement and within tight ROW.

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Imagine a project that will relocate 90,000 linear feet of water and wastewater lines. To give some context, that is over 17 miles. Then imagine the amount of existing utilities and the number of potential conflicts.

That’s what you get when you look at the Austin Water Utility Relocation within the CTRMA US 183 Tollway Project (which covers an area from US 290 to SH 71). In addition to the utility relocation, which is a feat in and of itself, this project also includes roadway widening. Potential conflicts include those with internal City entities, but also private companies like Google and AT&T. Public Works is managing both the design and construction of Austin Water facilities within this project in partnership with the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority, Colorado River Constructors (Design-Build Firm) and Austin Water. ESD designed 30 percent of the plans and was assigned the responsibility of reviewing and approving the overall plans for the project. Wale comments, “This definitely was a new territory, a new challenge to ESD but the Division has risen up to the challenge.

The review and permit process is currently on going. The whole design was broken into 20 packages and some of the approved and permitted plans are already under construction now.” Talk about impressive!

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BY COURTNEY BLACK EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

FM 973 at Colorado River Project

Gate Valve - FM 973 at Colorado River Project

Life ain’t perfect, but we make it work!

SH 71 Tollway Project

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division

BY WILL SNYDER CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Neighborhood Partnering Program uses the power of online webinars to train and inspire potential applicants

Program expanding its outreach and education methods to meet public demand.

T

he Neighborhood Partnering Program (NPP) continues to reach out to its community, and is looking for more effective ways to do so. As more neighborhoods express interest in participating, the program is exploring ways to make more information available online and is tapping the power of citizen testimonials to train potential applicants.

What better way to learn from our neighbors than to ask them? NPP reached out to passionate applicants from recent projects, and asked for their essential help in developing a set of training videos. This webinar series is a fresh addition to the program that hones in on a number of skill sets that citizens have excelled at. NPP recognizes the amount of effort neighborhoods will put into a project that they believe in, and appreciate the unique nature of each project. Because the program offers a variety of different ways for communities to raise their portion of the project cost, each project has a different story. The webinar series goal is to highlight the moments where

citizens shine, and to benefit potential applicants that may be interested in extra guidance.

TOPICS THAT HAVE BEEN COVERED IN THE SERIES SO FAR INCLUDE:

1

Recruiting Volunteers

In this video, Malcolm Yeatts of the South East Austin Trails and Greenway Alliance discusses great techniques for gathering large groups of eager volunteers to help complete community projects.

While discussing all of the support that our city has to offer, Malcolm shares with the viewer, “Project

FOLLOW US facebook.com/neighborhoodpartnering 16

STREET TALK FALL 2016

Coordinators need to tap into this incredible source of volunteer labor to accomplish their goals.” He recognizes that a few people alone cannot greatly improve a community, however, by recruiting a large number of willing volunteers, Malcolm was capable of making a huge impact.

2

How to Handle Neighbors with Differing Points of View

Ryan Britton with the Ridgelea Neighborhood Association discusses his experience navigating opposing views inside the neighborhood. In this webinar, Ryan emphasizes the importance of facing an opposing view head on, and to really listen to your neighbor’s concern. In addition, Britton goes in depth on how to successfully gather a consensus amongst the community that allows for a smooth application process.

3

How to Gather Stakeholder Approval Signatures

In this video, Kate Mason-Murphy with the Emerald Wood Community Garden discusses her success in gathering approval signatures from neighbors directly affected by an improvement project. Kate was able to get 100% of her community on board with her improvement project, and provides in detail the steps she took to be so successful with community engagement. When commenting on her experience engaging with her neighbors, Kate said,” They are really excited that somebody is actually taking some initiative in their area, and has considered their perspective and point of view.”

To further boost their online presence, NPP has begun to explore the idea of a crowdfunding site that citizens can use to raise funding for small projects throughout their community. In addition to partnering with the Innovations Office and CTM, the program is working with various University of Texas classes in order to make this vision become a reality. This portal will also include an online form that citizens can use to apply for their program, and an interactive map designed to help citizens navigate their way through the city experiencing other completed projects. They remain hopeful that these projects will continue to develop into the future.

Webinar Videos and much more can be found at facebook.com/ neighborhoodpartnering

85 %

Street Talk is a quarterly publication and 85% of employees responded that this frequency is just right.

209 RESPONSES A total of 209 PWD staffers responded and we received a lot of valuable feedback!

TOP 3 FEATURES 1 | Photos

(employee photos, Public Workers on the job and project photos)

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BY COURTNEY BLACK EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

The People Have Spoken: Street Talk Survey Results Are In!

What do Public Works staff read most, least – what do people want to see more of?

E

arlier this year, the Public Affairs team invited Public Works employees to complete a brief survey regarding Street Talk Magazine.

HERE’S A RUNDOWN OF SOME OF THE SURVEY’S HIGHLIGHTS:

2 | Employee Profiles 3 | Feature article WHAT DO PUBLIC WORKERS WANT TO SEE MORE OF? Employee profiles

14% 77%

52%

67% 62%

Public Works/City projects Employee-centric stories Educational opportunities 18%

Crews in action Division articles More information about City changes, events, and reasons for change Promotions Pictures

63% 54%

77% Staff read most or every issue of Street Talk 62% Staff prefer to read Street Talk online

Division events

18% Staff get departmental information from Street Talk

Resident feedback

54% Rely on information from emails and staff meetings/supervisors

Thank you to all who participated. This data will help us shape future Street Talk issues. If anyone would like to share additional feedback, please email me at Courtney.Black@austintexas.gov.

Sealcoat 1 had the most participation within the department and will receive a breakfast treat on a date of their choosing! Congratulations!

63% Staff prefer receiving information from their supervisors and/or email 67% Staff agrees/strongly agrees that Street Talk adds value to their experience as a

Public Works employee 52% Employees are most interested in learning about new policies and procedures 14% Would like to receive more work tips

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column SOURCE: CITYSPACE

Cora Wright

Dr. Mark Washington

Joya Hayes

Kim Springer-Oliveras

Rosie Truelove

City Manager Makes Several Executive Appointments; Announces Resignation from City T

his past August, City Manager Marc Ott made several permanent executive appointments including the following. This news comes just weeks before he also made announced that he will be resigning from his position with the City as a result of accepting a position with the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) in Washington D.C. His last day with the City will be October 30, 2016.

DR. MARK WASHINGTON Dr. Mark Washington will fill the Assistant City Manager (ACM) vacant position.

Washington has served in an interim capacity for over a year and has provided leadership to several departments including Building Services, Communications and Technology Management, Convention Center, Fleet Services, Human Resources, Labor Relations, and Telecommunications and Regulatory Affairs.

He has successfully assisted in many organizational and Council-change initiatives and has been part of the core team leading the initial development and establishment of the Equity Office.

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JOYA HAYES

ROSIE TRUELOVE

Joya Hayes has been appointed to lead the Human Resources Department as its Director. Hayes has been Acting Director for the past year and has provided sound leadership for the department, and has readily accepted many new challenges presented during her time. That includes the support of the recent Fair Chance Hiring Ordinance, implementation of the Citywide Compensation Market Study and the establishment of the citywide customer service training.

Rosie Truelove, director of the Capital Contracting Office, will fill the vacancy as Director of Neighborhood Housing and Community Development on an interim basis.

Rolando Fernandez, Assistant Director at the Capital Contracting Office, will take on the role of Interim Director of that department.

KIM SPRINGER-OLIVERAS

CORA WRIGHT

Kim Springer-Oliveras has been appointed as the City’s new Chief Performance Officer. She has been serving in an interim capacity and has led the successful launch of the new Office of Performance Management.

Spring-Oliveras previously served as Deputy Budget Officer, overseeing the City’s capital improvements budget as well as the awardwinning “Managing for Results” performance management program.

Cora Wright, Assistant Director at Parks and Recreation, will serve as Interim Director of Austin Code. She previously managed the Code Compliance Division while an Assistant Director at the then Neighborhood Planning and Zoning Department.

Designed by Walker Partners, these renderings show what the Shoal Creek Trail from Fifth to 15th streets might look like. This project is currently in the outreach and development phase. Staff is studying the feasibility of a 0.8 mile long urban trail and associated stream improvements.

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STATE OF THE

FO D

SYSTEM REPORT

Making Sustainable Food a Reality in Austin Anatomy of a sustainable food system and opportunities in the community

BY COURTNEY BLACK EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Source: Office of Sustainability

A

t the heart of a sustainable food system is a focus on food that is produced and consumed locally. It also implies a food system that provides community access to fresh, nutritious food. The last piece is putting organic food waste back into the earth so that nothing is wasted. This comes in the form of food donation, feeding animals/livestock and composting to create nutrient-rich soil!

In 2015, the City of Austin’s Office of Sustainability completed a “State of the Food System” report that provides an overview of Austin’s dynamic food system and examines major components such as production, consumption and waste. The City, in response to findings, catalogued existing initiatives and future actions it would take to get our city closer to a truly sustainable food environment.

REPORT HIGHLIGHTS: Daily, 9.3 acres of farmland are lost to development. Austin’s rapid growth threatens to push development onto vacant land that would be preserved for farming. The Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan seeks to encourage local food production and consumption.

As of the date of the report, 52 community gardens (see map) exist within the City of Austin and 73% of AISD schools have a garden.

The City made a total of $4.1

billion in annual food sales and tax revenues.

In 2015, there were about 1,000 food trailers in Austin. This compared to about 6,000 restaurants total.

Less than 1% of the food consumed in Travis County is produced locally – a number which we can work to improve.

Certain pockets of Austin (areas east of IH 35 and north of 183 primarily) have heightened areas of what the report calls “food insecurity” – areas that have

The bulk of the report reinforces, and fewer grocery stores and higher areas of poverty. perhaps in some cases unveils, the City of Austin’s commitment to a sustainable food system.

There are many initiatives and incentives to encourage local farming and restaurants, particularly those that embody this type of model and help promote it in the community. More and more frequently consumers can find restaurants that proudly boast their use of locally-sourced ingredients and have composting bins placed next to recycling and trash. That, in conjunction with the number of programs aimed to educate the public about nutrition, while providing them with access to healthy eating options, is all part of the larger plan to prevent hunger and keep Austin healthy.

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column

AREA PROGRAMS THAT HELP SUSTAINABLE FOOD SYSTEMS:

Peter Davis, Project Manager, lends his British accent for a BBC style voiceover

Capital Area Food Bank’s Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) – Donates food and educates families in need about proper nutrition.

Sustainable Food Center’s Double Dollar Program – Dollar for dollar, eligible shoppers are matched up to $20 a week for fruit and vegetables.

Eating Food Compost Pedallers – A bike-powered composting company

that picks up organic waste from central Austin homes and delivers

Eating aitnourishing diet isof not only important to a network urban gardens. for overall health and well-being, it also has a significant impact on performance at school and work. There are many in Austin who do not know where their next meal will come from. This food insecurity disproportionately Keep Austin Fed – Volunteer-based non-profit that collects impacts children, the elderly and minority communities. Despite Austin’s reputation as wholesome, nutritious distributes it to area an active, healthy community, few food peopleand eat the recommended daily charities. allowance of fruits and vegetables. There is a need for more education concerning healthy eating, as well as targeted outreach to residents who are eligible for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), with the goal of raising enrollment in this important program.

Population that is food insecure

Eligible residents who receive SNAP

18%

58%

(Travis County)

(Travis County)

Students eligible for free and reduced lunches

63%

5

25%

(Travis County)

Areas of Austin with Limited Access to Fr Dark green areas represent areas with limited access to fresh food.

Food insecurity calls to United Way

33,589 (Austin MSA)

(Travis County)

ZIP codes without a grocery store

Children who are food insecure

To date, community gardens have been primarily located in Central Austin neighborhoods. By expanding to underserved and suburban communities, more Austinites will have greater access to fresh produce, as well as green space that provides wildlife habitat.

Obesity rate

25% (Austin MSA)

Diabetes rate

7%

(Austin MSA)

(City of Austin)

Lost economic activity from unreceived SNAP

$298 mil (Travis County)

Obesity costs to businesses per year

Meet the RDA of fruits & vegetables

$9 bil

30%

(Texas)

(Austin MSA)

Source: Office of Sustainability (information, graphics and maps) pulled from the April State Actions of the Food System Report City 2015, of Austin The Austin/Travis County Health and Human Services Department is working with partners throughout the county to improve the health of our community. As part of the Community Health Assessment and Community Health Improvement Plan, food access was identified as one of the four priority areas to focus efforts. Specifically, the Plan will seek ways to decrease the percentage of low income residents who are not living within one mile of a grocery store, increase the prevalence of people who eat more than five servings of fruits and vegetables each day, and promote availability of healthy food and beverages in retail settings.

The Austin/Travis County Health & Human Services Department offers nutrition education

Texas has the fewest fanners markets per capita in the country. Strategically increasing the number of markets and farmstands in neighborhoods with reduced access to fresh food would help address food insecurity, but logistical considerations such as hours and days of operation, location, and consumer demand need to be considered and addressed to make participation viable and profitable for farmers.

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People who live in areas with few grocery stores and reduced access to fresh go hungry and are more prone to dietary-related disease.

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BY MICHELLE FRITH CONTRIBUTING WRITER

How well Meet Your Neighbor! do you John Vallejo know your Division | System Information Management neighbor? Title | IT Business Systems Analyst Senior Michelle Frith profiles two employees that work hard for PWD every day who you may have never met

A

lways friendly, John Vallejo is the kind of guy you can always count on to help you with technology.

John was born in San Antonio, one of eight children. As the eldest, he grew up with a great sense of responsibility and drive. His father was a mechanic and his mother worked in food services for the Northside school district in San Antonio.

John loved math, ran on the track team and played football as defensive back, linebacker and wide receiver at Memorial High School. Post-graduation, he joined the Army and was stationed at Fort Sam Houston where he served four years as a Light Wheel Vehicle Mechanic for EVAC Hospitals. He later served an additional four years in the Inactive Reserves.

While out dancing one evening, he met future wife Blanca, who was in San Antonio on business.

They were only able to spend a few days together before she returned to Salinas, California. Three months after meeting, they married and now have been married 27 years. John moved to Salinas and their son Andrew (now 26) arrived in 1990.

John found work as a forklift driver for a produce company and began driving daily to San Jose to study electronics and PC classes at technical school. He earned a Certification in Computer Science. After graduation, he worked six months for Symphony Computers. The cost of living is in California, so John sought areas of the country good for technology and with a lower cost of living. His young family moved to Round Rock in 1995.

Three days after arriving in Round Rock, John was hired by Personal Computer Rental where he worked for three years transporting, setting up and supporting training computers. A major customer,

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Farmers Insurance, hired the company to set up disaster computer systems to assist customers in making claims following weather disasters. Moving up, John accepted a Technician position at Entex/Siemens supporting Applied Materials. Not long after, Applied Materials hired him directly as an IT Manager where he worked for three years. After the 9/11 attacks and the subsequent effects on the economy, Applied Materials had a reduction in force, which included John’s position.

After taking a year off, John joined the City of Austin’s Communications and Technology Management Department (CTM) in 2002. “It was really busy in CTM. I started at the old City Hall over on Eighth Street, and later worked at the Emergency Command Center for public safety. I got some great opportunities to cross train there and became a network administrator.”

John and Blanca’s daughter Ashley, now 17, was born in 1998. She is entering her senior year at Stony Point High in Round Rock and is competing in Junior Olympics in track this August. “She is outgoing, bright and is really into sports. She is hoping for a medical career. Andrew also has a medical background.

He worked at Round Rock Medical Center, but now he is working retail in fine jewelry. He has several certifications and is doing great.”

Blanca was a Certified Nurse’s Assistant and is now is a Surgical Technician in a pediatrician’s office, which allows a flexible schedule. Blanca and John enjoy going to the movies and dancing country or Tejano. John likes motorcycles, especially sports bikes, and hopes to take a motorcycle trip next year from Round Rock to the California coastline.

In 2013, John received a position in Public Works/Transportation as IT Business Systems Analyst Senior. He is in charge of IT Asset Management, IT hardware and software procurement. He recently has been involved in deploying Maximo tablets and helping with move coordination. “I love working for Public Works; we are one of leaders in innovation

and new technology…I appreciate working with my peers and with upper management.”

John hopes someday to be a Division Manager. “Being part of the SIM (Systems Information Management) team is inspiring and providing great customer service is my first priority.” That warm and friendly attitude really shows in his everyday work.

“

Being part of the SIM (Systems Information Management) team is inspiring and providing great customer service is my first priority.

”

- John Vallejo

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L

ately our news is permeated with stories of changing values and what’s wrong with people. If you sit down and talk with Michael Goertz, you’ll quickly learn what’s right with people. This humble man of integrity values hard work, honesty and above all else, family.

Michael is the first son and the second of 10 children. Dad, Mark, worked for 35 years at the Texas Department of Transportation in Bastrop County, retiring as a Supervisor. Mom, Barbara, worked hard raising the large family in Rockne, just outside of Bastrop. Now married 61 years, Mark (84) still runs cattle and tractors while Barbara relishes her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Still close, nine of the 10 siblings remain in Bastrop County.

Michael became involved in an Agriculture program in school and worked in hay fields starting around the age of 13. A romance flourished with Kathy at her family’s store around the time Michael graduated Bastrop High School in 1975. At 21, he purchased his first property, built his home with the help of his family, and at 22 he married Kathy. They have now been married nearly 37 years. Michael worked 17 years performing track maintenance for the railroad. He and Kathy are parents to three children, Lindsey, now 30, Justin (28) and Nicholas (26). Lindsey is an Executive Assistant to the Director at Bastrop MD Anderson, is wife to Tyler and mother to Emma Grace and Owen James. Justin is husband to Anna, father to Bailey Elizabeth and has a new baby arriving in September, and is a professional welder and Supervisor at LCRA in Smithville. Nicholas recently married Destiny and is a full time firefighter for Bastrop County. The children live within three miles of their parents. Justin’s new home is on property inhabited by the family for five generations.

The tight-knit family does everything together. Hunting deer and elk in Colorado, fishing and camping are favorite pastimes, as is Dutch oven cooking. Michael raced motorcycles 14 years with Texas Enduro Circuit and once placed 10th overall and 3rd in class 3 times.

Faith is paramount to the Goertz family.

Two uncles are priests and two aunts are nuns.

Kathy has been the church organist and choir director 43 years and taught religious education for more than 30 years at St. Mary’s of the Assumption. Michael serves on the Parish council, is co-chair of the building committee and has been a member of the Knights of Columbus for years. He also served on the school board while his children were young.

In 1992 Michael began a backhoe business. He says “I can’t say about enough good things about Kathy. She is unselfish, endlessly giving. She didn’t blink an eye when I wanted to start my own business.” Michael and his sons continue the operations and Kathy handles the books while caring for grandchildren.

He joined the City of Austin in 2009, starting out at the Austin Water Utility. He was later promoted to WPD Supervisor and then promoted 14 months later to South District Superintendent in Public Works. He recently transferred to Central District. “I have a great bunch of guys right now and it’s good if you like each other.

Being fair is easy when people are honest. I work hard at encouraging team work. When a new guy comes on, I prefer that person to be taught by good people – then it’s easier for

everyone.”

He advises “everyone should do what they love, work hard and keep their eyes open for what’s best for them and their family. Your family is your job. Growing up, we planted corn, learned to farm and didn’t waste anything. We were raised to be self-sufficient and to not disappoint our parents. People could be helped so much by getting their needs and their wants in order and by honoring tradition and generations. I have support at work but ten times that at home and at church. I hope when I retire people will say ‘he was a good person to work for’.”

It’s certainly good news that strong values are not history.

Meet Your Neighbor!

Michael Goertz Division | Street and Bridge Operations Title | Superintendent- Central District

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feature

BY ALEXANDRIA BRUTON CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Public Affairs Behind the Scenes

From press releases to on-camera interviews, how staff get the word out and the little known ways we help prepare for the spotlight

MEET THE TEAM SAY HI TO CAROLYN! PUBLIC AFFAIRS MANAGER Carolyn Perez is the fearless leader of the Public Affairs team. A skilled communicator, with a Bachelor of Science and Masters of Arts in Communications and more than 20 years of experience, Carolyn sets the tone and guides the team through multiple and varied projects, advises on communications strategies, and supports the team’s professional development. Carolyn has been with the City for eight years and specializes in management, leadership, strategic communications, and media relations.

Carolyn loves family and fitness and once owned a Pilates studio!

SAY HOWDY TO COURTNEY! SENIOR PUBLIC INFORMATION SPECIALIST

T

he work of the Public Affairs team may seem to be the complete opposite of this issue’s “Under the Radar” theme. And oftentimes, that’s true. You may know our team best for our frequent work with media, crafting press releases, doing on-camera interviews, hosting meetings for the community, participating in City-wide events, and working as a laison between members of the public and staff. Not to mention the very magazine you’re reading right now! The foundation of our work is communications and outreach, which is often very much in the spotlight.

However, there are many aspects of our communications efforts that require weeks and even months of preparation behind the scenes. Take, for example, the journey of a simple press release. To prepare to send a release, a significant amount of preparation goes into conducting project or programspecific research; creating talking points; and anticipating questions from the public and the media. After the initial research and drafting, the release goes through a series of reviews and edits, and once finalized it is distributed through a variety of platforms: MailChimp to reach the Austin media; social media (NextDoor, Facebook, Twitter) to reach area residents and City followers, and an extensive list of internal and external stakeholders. The press release is just one example of how we help spread the word about all the outstanding efforts of Public Works staff. Now let’s shed some light on some of the other tactics we employ and things we are working on behind the scenes to make sure your programs and projects are making the best impression on the community.

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Born and raised in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains in Northern California, Courtney Black moved to Austin to work as a Public Information Specialist on a whim nearly five years ago. Her introduction to the City was with Austin Resource Recovery where she helped launch the Single-Use Bag Ordinance. Three years ago, she made the leap over to Public Works and now focuses on communications, media, and outreach for Capital Improvement Programs. Prior to moving to Austin, Courtney lived in Costa Rica working as the External Relations Manager for Outward Bound International.

SAY ALOHA TO ALEX! SENIOR PUBLIC INFORMATION SPECIALIST If you hear singing in the hallways and elevators of One Texas Center, it’s probably coming from Alex Bruton. When she’s not practicing for her Broadway debut, Alex primarily works on outreach and communications for Street and Bridge Operations and the programs in the Community Services Division. She’s a web savvy tech junkie who also serves as the web and technology lead on the Public Affairs team. Alex’s journey with the City of Austin began four years ago and she has been with Public Works for two years.

Prior to joining the City of Austin, Alex turned coffee into copy as a contributor for American Airlines’ in-flight and internal magazines.

SAY HOLA TO SUSAN! PUBLIC INFORMATION SPECIALIST Susan Garnett is a public information maven with more than 20 years of professional experience. An expert problem solver and volunteer mentor, she primarily focuses on the Capital Improvement Program and Safe Routes to School program. As a fluent Spanish speaker, she also provides translation services for the Department that ensure our messages are inclusive and reach as many people as possible. A lover the great outdoors and travel, Susan once owned and managed a youth hostel in Mexico.

MEDIA TRAINING Picture this: It’s 4 p.m. on a Friday. You’ve worked hard all week and are getting ready to head home to enjoy your weekend. Just when you start wrapping things up your phone rings. It’s a member of the Public Affairs team calling because a reporter would like to interview you as soon as possible. For many, this causes instant dread, but it doesn’t have to be that way! When approached by the media many people immediately think about all the instances when they’ve seen a media interview go completely off track. An official fumbling for the right words and perhaps, a journalist seizing on an opportunity with “gotcha” questions that leave an interviewee off balance. The Public Affairs team can help you avoid this situation with our media training services.

Currently, Departments across the City are receiving increased media scrutiny. With a potential mobility bond on the horizon, our Department stands to receive even more media attention. It’s important to master messaging and delivery to present our programs and projects in the best possible light. We can also help craft responses in preparation for interviews with print publications, which tend be longer and more in-depth than television interviews.

With advanced preparation and practice, anyone can be more confident in an on-camera interview. Our media training, facilitated through the Corporate Public Information Office, helps staff get comfortable and effective when on camera in advance.

As a subject matter expert, you know your work better than anyone else but it isn’t always easy to convey that knowledge to the public. Through media training, we can help you translate that knowledge into easy to digest and memorable information for the public.

THE MEDIA TRAININGS FOCUS ON HOW TO DELIVER: Effective messages and tips that can be applied right away How to speak in concise, quotable sound bites Ways to adapt to different interview situations and reporter personalities How to avoid common interview pitfalls; and Building confidence and comfort to come across as credible.

Participants have an opportunity to practice interview scenarios in a friendly setting and get helpful tips on how to deal with on-camera nerves. This training, combined with constructive feedback, will help you refine your delivery skills and increase your chances of having a great interview.

Interested in taking the training?

Contact Carolyn Perez at Carolyn.perez@austintexas.gov.

PERFECTING COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT Let’s get real a second: community engagement isn’t easy.

How many meetings have you attended where the number of staff greatly outnumbered residents? Or have you ever sent out a survey only to receive a smattering of responses? There’s no quick fix for this problem, which spans all levels of government.

Fear not however, the Public Affairs team is constantly exploring ways to transform our community engagement and increase the amount of goodwill between the City and residents.

Innovating Outreach

MEET ALEXA! MARKETING REPRESENTATIVE Alexa Muraida is the Department’s graphic designer and marketing representative extraordinaire! With more than 12 years of experience, Alexa brings her unique persepective and thoughtful touch to the visuals she creates for Department. From Street Talk to the annual report, her design helps PWD stand out amongst and the crowd. She primarily focuses on outreach for the Sidewalk Program, Urban Trails Program, and the Neighborhood Partnering Program. She’s been with Public Works for seven years but has interned with the City since she was 15 at various Departments.

When it comes to engaging residents, there are standard procedures outlined in master plans or directed by City Council that dictate how we conduct outreach. However, that doesn’t mean we should just go through the motions to check “community outreach” off our to-do list. The Public Affairs team diligently researches the best communications methods on a project-byproject basis to help foster meaningful relationships with stakeholders.

These days, much of our research is dedicated to increas

continued on pg. 26 2016 FALL STREET TALK

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feature

BY ALEXANDRIA BRUTON CONTRIBUTING WRITER

continued from pg. 25 PERFECTING COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT ing and improving our digital engagement. Web platforms, mobile apps, and live-streaming videos are upending conventional outreach methods. This shift creates endless opportunities to make our outreach more participatory, compelling, and personal.

In a world of hectic schedules and obligations, holding faceto-face meetings on weekday evenings at a is becoming less effective. Studies show that people want engagement that mirrors the way they naturally communicate in their social and personal lives.

As that expectation spreads into government communications, people expect outreach to be instant, customized, and on their terms.

Generally, conventional and digital outreach tends to attract different types of citizens. Offline users are traditionally older and have stronger ties to the community. Online users tend to be digital natives (people who grew

up online) whose community ties are still developing. Offline engagement allows for deeper connectivity and fosters a sense of community. Online engagement makes it convenient for anyone to join in on the discussion and can take place in an instant. As communications professional, it’s our job to determine which tactic to use and when.

Our team is currently perfecting methods to better integrate tech-based outreach with traditional methods of outreach.

On the digital front, we frequently use Nextdoor, Facebook, Twitter, and SpeakupAustin! to share our messages. These platforms complement grassroots outreach like door hangers, flyers, letters, and postcards that we traditionally use. When used together, we can leverage the best of both worlds.

Ultimately, our outreach goals are what tip the scale and leads us down one path or the other. If the goal is to engage and

gather information quickly, we may choose online outreach. If the desire is long, sustained participation, we tend to lean towards offline outreach. The Public Affairs team develops thorough communications plans that employ these methods, or a combination of both, whenever we receive a new project. This process typically begins months before a project or program is set to begin.

Whenever you’re embarking upon a new project and need outreach, take a moment to consider a time when marketing left a great impression on you. Those are the moments our team aims to create.

Getting the public engaged in varied and creative ways means the chances of bringing about positive change — whether it’s to help revitalize neighborhoods, improve street conditions, build sidewalks or tackle Capital Improvement Projects— are likely to improve.

Write On! The project makes sense to you and everyone who works on it but for some reason the public just doesn’t seem to understand. This when the Public Affairs team swoops in to translate technical talk into everyday language.

This helps your message reach a wider audience and decreases frustrations and misunderstandings.

Fun fact The City of Austin has a policy that aims to keep written materials at a fifth grade reading level so they are easy to understand.

DESIGN TIME Now that we’ve told the story, it’s time to show it. But there’s more than meets to the eye to graphic design. Our graphic design services help clarify meaning and ease communication, plus, they’re great to look at!

A strong visual improves the way we absorb information. Studies have shown that people are more receptive to ideas that they oppose if the surrounding marketing materials are appealing. When it comes to design, the team researches, conceptualizes, story boards, and goes through multiple drafts before the final product is ready for the world.

This process can take months at a time, which is why we use a production calendar to schedule design in advance. Currently, our graphic designer is booked until 2017!

It’s not just about the look though. The designer also takes into

consideration the context and the surrounding copy (or words) that go along with the design. These aspects inform the different pieces of the design such as the colors, font, photography, layout, and style of visuals.

Design also helps ensure that the PWD brand is accurately represented and recognizable. Even across different programs, the designer works to make it evident to the audience that marketing materials are from our Department. As a team, our goal is to set a high design standard and find innovative ways to visually communicate.

Could your program or project use some pizzazz?

Contact Carolyn Perez @ carolyn.perez@austintexas.gov to submit a graphic design request.

WHAT’S NEXT? We’re looking forward to new ways to improve our methods of marketing, outreach, and design. Our goal is to use the best tools and tactics to positively present PWD programs and projects to the public. Over the coming year, be on the lookout for our explorations in blogging, livestreaming, multi-media content creation, branding, and social media reputation building. We’re also using data and analytics to determine the success of our efforts and figure out what works best and what doesn’t. Ultimately, we’re here to help.

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events

Public Works Connects You...

All Around Austin

2

Barton Springs Bridge Inspection

During the week of June 22, contractors were on site at the historic Barton Springs Bridge at the intersection of Robert E. Lee Drive and Barton Springs Road. From atop the bridge, a large semi-truck could be seen, attached to it, a snooper, which is a large mechanical arm with a basket that allowed a staff of two to navigate under the bridge. Once positioned, staff began their inspection drilling a series of holes, which would provide them with the data to determine the overall health of the bridge and any areas of weakness.

This data will be used to make recommendations about the potential renovation or replacement of the bridge in the future. With Austin’s continually increasing population, the bridge has experienced an increase in traffic, which it was not initially built to withstand. Additionally, the bridge’s existing width has limited space for pedestrian and bicycle use.

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

1

Public Works talks about the challenges of construction in Austin’s Central Business District

On August 13, construction for the 35th Street Underground Electrical Service Project began. This project will install 2,635 linear feet of electrical feeders to provide an upgraded electrical service to the Davis Water Treatment Plant, thereby maintaining reliable delivery of drinking water to City of Austin customers.

Construction limits of the project are on 35th Street from Foothill Drive extending east to Hillview Road. Work for this project will be in the north side of 35th Street, beginning in the west and continuing to the east. Construction is expected to take six months. During construction, 35th Street will remain open. However, there will be lane reductions and traffic controls in place (map) for each of the four phases to allow for the electrical feeders to be placed.

This project will supply power for the Davis Water Treatment Plant Improvement projects, which includes construction of a new medium pump station and power distribution upgrade. Construction for this project is also underway and will be contained on the City-owned property on and adjacent to the plant at 3500 Foothill Parkway. This construction will last approximately three and a half years.

3

Intersection improvements are under way on East Riverside

If you’ve driven down East Riverside lately, you might have noticed construction at the Lakeshore Boulevard intersection. Construction on the East Riverside Drive Corridor Improvements Project at Lakeshore Boulevard began in July to transform this intersection into a pedestrian and bicycle-friendly public space addressing multi-modal transportation issues. The design calls for wider sidewalks, ADA-accessible ramps and bicycle lanes.

With an expected completion in spring 2017, this intersection will have improved mobility and safety for vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians.

The construction budget for this project is approximately $814,000 funded by the 2012 Transportation and Mobility Bond, and is managed by Project Manager Thuan Nguyen.

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events

continued from pg. 27

5

Community Outreach Begins for the Redbud Trail Bridge Project

In June, Public Works staff met with the community to discuss the Redbud Trail Bridge Project. Over 50 citizens came out to the open house-style event where they had the opportunity to view project information, talk with the project team, and give their opinions on the conceptual alternatives for replacing the existing Redbud Trail (“Emmett Shelton”) Bridge.

4

Community Services Division Staff looks to add more urban trails Project Location: From Fifth Street to 15th Street along Shoal Creek Outreach and Development: January 2016 – October 2016

Public Works staff is currently studying the feasibility of a 0.8 mile long urban trail and associated stream improvements of Shoal Creek from Fifth Street to 15th Street. Specifically, the project will study the feasibility of accommodating not only a 12-foot wide path for active transportation and recreation users of all ages and abilities; but also how the path will link to the on-street bicycle and sidewalk network; include amenities and unique features; create a safe, context-sensitive, environmentally sustainable destination; and preserve and improve upon wildlife habitat. The report will provide recommendations on how this facility can encourage non-vehicular mobility, connectivity, creativity and a connection with nature, and identify opportunities to improve the health of Shoal Creek using stream bank/riparian restoration and green stormwater infrastructure practices.

The preliminary engineering report will also identify constraints and opportunities associated with widening the existing trail and adding creek crossings while preserving, protecting and improving environmental conditions along the creek corridor. The preliminary engineering will include data collection, engineering analysis, site assessments, preliminary design development and cost estimates required for final design and implementation.

A kick-off meeting for this project was held on August 17th.

7

It’s a wrap!

6

North Lamar Boulevard and Burnet Road Corridor Improvements Launches Webpage with Interactive Map

In August, a new webpage for the North Lamar Boulevard and Burnet Road Corridor Improvements project was launched.

The launch was a coordinated effort between several City departments, including Transportation, Planning and Zoning, Capital Planning, and of course, Public Works. A unique element of this page is an accompanying map that allows users to virtually scroll through both corridors to see proposed project improvements and other improvements recommended by the 2013 corridor study. Users can click on specific stretches of road or sidewalk and learn more about the potential improvements. The map also contains a sidebar that offers users additional background, project scope, and links to additional resources. Public Works’ staffers Karen Villatoro and Jothika Thivakaran worked tirelessly on various versions to get the map to the well-polished and user-friendly version it is today. Check out the webpage here: http://bit.ly/2aV38dg

Construction on the Todd Lane Improvements Project from Ben White Boulevard to St. Elmo Road was completed in August thanks to Project Manager Clay Harris.

This project creates a vibrant corridor that accommodates traffic needs, improves pedestrian and bicycle accessibility, promotes a healthy and active lifestyle, and sustainably manages water resources by integrating green infrastructure features.

Project Highlights

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10-foot wide sidewalks

Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon

Four CapMetro bus stops

8-foot wide buffered bicycle lanes

Incorporates Complete Streets Seven rain gardens

Drought tolerant native plants

Single-lane, modern roundabout

Two bio-filtration/sedimentation ponds

Storm drain lines

Water and wastewater lines

STREET TALK FALL 2016

The project is eligible to receive a sliver certification rating through the Greenroads® Rating System, making it Austin’s first completed Greenroads® project. The Greenroads rating system measures and manages the sustainability of transportation projects by providing a rigorous third-party assessment to ensure that projects save money, water, energy, and reduce their carbon footprints. The Todd Lane Improvements Project meets all of these goals by incorporating a number of sustainable features in to its design.

8

Construction set to begin on three urban trails

Austin may see construction begin on three urban trails in the next few months, if they receive all the necessary approvals. The Parks and Recreation Board heard updates on the Upper Boggy Creek, Country Club Creek and Violet Crown trails at its meeting on July 26.

The Upper Boggy Creek Trail, which stretches from 12th Street to Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, raised some concern at community meetings that were held earlier this year. Both the Environmental Commission and community members were opposed to the proposed trail’s width. The original proposed length for the trail was 18 feet, but it has been reduced to 14 feet. Environmental advocates were worried that the wide trail would cause unnecessary damage to the surrounding environment, including the removal of heritage trees. The goal for the wide trail is to provide space for both pedestrians and bicyclists to pass by one another easily, something the Parks and Recreation Board strongly favored. Construction is expected to conclude in November 2017.

The other two trails include the Country Club Creek Trail, a 3-mile hikeand-bike trail running from Guerrero Colorado River Park down to Mabel Davis Park, which should be completed in December of this year. The Violet Crown Trail North runs from Home Depot Boulevard in Sunset Valley to MoPac, and should be completed in March 2018.

Country Club Creek Trail

Violet Crown Trail

Upper Boggy Creek Trail

10

Another Successful Back to School Bash!

The City of Austin’s Safe Routes to School partnered with AISD to promote children’s health and safety to the Austin community at this year’s 11th Annual Back to School Bash. This event brings together thousands of families each year to promote children’s health and safety and prepares students for the new school year.

This year over 3,000 backpacks filled with school supplies were given away to Austin area children, and our Safe Routes to School team was there to show kids how to safely walk and bike to school.

Photo from Left to Right: Lucy Thompson, Robert Hinojosa, Sawyer Wilson, Jennifer Pierce, Mackenzie Alexander, James Snow, Anita Mata, and Sandra Soler.

9

Emerging Leaders Summer Internship Program

The Emerging Leaders Summer Internship Program is a partnership between the City of Austin, Bank of America, and the Quality of Life Foundation to give high school students an opportunity to gain work experience through a paid internship. This internship program includes an orientation for professional development as well as educational field trips and six weeks of onsite work experience. The OOD has participated in this program since it was established three years ago.

This year they had the pleasure of hosting two interns, Sawyer Wilson and Mackenzie Alexander. They did a great job supporting the OOD staff and organizing online data files. The interns also learned what it is like to work in a reallife office environment.

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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’!

ABOVE AND BEYOND

CONSTRUCTION SERVICES AWARDS

Carmen Morgan

Pat on the Back for closing out Austin Water projects. Peggy and Terry were instrumental in closing out Austin Water projects. Margot Massey wrote, “This dynamic duo came up with a proposal that would provide AWU with the information they really needed much earlier in the process. I was in awe as I watched Terry and Peggy move the discussions to the desired outcome for Public Works.”

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Above & Beyond for keeping the Construction Inspection Division running smoothly.

There are the many examples of how Carmen works behind the scenes to keep our Division running smoothly through her diligence, knowledge, and detail-oriented style. Our employees and customers benefit from her efforts on a daily basis and we are lucky to have her!

NAME Mark Ellenberger DATE September 2016 YEARS OF SERVICE 15 years

ABOVE AND BEYOND

Patti Moreno

Above & Beyond for helping to make the J. J. Seabrook project a success Patti did an amazing job on overseeing the J. J. Seabrook project.

She had multiple project managers, design engineers, and numerous sponsors to continuously coordinate with. Patti’s work overseeing all of the intricate details of the project with only being able to charge two hours a day contributed to the success of this project.

PAT ON THE BACK

PAT ON THE BACK

Pat on the Back for thorough attention to detail on Nelray Blvd & Evans Ave Utility Rehab – E. 46th Street Tony Lopez received this award because of his extra attention to detail for an Tony Lopez Austin area homeowner. The homeowner had this to say, “Thank you and your team for your extra effort in caring about our unusual situation during this sewage replacement project. I am truly surprised and grateful for the excellent customer service and attention to detail that your staff and the sewage contractor have provided us in this instance. I appreciate your gentle responses to my detailed emails, and Antonio’s many personal knocks on our door and willingness to check every water source to see that it will have an outlet.”

Pat on the Back for helping the environment and our beloved bats.

Eddie worked well with the contractor to keep the trail open and clean for the citizens to use during the course of the Shoal Creek Bridge over 6th Street project, and ensured that the Eddie Cooper contractor took proper time and care to protect the environment. He also made sure that the contractor took the time to install bat tubes and use a snake camera in voids to protect the bat population during the course of the grouting and repair on the historic bridge. Eddie was recognized by the Executive Director of the Shoal Creek Conservancy, and was honored with an invitation to their annual Shoal Creek Awards Ceremony.

PAT ON THE BACK

Peggy Howard + Terry O’Connor

CONSTRUCTION SERVICES YEARS OF SERVICE

STREET TALK FALL 2016

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UPDATES FROM THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT

SAFETY OFFICE NEW POSITION

Louise Madden

BABY NEWS!

The Public Works Safety Division is proud to announce that Louise Madden has accepted the Business Process Consultant position. Louise was key in getting PWU off the ground and now she will help us achieve the same success for the safety team.

SIDEWALK DIVISION AWARD FROM ADAPT

Demira Wyatt’s son is here! Wyatt Leo Harrison was born on Friday, July 22nd, at 10:44 p.m. He was a healthy 7 lbs. 12 oz. and 20 in long. Congratulations, Demira, on your new bundle of love!

FUN FACT ABOUT SIDEWALKS

To commemorate the start of the second quarter century since the enactment in 1990 of the Americans with Disabilities Act, on July 26, ADAPT presented awards to individuals and entities with whom they had closely partnered to provide accommodations to members of the handicapped community.

From 2005 to 2017, the Sidewalk Program has built 825,678 linear feet of sidewalks. That comes out to 156 lane miles of sidewalks and 4,861 ADA ramps.

Congratulations to Mike Curtis, Mark Cole and John Eastman from the City of Austin’s Sidewalk Program on their recent award from ADAPT of Texas! They were recognized for their “outstanding efforts to promote access, freedom and community.” Thank you ADAPT of Texas for partnering with the City to keep Austin safe, accessible and connected!

The Sidewalk Program Division of the Street & Bridge Operations (SBO) group is starting its second decade of service since forming in 2005.

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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’!

SOFTWARE UPGRADE STREET + BRIDGE OPERATIONS The Public Works Street & Bridge Division manages 7,582 lane miles of pavement and 450 bridges for almost 1 million Austin residents. The annual cost of maintaining this infrastructure is about $12M for capital improvement projects, $13M for street preventative maintenance treatments, and $6M for routine roadway repairs like fixing potholes.

The primary goal in implementing the new Pavement Management System is to increase resource productivity and maximize pavement life at the lowest cost to taxpayers. With AgileAssets Pavement Analyst, planners are able to make more informed decisions on when, where and how to tackle strategic and operational challenges, achieving highest possible return on road network investments.

“In our two decades of producing public agency asset management software, we have led the industry from a world of stand-alone spreadsheets into highly sophisticated software solutions, bringing together agencies with unique business processes and multitudes of data sources,” said Stuart Hudson, P.E., president, AgileAssets Inc. “These advances have allowed our clients to save millions of taxpayer dollars in productivity by reducing redundant repairs, making better materials usage, and optimizing the life of pavement assets.”

PWD INNOVATIONS FORUM AWARDED PRIZE PACKAGE The Public Works Innovation Forum team is awarded acceleration by the Innovation Office. After the Innovation Office’s initial assessments, a panel of fifteen peer judges selected 70 innovative ideas from various departments to move forward in the Idea Accelerator program. This program helps put wind behind the sail of innovative ideas generated by City of Austin employees.

One of the 70 projects selected was “Shifting Gears,” a project team comprised of recent Public Works Innovations Forum graduates Michelle Frith, Jennifer Pierce, Doron Silberstein and David Smythe-Macaulay. This team designed a program to assist employees who want to explore a different career path by providing them with guidance and the opportunity to job shadow and learn what is necessary for them to “shift gears” within the City of Austin.

Congratulations to everyone on this team for receiving a prize package from the City’s Innovation Office to help kick-start this exciting new program.

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UPDATES FROM THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT

Public Works

SUMMER

vacations PWD SUMMER VACATIONS CHAD CRAGER

SIMON ORTA “I rode many urban trails in Colorado with my wife.

This fantastic urban trail is in Glenwood Canyon and constructed as part of the last piece of the Interstate system in 1995.”

LAWRENCE WILLIS

Construction Inspector Simon Orta celebrates his name being added to the Mexican American Cultural Center’s art installation, Pétalos.

MARY HAWKINS Business Systems Analyst Sr. Lawrence Willis spent his summer on paternity leave to take care of his beautiful baby boy, Zack, born on February 4. Sister Zoey also got to join in on some daddy-baby time.

CLAY HARRIS

Survey Professional Mary Hawkins visited the top of the One World Trade Center in New York City with her daughter, Lauren.

SUSAN GARNETT Project Manager Clay Harris enjoyed Shrek at the Zilker Hillside Theater and Blues on the Green with his kiddos.

Public Information Specialist Susan Garnett visited the island of Vieques in Puerto Rico to kick-start her summer.

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calendar

SEPTEMBER Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday Thursday

Friday

01

Saturday

02

Sunday

Defensive Driving Class

04

Texas Tailgate + Game Day

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

06

05

07

08

$ PAY DAY

09

10

Texas Tailgate + Game Day

Sunday

TriRock Austin OFFICE CLOSED Labor Day Wknd

03

New Employee Safety Orientation

11 Zilker Relays

1:00-5:00 PM

12

13

14

15

16

17

Sunday 18 19

20

21

22

$ PAY DAY

23

24 NAMIWalks Austin

Sunday Race for the Cure Schlotzsky’s Bun Run Pecan Street Festival

25

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

26

27

28

29

30 Austin City Limits Music Festival

01

Sunday 02

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STREET TALK FALL 2016

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

calendar

OCTOBER Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday Thursday

Friday

Saturday 01

Sunday 02 04

03 Safety Meeting

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

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

10

05

06

$ PAY DAY

07

Austin City Limits Music Festival

Walk to School Day Safety Meeting

08

Sunday 09

8:00 AM to 9:00 AM St. Elmo P/I SSD

11

12

13

14

Austin Heart Walk Texas Tailgate + Game Day

15

Sunday

Safety Meeting 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM St. Elmo District/ IMG

17

18

19

Austin Film Festival

20

Capital to Coast Relay

$ PAY DAY

LIVESTRONG Challenge

16

AIDS Walk

22

21

Formula 1

Sunday Safety Meeting 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM OTC- 325

24

23

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

25

26

Safety Meeting 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM St. Elmo Utilities/ Structures

27

28

Viva La Vida Festival Texas Tailgate + Game Day

29

Sunday 30

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

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