Public Works Department 2012 Annual Report

public workss connects you all around austin

2012 Annual Report

of funds and programs

CITY MANAGER'S CORNER MESSAGE FROM THE CITY MANAGER Austin has adopted a plan to guide our future, to define itself, and to capture the values and characteristics that make it a desirable place to live. The vision of our future, our Imagine Austin plan, is one of a compact, vibrant city that incorporates nature into an urban landscape, and provides opportunities for all its residents and visitors. Austin will maintain its unique identity by continuing to value sustainability, livability, and cultural diversity. The creation of such a city is no small feat, and it requires the efforts of a committed citizenry as well as a committed City workforce.

This year’s Public Works Annual Report continues to illustrate the Department’s commitment to deliver the highest quality services and projects efficiently to the citizens of Austin. The responsibility of the Department to maintain transportation infrastructure, to establish standards for work performed in the right of way, to deliver major capital improvement projects and to connect families all around Austin is of the utmost importance to realizing the vision of Austin’s future. As with last year, these expenditures amount to over $400 million in public funds, and this report outlines the use of those funds.

As the City landscape changes, Public Works will be there, providing services and infrastructure that meet the needs of its citizens, while keeping in mind the ideals of the Imagine Austin Plan. I am confident the Department will continually evolve, using innovative strategies to improve service delivery now, and into the future.

Marc A. Ott City Manager City of Austin, Texas

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ANNUAL REPORT 2012

PURPOSE AND SCOPE PUBLIC WORKS ANNUAL REPORT FY2012 PURPOSE AND SCOPE The Annual Report of your Public Works Department provides an update on the projects and services delivered to the residents and businesses of Austin. In addition to detailing the myriad of functions the Department provides, the report serves the purpose of accounting for the resources with which you’ve entrusted us. Public Works is responsible for over $400 million in combined expenditures on an annual basis, and this report details how the funds you provided were used. The report is organized by our major program activities, and covers Fiscal Year 2012 (October 1, 2011 through September 30, 2012).

Continuing with the format we presented last year in our inaugural report, we’ve relied heavily on charts, figures, statistics, and photographs to offer a glimpse into the lives of a group of professionals who work diligently to improve and sustain the quality of life we all enjoy. Whether you are experienced with our operations or looking into the Department for the first time, the layout of the report will help you find the information you are looking for quickly and efficiently. As you read through the report, our hope is that you will come away with the same joy and sense of pride in our community that we experience each and every day.

This past year has been one of great accomplishment for Public Works. Several large projects, including the Animal Services Center, the Waller Boat House, the Downtown Wastewater Tunnel, numerous street reconstruction efforts, and the Little Shoal Creek Storm Water Tunnel were completed. In addition, many smaller, neighborhood scale initiatives were also delivered, including those featured in our Neighborhood Partnering Program (recognized as a top innovation by Harvard Business School). Work continues on utilities improvements, transportation projects, and public use facilities – all with the goal of connecting you all around Austin. Our ongoing maintenance activities ensure that we will be able to sustain what we build, ensuring service to future generations. Our efforts on major projects and our ability to communicate the status earned us numerous awards and recognition at the regional, state, and national level.

As always, the success of your Public Works Department is reflective of the City government as a whole.

We work with an exceptional team of internal sponsors, supporting agencies, and outreach staff to ensure that services are delivered reliably, transparently, and efficiently. We thank you for your trust and support, and look forward to continuing the building of a better Austin in the upcoming year.

Howard S. Lazarus, PE Public Works Director PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT

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04

ANNUAL REPORT 2012

TABLE OF CONTENTS 6 8 10 13 14 23

DEPARTMENT ORGANIZATION AWARD WINNING PUBLIC WORKS FINANCIAL OVERVIEW SUPPORT SERVICES CAPITAL PROJECTS MANAGEMENT FUND 15 20

CAPACITY EXPANSION

CHILD SAFETY FUND 24

26

CAPITAL PROJECTS DELIVERY AND SERVICES

CHILD SAFETY PROGRAMS AND SERVICES

TRANSPORTATION FUND 27 28

PUBLIC WORKS OPERATIONS OVERVIEW RIGHT OF WAY MAINTENANCE, IMPROVEMENTS AND SERVICES

PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT

05

PUBLIC WORKS ORGANIZATION

7

3

EMPLOYEES Safety

7

53

EMPLOYEES

EMPLOYEES Capital Improvement Construction & Inspection

Business Systems

Workforce Development

3

EMPLOYEES Finance

16

EMPLOYEES Purchasing & Accounts

26

EMPLOYEES Quality Standards and Management

DIRECTOR

7

EMPLOYEES Human Resources

18

Chief of Staff

5

ANNUAL REPORT 2012

Operations

4

EMPLOYEES Public Affairs

51

EMPLOYEES Project Management

230 31

EMPLOYEES Neighborhood Connectivity

EMPLOYEES Communications

06

Capital Delivery

EMPLOYEES Information & Asset Management

EMPLOYEES Infrastructure Management

65

EMPLOYEES Paving Operations

EMPLOYEES Engineering Sevices

84

EMPLOYEES Utility Cuts & Concrete

78

EMPLOYEES Districts

WHO WE ARE

HEALTH FITNESS

One employee particpates in drag racing on the weekends, others run, mountain bike, do yoga, zumba, play sports...

STREET & BRIDGE Street and Bridge Operations collected 1,465 cans of food to donate during the 2011 holiday season.

HUMAN RESOURCES Has been known to bring popsicles to Street and Bridge crews operating in the field on hot summer days.

MENTOR TUTOR Public Works employees regularly mentor and tutor students at local schools.

CARING

VETERANS

Employees donated over $35,000 through our workplace giving campaign.

The Public Works Department is home to over 40 military veterans.

PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT

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DEPARTMENT AWARDS Public Works’ innovative and sustainable strategies for everything from workforce development and communication to project design and delivery have been recognized by numerous organizations in the past year.

Bikes Belong COALITION

Bikes Belong

green

green

COALITION

lane

P R O J E C T

lane

P R O J E C T

GREEN LANE PROJECT BIKES BELONG FOUNDATION- GREEN LANE PROJECT: Austin is one of six U.S. cities to be chosen for this technical assistance award, to help these cities build world-class cycling networks on city streets.

ENGINEER OF THE YEAR CENTRAL TEXAS SECTION- AMERICAN SOCIETY OF CIVIL ENGINEERS:

Civil Engineer of the YearHoward Lazarus, Director of Public Works Department

ACPA AMERICAN CONCRETE PAVEMENT ASSOCIATION

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ANNUAL REPORT 2012

EXCELLENCE IN CONCRETE PAVING AMERICAN CONCRETE PAVING ASSOCIATION:

Excellence in Concrete Pavement Award- Hornsby Bend Compost Pad

ACEC

AMERICAN COUNCIL OF ENGINEERING COMPANIES

TEXAS PUBLIC

WORKS ASSOCIATION AMERICAN COUNCIL OF ENGINEERING COMPANIES:

(1)

Field Excellence Award- Nathan Wilkes

(2)

In-House Project of the Year- Dalton Lane Bridge Repair (Emergency and Disaster)

(3)

In-House Project of the Year- Congress Overlay (Transportation)

PUBLIC SERVICE

ANNOUNCEMENT TEXAS ASSOCIATION OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS OFFICERS AND ADVISORS: First Place Programming Award for the Public Works Department PSA, “The Jerk”

BRIGHT IDEAS IN

GOVERNMENT

HARVARD UNIVERSITY KENNEDY SCHOOL ASH CENTER FOR DEMOCRATIC GOVERNANCE AND INNOVATION: 2012 Neighborhood Partnering Program

ENGINEERING EXCELLENCE AMERICAN COUNCIL OF ENGINEERING COMPANIES:

(1)

Gold Medal Winner for Engineering Excellence- Waller Creek Pedestrian Bridge

(2)

Surveying and Mapping Award- Mobile LiDAR Mapping for Street Improvements.

(3)

National Recognition Award- Green Water Treatment Plant Decommissioning

TEXAS SOCIETY OF

ARCHITECTS

DESIGN AWARD: I-35 Makeover Project

BRONZE QUILL

INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BUSINESS COMMUNICATORS:

2012 Street Talk Magazine

CLARION AWARD ASSOCIATION FOR WOMEN IN COMMUNICATION:

(1) (2)

Street Talk Magazine 2011 Annual Report in the category of Communications Skills/ Publications

PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT

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FINANCIAL OVERVIEW The Public Works Department (PWD) strives to implement creative, innovative and sustainable strategies to address the City’s needs for mobility, safety, and facilities development that obtain the best value for the resources available. Here is a breakdown of where our funding comes from and how it is utilized.

2010-2011

2011-2012

Revenue

$50,430,300

$49,480,000

THE PUBLIC WORKS TRANSPORTATION FUND

Transfers In

$1,665,385

$2,075,385

Requirements

$42,485,912

$51,066,011

234.00

257.00

The Public Works Transportation Fund obtains revenue from the Transportation User Fee, Utility Cut Repair charges, the General Fund and miscellaneous other revenue.

Transportation Fund

Full-Time Equivalents (FTE’s)

ACTUAL

APPROVED

Capital Projects Management Fund Revenue

$23,463,195

$24,416,500

$0

$0

$23,054,228

$24,150,778

190.00

190.00

Revenue

$1,565,600

$1,470,000

Requirements

$1,654,767

$1,550,350

4.00

4.00

Transfers In Requirements Full-Time Equivalents (FTE’s)

Child Safety Fund

Full-Time Equivalents (FTE’s)

Expense Refunds

$1,974,339

$1,762,130

Grant Requirements

$1,748,093

$0

$70,917,339

$78,529,269

Total Budget

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ANNUAL REPORT 2012

THE CAPITAL PROJECTS MANAGEMENT FUND The Capital Project Management Fund draws its revenue from the project team charging their direct staff time and an overhead rate to the capital projects that they manage for internal clients.

THE CHILD SAFETY FUND The Child Safety Fund receives its revenue from traffic violations in school zones and from vehicle licensing fees collected by Travis County for school zone safety programs.

FINANCIAL OVERVIEW PWD SOURCES OF FUNDS

PWD USES OF FUNDS

8.7%

Utility Cut

2.1%

General Fund

7.6%

Street Repair

18.5%

Capital Projects Delivery

1.8%

Child Safety Fund

3.0%

Expense Refunds & Other

6.3%

Minor Construction & Repair

19.1%

Other

30.7%

CIP/ Enterprise Project Charges

53.7%

Transportation User Fee

20.3%

Transfer & Other Requests

28.2%

Street Preventative Maintenance

Public Works actively seeks and applies for grants which allow us to leverage our existing funds. Public Works currently has $25million in active grants, which are considered to be revenue in the General Fund, and are not reflected in the previous diagrams.

PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT

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FINANCIAL OVERVIEW PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS AND MAINTENANCE BY GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION The Department of Public Works truly connects you all around Austin. Here is a look back at our spending by location. We expect to continue being all around Austin as we look to future asset construction and maintenance.

HISTORIC SPENDING BY REGION Capital (2000, 2006, 2010 Bond Programs) $199.80 MILLION

Street Preventative Maintenance (1998-2010)

NORTHWEST

$108.60 MILLION

Historic Investment 1998-2012

NORTHEAST

$308.40 MILLION DISTRIBUTION BY COST

CENTRAL WEST

5%

CENTRAL EAST

SOUTH EAST SOUTHWEST

29%

17% 16%

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ANNUAL REPORT 2012

16%

18% 14%

COMBINED TOTAL $42.6 MILLION

30%

27%

COMBINED TOTAL $75.4 MILLION COMBINED TOTAL $64.9 MILLION COMBINED TOTAL $32.4 MILLION

5% 17% 7%

COMBINED TOTAL $52.9 MILLION COMBINED TOTAL $40.2 MILLION

SUPPORT SERVICES HUMAN RESOURCES The Public Works Human Resources Office (HRO) provides expertise in strategic planning and business partnering, employee relations, compensation, employment services, and workforce development to the Public Works and Austin Transportation Departments. HRO partners closely with department leaders to understand the needs of today, as well as anticipate the needs of tomorrow, for greater value and efficiency.

DEVELOPING AN AGILE AND EFFECTIVE WORKFORCE Advancing employee skillsets and opportunities for career progression has been the focus of HRO for FY12. Programs that provide a vehicle for employees to improve math, reading and writing skills, as well as GED preparation and ESL classes. The Leadership Academy prepares employees to compete for supervisory positions.

BUSINESS SYSTEMS Business Systems serves as the backbone of coordination for all three funds and their programs with financial management, asset management, performance measurement, construction quality services, safety programs and training, and administrative services.

IMMPACT (THE INFRASTRUCTURE MANAGEMENT, MAPPING PLANNING AND COORDINATION TOOL) The Infrastructure Management, Mapping, Planning and Coordination Tool (IMMPACT) is an ongoing, multi-departmental project led by the Public Works Department. A primary function of IMMPACT is to provide key coordination information for active infrastructure Capital Improvement Program projects, permits, and special events in a geographic context. Future phases of IMMPACT will include both a conflict resolution module and a public-facing component embedded in the City’s website.

+ Screen shot: CIP Project data information summary including project description, manager, contractor and current status.

PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT

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The Capital Projects Management Fund (CPMF) is an internal service fund that accounts for the costs of delivering capital projects. This fund is used to charge project specific costs to the capital budget to ensure that the costs of the improvement are capitalized in accordance with all Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).Land acquisition, design, and construction; commissioning and warranty work costs for a capital project are all captured in this fund.

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ANNUAL REPORT 2012

CAPITAL PROJECTS DELIVERY CAPITAL PROJECTS DELIVERY Delivering high quality projects to Austin’s citizens is the product of a well-organized, collaborative workforce. Our Project Managers (PMs), a group of engineers, architects and other related professionals, shepherd the projects from the design phase through completion of construction. Along the way, the PMs work with over 19 City Departments while maintaining schedules, budgets and adherence to strict regulations, standards and laws. Crucial to a successful outcome is the partnership of the PMs with Public Works’ Design Services, Inspection Services, and Quality and Standards Management.

Project Highlight:

DOWNTOWN WASTEWATER TUNNEL

DOWNTOWN WASTEWATER TUNNEL Completed in 2012, this project replaces at-capacity aging wastewater infrastructure. The 4-mile long tunnel crosses Lady Bird Lake three times and supports Austin’s rapidly growing downtown area.

Using the latest tunneling technology, the tunnel was mostly built 80 feet underground, and its resin pipes are expected to last 100 years, twice as long as the old wastewater system.

WALLER CREEK TUNNEL: A 30 YEAR VISION REACHES NEW MILESTONES IN 2012 INLET The Inlet project is underway and scheduled to be complete in 2014.

This project includes a wet pond and creek channel improvements.

The improved creek channel and new pond will capture and direct floodwaters to a new 20,000 square foot maintenance and debris handling building for trash screening and passage into the tunnel.

BOATHOUSE Constructed to mitigate the use of parkland for the Waller Creek outlet project, the 10,800 square foot, 2-story boathouse building features a deck accessible to the public, public restrooms, office space, boat storage, a concession area, and locker rooms.

WALLER CREEK INLET

WALLER CREEK BOATHOUSE

FINAL DESIGN The Waller Creek Conservancy hosted an international design competition and selected a final design for improving the surface corridor. The design is an interconnected chain of parks, and the Conservancy will oversee the fundraising and support the implementation of surface improvements.

PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT

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CAPITAL PROJECTS DELIVERY The Project Management Division Managed

380

TOTAL SPENDING

65 %

(BY SPONSOR DEPARTMENT)

projects in FY 2012

Austin Water Utility

Other

5%

Water Treatment Plant 4

Austin Public Library

54 %

Austin Transportation

Downtown Wastewater Tunnel

Project Management Actual Spending in FY 2012:

14 %

338,420,326

8%

Austin Resource Recovery

Watershed Protection

Financial Services Neighborhood Housing & Community Development

Waller Creek Tunnel 54 %

Total Construction Value of Projects Managed:

8%

Public Works

1,861,899,000

Planning & Development Review

4%

Parks and Recreation

Emergency Medical Services

4%

Aviation

Health & Human Services

Project Management’s total cost of services:

+

2.66%

TOTAL AMOUNT

83 PERCENT

$ 338, 420, 326

of managed projects delivered within initial schedule

SCHEDULING, BUDGET AND FEASIBILITY PLANNING AND FUNDING

BY SPONSOR DEPARTMENT

BID-AWARDEXECUTE

DESIGN, FEASIBILITY AND QUALITY CONTROL

POST CONSTRUCTION (WARRANTY PHASE)

PROJECT INITIATION

PROJECT LIFE CYCLE 16

ANNUAL REPORT 2012

CONSTRUCTION

CAPITAL PROJECTS DELIVERY INSPECTION SERVICES A key measure of the success of project delivery is the attention to detail from start to finish. City of Austin inspectors serve the City by spending each day on site during the construction of capital projects. Public Works’ inspectors ensure that projects are built in accordance with the contract requirements, and often interact with the public one-on-one to answer project related questions.

100

PERCENT

of projects were without significant deficiencies after 1 year

174

CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS in FY2012

The cost to inspect a project in FY 2012

3.3 PERCENT OF CONSTRUCTION COST

INSPECT OVER

$1 BILLION in construction value

PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT

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CAPITAL PROJECTS DELIVERY QUALITY AND STANDARDS MANAGEMENT The best projects cannot be delivered without emphasis on quality. Public Works’ Quality and Standards Management program was formalized into its own division in Fiscal Year 2012.

Charged with reviewing all project plans and specifications, this eclectic group of talent ensures that high quality documents are prepared prior to bidding projects. Maintaining quality assurance and quality control, standards and details, and ensuring adherence to legal standards and regulations are the cornerstones of delivering projects that will last well into the future.

FACILITIES PLANNING

ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES

Public Works staff participates in the planning and reuse of facilities City-wide. Two projects PWD provided services for in FY 2012 are as follows:

STREET JONES BUILDING

MUNICIPAL COURT AUSTIN POLICE DEPARTMENT SUBSTATION: HOME DEPOT SITE AT ST. JOHNS AVENUE Public Works provided conceptual architectural services to envision the use of a City owned commercial site in North Austin.

The conceptual design achieves sustainability goals on the former big-box retail site.

COMMUNITY COURT HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES: ADDITION TO AUSTIN RESOURCE FOR THE HOMELESS PWD provided a conceptual design to HHS for a facility to transition Austin’s chronically homeless population to permanent supportive housing. The facility would increase capacity, provide needed on-site services, leasable tenant space and a new City owned Community Court.

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ANNUAL REPORT 2012

The Office of Sustainability/Public Information Office remodel made the most of a 2,000 square foot, budget-challenged project.

The project created a light filled collaborative office environment through a few innovative moves. Construction cost was kept to a low $50,000.

LAMAR & 15TH GATEWAY: DESIGN DOCUMENTS FOR MEDIAN IMPROVEMENTS The Lamar “Gateway” will replace 17,000 square feet of cracking weed-filled concrete with attractive, drought-resistant landscape, punctuated with battery powered L.E.D. landscaping and safety lights.

CAPITAL PROJECTS DELIVERY ENGINEERING SERVICES Public Works provides professional engineering services to various City departments and to other divisions within Public Works. The Engineering Services Division consists of four design teams with diverse experience that consistently deliver quality engineering work products based on the individual project’s scope, schedule and budget.

ONE TEXAS CENTER RAIN GARDENS This retrofit project involved design and construction of an innovative water quality control to treat runoff from the City owned One Texas Center building, parking lot, and garage areas, while beautifying the streetscape.

NEIGHBORHOOD TRAFFIC CALMING Engineers designed twenty-five devices within the Crestview neighborhood that included mini roundabouts, median islands, bulb outs with rain gardens, and speed cushions. This was the first of several projects to be done in concert with the Austin Transportation Department’s Local Area Traffic Management Program.

FOCUS +

Project Highlight:

ON QUALITY MANAGEMENT: GOLD STANDARD

Stopping to closely examine a project during its development is a key component to maintaining design quality. The gold standard requires an independent technical review of all design deliverables and a planin-hand walk through on site at 60% design, and a review of bid items at 90% design.

100 PERCENT

AVERAGE PERCENT OF PROJECT MILESTONES DELIVERED ON SCHEDULE IN FISCAL YEAR 2012 PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT

19

CAPITAL PROJECTS DELIVERY CAPACITY EXPANSION Expanding our capacity to connect citizens all around Austin happens from one edge of the Right-of-Way to the other. The dedicated professionals in Public Works collaborate to provide solutions within this space to deliver safe, multi-modal transportation options that move more people more of the time.

NUMBER OF ADA CURB RAMPS CONSTRUCTED

499 NUMBER OF BICYCLE ROUTE MILES CONSTRUCTED

38.4

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ANNUAL REPORT 2012

CAPITAL PROJECTS DELIVERY

7 MILLION DOLLARS

IN GRANTS, REQUIRING $1.4 MILLION IN MATCHING FUNDS FROM THE CITY

THE PORTION OF COMMUTERS TRAVELING BY

BICYCLE DOUBLED

to 2 PERCENT from 20062012, and the Bicycle Program has targeted an increase to 5 PERCENT by 2015

2.6 MILLION

NUMBER OF NEW URBAN TRAIL MILES COMPLETED

DOLLARS

1.3

in ADA bus stop improvements for Capital Metro

80

PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT

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CAPACITY EXPANSION NEIGHBORHOOD CONNECTIVITY PROGRAMS The department’s work on capacity expansion includes neighborhood connectivity programs. The Bicycle, Urban Trails, Pedestrian and Neighborhood Partnering Programs work in partnership with various departments within the City, community organizations, other government entities, and most importantly our citizens, to deliver projects and programs that support connectivity from neighborhoods to local amenities and businesses.

Project highlights for NCD Programs for FY2012:

BLUEBONNET CYCLE TRACK

BICYCLE AND URBAN TRAILS PROGRAMS The Bicycle and Urban Trails Programs actively encourage the use of a bicycle for transportation and provide the infrastructure necessary to make it safe and convenient. Through the use of innovative solutions that provide more physical separation from motor vehicles, the Bicycle Program continues to provide comfortable options for all levels of cyclists. Urban Trails provide completely separated pathways throughout the City and continue to grow as an addition to the network.

PEDESTRIAN PROGRAM The Public Works Pedestrian Program manages the construction and repair of missing and damaged sidewalk segments and curb ramps throughout the city. Utilizing primarily bond funds, ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) and TAS (Texas Accessibility Standards) compliant routes are installed in the Right-of-Way throughout the city to improve access to transit routes, businesses, offices and other facilities.

before

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ANNUAL REPORT 2012

BLUEBONNET CYCLE TRACK

This cycle track is a protected bicycle lane that connects local area residents to an elementary school.

SOUTHERN WALNUT CREEK TRAIL

Construction of this 7.3 mile urban trail in the Walnut Creek Greenbelt began in FY12.

NEIGHBORHOOD PARTNERING PROGRAM The Neighborhood Partnering Program, in which community groups can apply to do novel, neighborhood scale projects in partnership with the City, awarded 8 projects in FY2012, totaling just under $500,000. Funding for the projects is provided by bonds and transportation funds, with some matching cash contributions by partnering organizations.

PATTERSON PARK BATH HOUSE MOSAIC

SIDEWALK IMPROVEMENTS

The City partnered with a local community group, the Parks Department, and a local non-profit to fund this art project. The mosaic was installed by the community under the direction of a local artist.

Major improvements were made to: 1. East 6th from IH-35 to Calles 2. Koenig Lane from Burnet to Lamar

The Child Safety Fund generates its revenue from vehicle registration costs and parking or traffic fines (in active school zones).

The revenue for this fund is used to pay the salary and associated costs for school crossing guards and school safety education. Capital improvements such as school zone activation lights, crosswalk markings and speed limit signage are also funded through the Child Safety Fund.

PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT

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CHILD SAFETY PROGRAM CHILD SAFETY PROGRAM FUND The Public Works Child Safety Program receives no general tax revenue, but instead is funded by fees from legislation passed in the Texas Legislature in 1991 to create a school crossing guard program for cities and counties. The program uses these fees to provide multiple services to the community.

CROSSING GUARDS

GENERAL CHILD SAFETY

Guards are placed at all warranted locations. The program hires and supervises:

The Program facilitates the planning, development and implementation of projects and activities that will promote a health-enhancing, physically-active lifestyle, improve safety, and reduce traffic and air pollution in the vicinity of Austin’s schools – all of which leads to healthier kids in our community.

8 Crossing Guard Supervisors 14 Crossing Guard Supervisor Assistants 211 Crossing Guards at 90 Schools in 7 Districts

MAP OF SERVICE REGION PFLUGERVILLE

EDUCATION Each year over 46,000 students are trained in: Safe Street Crossing Bicycle Safety Safe Bus Riding Fundamentals Safe Rail/Train Procedures

CHILD SAFETY EXPENDITURES

(FY2012) WESTLAKE HILLS

88% Crossing Guards AUSTIN

8%

Safety Education

2%

School Infrastructure

2%

Other

SUNSET VALLEY

CITY OF AUSTIN SCHOOLS

+ + TOTAL REVENUE $ 1,725,025

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ANNUAL REPORT 2012

+ TOTAL EXPENSES $ 1,720,761

DEL VALLE

CROSSING GUARD LOCATIONS

BOTH

Map note: Schools not requiring crossing guards receive services in the form of pedestrian counts, in-class safety education, and assistance/guidance on any traffic/safety issues that arise.

CHILD SAFETY PROGRAM CHILD SAFETY PROGRAM Through its focus on the provision of physical infrastructure, safety education, and encouragement of children to use health-enhancing, physically active modes of transportation, the Child Safety Program fulfills its mission of providing a comprehensive safe environment for Austin’s students as they travel to and from school.

INITIATIVES:

BIKE ON WEDNESDAY WALK ON WEDNESDAY (BOW-WOW)

THE IDLE FREE ZONE - YOUNG LUNGS AT WORK

Bike on Wednesday, Walk on Wednesday encourages children to bike, walk, skateboard, or use any other form of active transportation to school. As part of this initiative, Child Safety staff holds drawings for active transportation related equipment for kids.

This initiative helps prevent drivers from idling in school zones where cumulative exhaust creates a harmful environment for children’s lungs!

DEFERRED PROSECUTION PROJECT FOR DRIVING OFFENSES COMMITTED IN A SCHOOL ZONE Drivers cited for speeding or texting or talking on a mobile phone in school zones can elect to spend two mornings with a crossing guard or give a 5 minute PTA presentation on Distracted Driving in lieu of a fine. If the driver is under 21, they may write an essay or do an art project that can be used to prevent fellow drivers from distracted driving behaviors. All offenders must still pay court costs.

CHILDHOOD INJURY TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE Austin City Council created a workgroup charged with creating a comprehensive review of issues and forming a collaborative plan to address childhood injury issues related to transportation in the City of Austin. The Committee is also charged with encouraging unified stakeholder action, with stakeholders in the group including state, county, city, and school officials, as well as service providers such as the Dell Children’s Medical Center.

HIGHLIGHTS BACK TO SCHOOL BASH The Child Safety Programs host an annual Back to School Bash with AISD each August, where students can receive backpacks, bike helmets and safety instruction before starting the new school year.

SCHOOL ZONES In FY 2012, the Child Safety Program received revenues in excess of $750,000 from driving violations in school zones.

PARTICIPATION 200 individuals participated in deferred prosecution in FY 2012.

PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT

25

Transportation Fund

The Transportation Fund derives its funding from two main sources: the Transportation User Fee and the Utility Cut reimbursement revenue.

The Transportation User Fee

is a monthly fee assessed to residents and businesses, based on the traffic levels generated by each dwelling unit or business. This monthly fee funds street maintenance and repair, annual street overlay and striping, and other activities necessary for keeping Austin’s roadways in good condition.

The Utility Cut Reimbursement Revenue

is revenue generated when the City must make repairs to a street that has been excavated for work that needs to be done to utilities located under the pavement. The revenue generated by the Utility Cut reimbursement is used solely to offset the costs of the roadway repairs needed.

26

ANNUAL REPORT 2012

TRANSPORTATION FUND STREET AND BRIDGE OPERATIONS INFRASTRUCTURE AND ASSET MANAGEMENT Public Works Street and Bridge Operations (SBO) is comprised of professional and technically skilled staff that support the needs associated with managing and maintaining public infrastructure related to streets, bridges, trees and vegetation in public rights of way. Services provided by Street and Bridge Operations include: after

be fo

minor concrete repair and construction street preventative maintenance right-of-way maintenance bridge maintenance street repairs tree pruning and trimming

re

Project Highlight: OLD MANOR ROAD BRIDGE REPAIR The City’s only route to its Emergency Operations Center, Old Manor Road, was compromised after a heavy rain washed out the gabions supporting one of the bridges and caused asphalt failure on the bridge.

Street and Bridge operations repaired the bridge in only 3 days time while keeping the road open.

15th STREET GUARDRAIL

(LIFE CYCLE OF A STREET)

The original guardrails on this bridge were aged and not rated for vehicles. After sustaining damage by a vehicle, Street and Bridge crews replaced the guardrails with an attractive cement rail common to the area. 200 feet of rail was installed on both sides of the street, at the same cost of a standard rail type.

REPAIR (POTHOLES, UTILITY CUTS) STREET IS BORN

SEALCOATS

RECONSTRUCTION

PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT

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TRANSPORTATION FUND TRAFFIC CALMING Growing a compact city can create traffic challenges in central city neighborhoods.

To solve these issues, Public Works designs and builds traffic calming devices in partnership with the Austin Transportation Department.

DEVICES

NEIGHBORHOODS

by Public Works crews

43 05 IN

01 10 CUSHIONS MEDIANS 21 Pedestrian Refuges BULB OUTS

(TOTAL SPENDING BY TYPE)

Street Preventative Maintenance

$21,692,904

Street Repair

$4,472,967 Bridge Maintenance

$547,641 Minor Construction and Repair

$4,841,525 Right of Way Maintenance

$1,713,729

ANNUAL REPORT 2012

CONSTRUCTED

The Types of Devices Installed:

STREET & BRIDGE OPERATIONS

28

IN FISCAL YEAR 2012

RAIN GARDENS TRAFFIC CIRCLES

03 01

PAVEMENT MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR PAVEMENT MAINTENANCE AND IMPROVEMENTS The technology behind street maintenance has yielded an explosion of options over the last two decades to meet customer needs. Public Works continually reviews and integrates new options for pavement treatments to address customer needs. These treatments allow SBO crews to integrate sustainable materials and processes, different color palettes to suit neighborhood aesthetics, and different surface types.

TOTAL LANE MILES 28% 26% 25% 24%

BRODIE LANE OVERLAY

31%

31%

Total Lane Miles 23% 26%

25%

23%

26%

21%

14% 15%

13%

14%

10% 10%

Excellent EXCELLENT

2009

Good GOOD

2010

Fair FAIR

2011

Poor POOR

7%

7%

Brodie is a heavily trafficked roadway in South Austin that connects several neighborhoods to main roadways. In order to minimize disruption to area2009 residents and local businesses during a needed resurfacing project, Public Works shifted 2010 its schedule to 8pm to 4:30am and utilized a new paver with 2011 equipment designed for night work.

With the proper planning, scheduling, and coor2012 dination, the overlay crew completed the job in only 3 days, with no injuries or accidents.

Very Poor VERY POOR

2012

PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT

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PAVEMENT MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR

PAVEMENT TREATMENT TYPES AND TECHNOLOGIES BY DECADE

STRESS ABSORB

INTERLAYER

ASPHALT RUBBER HMAC

1980 (6) Treatment Types & Technologies

COLD IN-PLACE RECYCLING

CRACK SEAL

DOUBLE SEAL COAT

CAPE SEAL

UNDERSEAL

PM OVERLAY

TIRE RUBBER MOD S. SEAL

SEAL COAT

RECONSTRUCTION

HOT IN-PLACE RECYCLING

1990 (12) Treatment Types & Technologies

GEOTEXTILES

NOTE: PREVIOUS TREATMENTS ARE STILL IN PLACE, ALONG WITH ADDITIONAL TREATMENT TYPES BELOW:

SLURRY SEAL

THICKENED EDGE MILLING

EDGE MILLING

MAJOR

POLYMER OVERLAY

REJUVENATORS LIME-CEMENT STAB

REHABILITATION

RAP/RAS ASPHALT

MINOR

REHABILITATION

PERFORMANCE HMAC’s

2000 (20) Treatment Types & Technologies

THIN LIFT OVERLAY

NOTE: PREVIOUS TREATMENTS ARE STILL IN PLACE, ALONG WITH ADDITIONAL TREATMENT TYPES BELOW:

DEEP

LEVEL-UP & SEAL COAT

SEAL COAT #6 ROCK

STABILIZATION

MICROSURFACING

GEO GRID

ASPHALT

ROAD OVERCOAT

PG ASPHALT BINDERS

SLURRY CUL DE SACS

GLAS GRID

WARM MIX

2010

(34) Treatment Types & Technologies NOTE: PREVIOUS TREATMENTS ARE STILL IN PLACE, ALONG WITH ADDITIONAL TREATMENT TYPES ABOVE treatment type currently under consideration

30

ANNUAL REPORT 2012

PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT

31