Street Talk | September 2011 Issue by Austin Public Works

STREET TALK VOLUME 1 ISSUE 5

REPORTING ON WHAT MATTERS TO PUBLIC WORKS

SEPTEMBER 2011

inside: Feature:

PWD Executives share their thoughts and vision for the department.

All Around Austin:

See what’s been happening and what’s coming up next.

Guest Column:

The Austin Water Utility talks water conservation and how to make it a part of your daily routine.

Diversity Council:

What it’s all about and what they plan to accomplish this year in PWD.

s ’ t a Th

a Wrap!

, 1 1 0 2 Y F p u PWD wrasposbring on FY2012!

director’s message BY HOWARD LAZARUS DIRECTOR

STREET TALK EDITORIAL Editor in Chief: Chief Reporter:

Back to the Future

Sara Hartley

sara.hartley@austintexas.gov

Michelle Frith

michelle.frith@austintexas.gov

Contributing Writers: Howard Lazarus

howard.lazarus@austintexas.gov

Sharon Warren

sharon.warren@austintexas.gov

Vera Labriola

vera.labriola@austintexas.gov

Sara Krause

sara.krause@austintexas.gov

Luciano Tamayo

luciano.tamayo@austintexas.gov

Santina Reichow

santina.reichow@austintexas.gov

Reflecting on our accomplishments from FY2011 as we blaze a trail into FY2012

Max Eby

max.ebey@austintexas.gov

Jason Hill

jason.hill@austintexas.gov

Eva Moore

eptember signals the end of the dog days of summer. Temperatures will (hopefully) start to cool, the kids go back to school, and the air will soon be filled with flying pigskins. Public Workers ranged far and wide during the months of July and August, and several of you shared memories of your vacations in this month’s Street Talk. I hope everyone enjoyed themselves, and were able to get a mental as well as a physical break from the demands of the job and day-to-day stresses. September also puts a wrap on the current fiscal year, and I’d like to use this opportunity to provide a glimpse into the State of the Department as we face FY12. As a whole, the past twelve months were another successful year for us: Street and Bridge crews exceeded their maintenance and repair goals and we made progress on improving the overall state of our pavements. Additional miles of sidewalk and bicycle lane were added to the transportation network, and accessibility for all Austinites was improved. Several high profile capital projects were completed, including the IH35 Parking Lot Improvements, the Northwest Recreation Center Renovation, the Public Safety Training Facility, the Pfluger Bridge Extension,

02 STREET TALK SEPTEMBER 2011

eva.moore@austintexas.gov

2nd Street Improvements, East 7th Kate Montgomery kate.montgomery@austintexas.gov Street Reconstruction and ImproveKalpana Sutaria ments, the Avery Ranch Fire and EMS kalpana.sutaria@austintexas.gov design station was built, along with several Chief Graphic Designer: Alexa Muraida firehouse renovations, and numerous alexa.muraida@austintexas.gov street reconstruction and utility projDirector of Photography: Shannon Wisner ects. By the end of September, we shannon.wisner@austintexas.gov also hope to have work completed on deferred some hiring decisions and major Brazos Street downtown. purchases until mid-year so we can better evaluate where we are on the sources and With the passage of the Mobiluses of our funds. We should still be able ity Bond in 2010, funding was made to do everything we want to, but efficiency available for several new and existing and accountability will take center stage. projects to move forward, including On the personnel front, City Corpothe Lady Bird Lake Boardwalk, the Virate leadership has been addressing emolet Crown Trail, design of 6th Street ployee concerns. The FY12 budget includes Improvements, additional street rea 2% across the board salary increase and construction, sidewalk accessibility Service Incentive Pay. Phases 2 and 3 of improvements, and additional bicythe Market Study will also be reviewed and cle facilities. implemented. While the costs of medical coverage will increase for most employees, Improvements were also initiated the City’s Human Resources Department that will help improve our administradid an exceptional job of negotiating new tive processes, addressing everything contracts that will minimize the impacts on from standards of appearance and your checkbooks. conduct, to systems innovations like Finally, I want to recognize the Street electronic timekeeping and invoice Talk staff. The format of our news magaprocessing, to a new look at career zine has not only increased readership, but fields and progression. has also garnered some national attention. Street Talk was selected as a winner of the The coming fiscal year promises to Association for Women in Communications be equally challenging and we are well Clarion Award and is a finalist for the 3CMA positioned to meet our operational needs. National Savvy award. Congratulations to However, we will have to watch our exthe entire Street Talk Team, who go the expenses as revenues are a bit flat. We’ve tra mile to keep the focus on YOU!

cityspace.austintexas.gov/departments/pwd VOLUME 1

ISSUE 5

contents SEPTEMBER 2011

COVER STORY

Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a Wrap! The communications team interviews the executives to get some insight on plans for Fiscal Year 2012, while reflecting on the accomplishments of Fiscal Year 2011.

New trellis and landscaping on East 7th Street 2011 SEPTEMBER STREET TALK

contents

cityspace.austintexas.gov/departments/pwd VOLUME 1

ISSUE 5

SEPTEMBER 2011

10 features 2

Public Workers spent time in July and August doing all kinds of things around town to highlight the work we do in PWD. See what’s been happening and what is coming up next.

Our employees took some time off this summer for a little R&R. Take a look to see who shared their memories and snapshots with us!

FINANCIAL MONITORING AND BUDGETING GROUP:

NCD: The Bicycle Program is putting it’s signature on Austin! Find out how and where they’re making improvements for cyclists… and learn how to get your very own Bicycle map!

04 STREET TALK SEPTEMBER 2011

20 12 columns

HRO: PUMP UP THE BODY, EASE THE MIND

Find out how the HRO office is making strides to help keep you healthy, fit, and stress-free.

PWD HITS THE TRAIL

Meet this tiny, but mighty, crew who crunches those numbers to help keep us on track.

ALL AROUND AUSTIN

divisions 0

ESD: ROLLIN’ OUT THE ROUNDABOUTS Learn about how roundabouts are a great traffic solution for our city… and meet ‘Mr. Roundabout’ himself!

CIPID: BEHIND THE SCENES

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

The division’s management and technical team has a lot to offer! Here, you’ll meet the group and get to know their individual roles.

PMD TAKES IT TO PORTLAND The American Public Works Association’s Sustainability Conference offers some great insight on what Portland does to stay ‘green’.

SBO GETS HIGH-TECH ABOUT PAVEMENT ANALYSIS: Check out how a cool new data collection machine can help us keep our streets in tip-top shape.

HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW YOUR NEIGHBOR?

THE SAFETY ZONE How safe are you staying on the job? Tips on how you can make improvements on the job and in your daily life!

THE DIVERSITY COUNCIL: Now that the charter has been signed, what comes next? Find out what they’re all about and what they plan to accomplish this year.

GUEST COLUMN: austin water utility This Month: The Austin Water Utility gives us advice on how to make water conservation a part of our daily routine.

CITY OF AUSTIN COMBINED CHARITIES CAMPAIGN How Public Works employees are gearing up to raise money for those in need… and details about what you can do to help!

safety zone BY SHARON WARREN CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Be Safe: Slow Your Roll!

The Safety Office gives advice on how to keep our children, our crossing guards, and yourself safe from harm during the school year.

t’s that time of year again! School is now in session, and that means we now have our school zones back in action. Children and crossing guards are crossing the streets, buses are back on the roads, and of course, traffic is a nightmare. As a result - we all need to heighten our awareness out there on the roadway!

School Zones Make sure to heed the speed limit of the school zone. The speeds may vary depending on the location, but most will be 20 or 25 mph. It is important to remember that cell phone usage in a school zone must either be hands-free or occurring while your vehicle is at a complete stop. The safety office recommends that you not use your cell phone at any time in a school zone, because you need your full attention devoted to the roadway. It’s also important to note that while driving on City business, PWD’s policy prohibits all cell phone usage.

Crossing Guards Within the City limits, PWD employs around 200 crossing guards who help approximately 34,000 children cross the street to get

to school. When also accounting for the must wait until the lights have stopped older children who walk, skate, or bike flashing and the stop arm is retracted. If a to school, that’s a lot of kids to watch out school bus is stopped, even if there are no for! It is imperative that you as a driver lights and/or stop arm out, be sure to slow pay close attention to the crossing guard, down and keep a lookout – children may who knows where the children are even still be nearby! when you can’t always see them. So, remember to slow down, pay atten- Traffic in General tion to the guard, and be patient. With our younger kids in school and After all, it only takes a few seconds the universities all back in session, you’ve of your day to slow down and wait for probably experienced an increased the children to cross safely and amount of traffic out there, which means the crossing guard to get out more frustrated drivers. This is an excelof the roadway. Being in a rush lent time for you to model good driving or not paying attention could behavior. Be patient, aware, and calm. mean the life of a young Remember – we’ll all get there eventually. child or a guard. And… don’t forget to buckle up! EvSchool Buses eryone in the vehicle, regardless of age, is required to wear a safety belt, including If a school bus is vehicles with up to 15 passengers. Chilstopped with dren up to 8 years old (unless they are the flashing lights at least 4’ 9” tall) must be in an approved on and the stop sign child passenger safety seat. arm out, do not pass. You 2011 SEPTEMBER STREET TALK

division BY MAX EBY CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Pump up the Body, Ease the Mind

Public Works- Your Department with a Healthy Heart

hind the scenes with HealthyConnections and the Parks and Recreation Department to launch an exciting initiative to help us “pump it up.” Not all employees have schedules that accommodate City PE activities during the work day, so we will soon have another option which comes from the collaborative efforts of our two departments. Public Works will improve fitness centers with equipment in five different PARD recreation centers. In return, PWD employees receive free access to the fitness centers for a limited time as a pilot program. The initiative may eventually roll out City-wide after our trial run. Improvement work is still ongoing but we’re nearing the finish line. Stay tuned for our “go-live” date and instructions on how to sign up. In the meantime, don’t forget your HealthyConnections Team is providing ongoing fitness activities, health screenings, PUMP UP THE BODY and educational events! Many of these services are free or offered at a very low cost. The body is the most intricate, selfCheck your inbox and your mailbox for info contained machine the world has ever seen. on health fairs and screenings, PE classes, If we treat it right, we can expect many and informational seminars. You may conyears of trouble-free enjoyment. With this tact Rita Mata, Max Eby, David Smythe-Main mind, Public Works has been working be-

t’s been a long, hot, dry, and even cruel summer but we made it through…almost. Public Works continues to improve our City, helping to make Austin one of the most desirable places to call home. Austin even took first place in the Forbes Magazine “most likely to prosper in the next decade” category. Now that’s a strong endorsement! With all of this improvement and progress, it can be easy to get bogged down with daily household and work activities and completely forget to take care of yourself. A healthy mind and body are essential for productivity and longevity, so we cannot afford to neglect either one. As Public Workers, we are fortunate to have an employee assistance program (EAP), HealthyConnections Wellness Team, and a very supportive Department Director and Executive Team, who value our total well-being.

caulay, Michelle Frith, or Sheree Bailey for more information.

EASE THE MIND The Alliance Work Partners Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is happy to help with life’s stresses and is available to any employee or any person living in an employee’s home. Most of us immediately recognize the most common EAP services, such as personal or family counseling. Did you also know that Alliance helps us by providing self assessments and self improvement plans, a Teen Help Hotline, travel information/referral, a gigantic resource database, and even reimbursement for a safe cab ride home up to 30 miles one way? The EAP team is also happy to provide various health and well-being training sessions for groups of five and above at no extra cost. Whether you’re planning an educational opportunity or just need help navigating life’s rough waters, Alliance is someone you can trust. Call 800-328-1144 or visit http://alliancewp.com to access this powerful support network.

Health & Lifestyle Expo 100+ Exhibitors

Giveaways Fitness Deals Food Sampling Chair Massage Glucose Testing Demos & More! September 15th 7:30 AM - 3 PM PALMER EVENTS CENTER

r a Last chance fo * ment Health Assess in 2011 to ADL! Earn 4 Hours

Question? Visit the Healthy Connections website or call 974-3284

06 STREET TALK SEPTEMBER 2011

Chance to W IN an Apple iPAD!

division BY Santina Reichow CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Budget Group: BUSTED… for Making the City’s Dollars Stretch Further

The City of Austin’s fiscal year begins on October 1, but this is only the beginning for the Financial Monitoring & Budgeting group!

he Finance group is tiny - but goal to visit every continent. a few stamps on her passport. When she mighty! For this group, the start of Virginia Hudson, another na- is not reviewing monthly financial reports the new fiscal year signals the beginning tive of Texas, is originally from Houston. for the Austin Transportation Department, of planning for the next fiscal year. They She also graduated from the University of she participates in local running races and support four departments: Public Works, Texas and wears burnt orange on Fridays has completed ten half marathons and Austin Transportation, Contract and Land during football season, which offsets the one full marathon in the past three years. Management, and the Office of Real Es- red and black worn by Susan. Going to One of the main goals of the Financial tate Services, as well as four funds: Trans- college later in life inspired her to spread Monitoring/Budget group is to guide their portation, Capital Project responsible departments Management, Parking Manthrough a successful budagement, and Child Safety. get process. Starting in OcSusan Cox, a Texas tober with the results of the native, is the Financial ManAnnual Citizens Survey, the ager and leads the group of Business Plan is developed. four Financial Consultants. The celebration of the new She graduated from Texas calendar year is just about Tech with her MPA and rewhen crunch time for the located to California. There, Finance group starts. Creatshe worked for the City of ing the Financial Forecast, San Jose for 16 years, as and later the Proposed Budwell as the City of Riverside get, requires lots of hours before relocating to Austin. and concentration through When she’s not cracking the the beginning of June when whip, Susan likes pickup the Proposed Budget is subtrucks, motorcycles, and mitted to the Budget Office. traveling. She also has two The other main goal is to really great half-sleeve tatreview and analyze the dayGood thing Virginia’s already at the bank! Sheriff Shuv L. Reddy catches Budget toos. to-day spending of the four in the act… making sure the ‘money tree’ doesn’t dry up in this extreme weather! Also a native Texan, departments. It is crucial Austinite to be exact, Clint Evans grad- the message that it’s never too late and that each department meet their respecuated from the University of Texas with an you’re never too old to start or go back to tive annual goals and performance meaEconomics degree the year UT won the college. She’s responsible for the Street & sures, while staying within the approved championship. To say he’s a huge Long- Bridge Operations’ finances and decom- appropriated budget. horn fan would not quite do him justice, presses with trips to museums and places The Budget group is located at 105 and you will usually see him wearing burnt afar. Riverside and the St. Elmo office. They freorange on Fridays. Clint oversees the CapAfter finishing her MBA in Finance quently visit the One Texas Center buildital Improvement Project program, as well in her hometown of Chicago, Santina ing to attend various meetings and to get as the Capital Project Management and Reichow set out on a quest to travel the some fresh air. Child Safety Funds. However, during his world. Every year she travels to one or two downtime, you’ll find him working on his foreign countries and has collected quite 2011 SEPTEMBER STREET TALK 07

guest column BY JASON HILL GUEST WRITER

Water Conservation: Austin Style

Water conservation is quickly becoming a common household practice in many Central Texas Homes and businesses. Conservation advertising campaigns are bombarding the airwaves and even a mention of the C-word causes an immediate media frenzy. So why all the hype? …and is this water conservation initiative really all it’s cracked up to be?

ater conservation has major benefits when it comes to the average cost of water and meeting longterm water needs. Water conservation reduces electricity consumption which saves money, and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. In the long-term, conserving water may also defer the costly purchase of additional water rights and reduce annual costs for water. Water efficiency can also immediately save homeowners and businesses money on their water bill. Austin City Council’s most recent water conservation goals are to lower citywide water use to 140 gallons per capita per day by 2020. City leaders also want the community to know and understand where their water comes from and become more mindful about their water usage. There are a variety of water conservation programs in place to help the community do their part in reducing daily water usage. One of the biggest ways to save water is by monitoring automatic outdoor irrigation systems. Lawn watering is where the biggest conservation potential lies. Lawn watering can account for up to 50% of water consumed, dropping slightly to 38% in non-summer months. Currently, Austin is in stage 2 water use restrictions which means all of Austin Water’s customers from residential to commercial must follow a one day a week watering schedule. Other voluntary programs and tools include: An online water calculator for families to determine how much water is

08 STREET TALK SEPTEMBER 2011

used for routine household activities.

Rainwater harvesting rebates

that encourage the collection of rainwater for non-potable uses such as watering your lawn and garden.

A landscape conversion incentive that gives cash back for re-

placing turf lawns with native and adapted plants. Irrigation evaluations that provide advice on how to most effectively use residential and commercial irrigation systems. The response to these programs has been very positive, especially during the current drought. City leaders are urging water customers to continue practicing water conservation. Another initiative supporting water conservation here in Austin is the Water Reclamation Initiative which began back in 1974 and is dedicated to conserving the drinking water supply, protecting the environment, and providing inexpensive non-drinking water for irrigation, cooling and manufacturing. Reclaimed water is a cost-effective water source created by reusing treated wastewater effluent that is normally discharged to the Colorado River. Reclaimed water improves the City’s ability to provide water for non-potable purposes, even during times of drought. The newly christened reclaimed water tower located on 51st street, is the first of seven planned for Austin. The awardwinning tower holds two million gallons of reclaimed water and is the latest milestone in the utility’s expansion of the re-

claimed water system. The tank also features 48 solar panels on its roof and has a rain water harvesting system integrated into its design. It will serve customers ranging from area parks and golf courses to hospitals and the University of Texas. This new tower is also an important link in the system that makes it possible to move reclaimed water to the Capitol complex and the Downtown area. Water conservation starts with a mindset of knowing how water impacts our daily lives. For so long, we have taken this limited resource for granted. Excessive showers, un-repaired leaks, poorly managed outdoor irrigation systems, inefficient outdated toilets, excessive dishwashing and laundry… the list goes on. Once you step back and take a good hard look at your life and how you use water, you can then begin to make the appropriate adjustments to make and follow a conservation plan of action. Austin Water provides a wealth of information and so many ways for you to watch your water use. Conserving water is more than a year-round commitment - it’s a way of life and that’s why we’re helping to create a new water-wise culture one drop at a time. To find out more about your family’s water use, visit waterwiseaustin.org.

division BY VERA LABRIOLA CONTRIBUTING WRITER

CIP Inspection: Behind the Scenes CIP Inspection Division introduces the division’s management and technical team.

n the last issue, we looked at the overall breakdown of the CIP Inspection Division. Now, we’d like to take an in-depth look into the individual groups that comprise CIPID. Let’s start with the management and technical team, which has been relocated from One Texas Center to 105 Riverside Drive, Suite 220. Trish Wadsack P.E., the CIP Inspection Division Manager, provides leadership and management to the division. Her goal is to improve the quality and efficiency of cost effective services. Trish has been with the City of Austin for 9 years and came to CIPID 3 years ago from the Project Management Division. She has 23 years of experience and also worked for a consultant for 12 years before joining the City. Vera Labriola focuses on purchasing, overall division support, and is a division coordinator for CAFs (Citizen Assistance Forms) and PIRs (Public Information Requests). Vera has been with the City of Austin for 5 years and transferred from the Library 3 years ago. She is currently pursuing her

masters’ degree in Organizational Communication and Training and Development at Texas State University in San Marcos. Lek Mateo oversees all of the support staff and is also the primary contact for Service Agreements. He is usually the first person project managers and sponsors talk to concerning their inspection requests on CIP projects. After Lek holds discussions with clients and determines their inspection needs, he works with the project managers on preparing an estimate and negotiates the price for inspection services on CIP projects. Lek also works as the coordinator between the field office staff and the clients. He has approximately 14 years of civil construction experience in the private sector and with the City of Austin. After the executed project manuals are delivered to us, and the Inspection Service Agreements are signed by the clients, they get processed by Nannett Holweger. Nannett is in charge of project set up. She is also responsible for closeouts and preparation of the project documents for archiving

after the construction is completed. In addition, Nannett assists CIPID Field Engineers with preparing project final acceptance letters after the projects have been closed. Nannett started with CIPID in 1992 and has been with the City of Austin for 19 years. Peggy Howard, recently hired for the new position of Engineering Technician C, will be assisting the CIP Inspection field offices with project closeouts. She tracks project closeout status and assists with the drafting of intersection drawings. She also makes sure that Austin Water Utility’s asbuilts are properly prepared and turned in to the Maps and Records Office. Soon, CIPID will also have a certified safety specialist who will be profiled in a future issue. Also, inspection on CIP projects isn’t the only service this division offers. Some people might not know that the CIPID can assist with constructability reviews for project managers before a project goes to bid!

2011 SEPTEMBER STREET TALK

divisions BY LUCIANO TAMAYO CONTRIBUTING WRITER

ESD Rolls out the Roundabouts

oundabouts have recently become extremely popular in the City of Austin, and credit is due to “Mr. Roundabout” as they jokingly call him: the always-smiling face of Gary Schatz, P.E., Assistant Director of the Austin Transportation Department. Roundabout is a British word (thank you, Peter Davis!) for a road junction in which traffic moves in one direction around a central island where priority is given to the circulating traffic flow. Signs direct traffic entering the circle to slow down and yield the right-of-way. The Modern Roundabout was developed by the UK Transport Research Laboratory in the mid-twentieth century. Roundabouts are more common around the world in places like: the United Kingdom, Europe, Australia, Canada, China, the Middle East, South America, and Scandinavian countries. But half of the world’s roundabouts are in France - over 30,000 as of 2008!

To learn more about the proposed round- LT: What are your goals for Austin in terms abouts planned for of installing these roundabouts? Austin, I interviewed GS: The roundabout is an important tool “Mr. Roundabout” himself, Gary Schatz: in the tool box and the City should consider

LT: How did you learn about constructing

roundabouts and how long have you been involved with these types of projects?

GS:

I learned about roundabouts in 1998 when I was a managing engineer with the City of Houston from the new Assistant Director, who hailed from Florida, and knew a lot about roundabouts. In one particular Houston neighborhood, they needed a different means of traffic control to slow down over-speeding. This was the birth of the roundabout in Houston with me as the designer.

10 STREET TALK SEPTEMBER 2011

design and they create a gateway to a community by serving as focal points, especially when the community has supported them and volunteers to provide landscaping to beautify the roundabout.

setting a policy that will give options to a LT: How do you differentiate between the designer, either private or public, to include roundabout and a circle or rotary and what roundabouts in their projects. are their advantages/disadvantages? How effective are roundabouts in slowing down LT: What are the traffic impacts with vehicles? roundabouts? Are there any safety issues? GS: Roundabouts are controlled by yield GS: The roundabout has 5 distinct ad- signs while circles or rotaries are controlled vantages with regard to traffic impact and by stop or traffic signs. The vehicular flow safety. They are safer according to The Insur- in a roundabout is counter-clockwise and ance Institute of Highway Safety Report and cars are required to yield to the vehicles in they reduce crashes by 40%, injury-causing the center. Rotaries require the vehicles to crashes by 70%, and fatal crashes by 90%. stop on the stop bar before proceeding. A Roundabouts are very efficient and serve ‘no left turn’ with the roundabout is also all roadway users such as vehicles, pedestri- permissible. Another key difference is that ans, and cyclists. They are flexible in terms of roundabouts are designed for slow speed,

Mr. Roundabout I Gary Schatz u Assistant Director, Austin Transportation Department

while rotaries are made for high speed. So far, in Austin there are 9 circles or rotaries that require upgrades. They each pose various challenges; some may be successful but need to be retrofitted for safety and ease of usage.

LT: What is required as far as planning, design and potential pitfalls?

GS: Roundabouts have experienced many challenges, initially related to public acceptance. A preliminary survey resulted in a 2:1 ratio in opposition to the roundabouts. This is most likely because people were used

to the old traffic circles or rotaries and werenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t ready to embrace the change. However, by successfully implementing a good design that increased safety and was easy to use, another survey yielded a 3:1 vote in favor of the roundabouts. In order to have a successful roundabout design and implementation, you must ask for a peer review, involve the stakeholders as early as possible, and eventually they will adopt the roundabout as a part of their community.

roundabout facts:

Safety:

Roundabouts have been shown to reduce fatal and injury-causing accidents as much as 76% in the USA, 75% in Australia and 86% in Great Britain.

entry rather than stopping and waiting for a green light, delay is significantly reduced. A reduction in delay corresponds to a decrease in fuel consumption and air pollution.

roundabout than a multi-phased traffic signal.

Aesthetics: In addition, the central is-

land provides an opportunity to provide imResearch sug- Capacity: Intersections with a high proved landscaping. gests that modern roundabouts are safer volume of left turns are better handled by a than signalized intersections for pedestrians. This safety advantage has been attributed to the slower traffic speeds at roundabouts and the division of the pedestrian crossing into two stages.

Pedestrian Safety:

A Few of ESDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s current Roundabout PROJECTS

Low Maintenance:

Roundabouts eliminate the maintenance costs associated with traffic signals, which amount to approximately $3,500 per year per intersection. In addition, electricity costs are reduced with a savings of approximately $1,500 per year per intersection.

Reduced Delay: By yielding at the

design team 1 design team 2

Rio Grande Bike Boulevard

design team 3

Davis Lane from Leo to Guidepost ABIA - Presidential Blvd 2nd St - Nueces Traffic Calming

design team 4

East Rundberg Extension Todd Lane

Roundabout in Construction at Rio Grande and W. 10th Street. Designed by Carlos Villalpando, managed by Roger Hickman, P.E.

2011 SEPTEMBER STREET TALK

events BY SHANNON WISNER CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Public Works Connects You... All Around Austin!

Public Works builds our city’s future and celebrates our successes with PWD staff and events all around town. kitchen, a fitness room, a lobby and a gymnasium. Modern amenities, such as flat panel televisions that are laptop and internet connectible, will allow for enhanced learning opportunities for youths and adults. The entire facility is wireless and there are lounge areas in the lobby for people to play games, work or to relax. Colorful “portholes” were added as an architectural feature to provide a glimpse of the action in the gymnasium from the lounge areas and hallways. Additionally, the facility has added ‘green’ features such as water collection The Northwest “funnels” on the roof of the building that Recreation Center direct water into rain gardens filtering out re-opens with a Fresh impurities. During heavy rains, the water is Look and ‘Green’ funneled into the soccer field where areas of porous soil trap the water before it can flow Features into Shoal Creek, helping to alleviate flood The Public Works Department in part- ing. Special thanks to the Project Manager, nership with PARD held a Ribbon Cutting for Burton Jones, for a job well done! the Northwest Recreation Center Re-opening on Saturday, July 9, 2011. The commu- PWD Gives Back: nity was invited to explore the newly remod- Building Backpacks eled facility - to which 8,000 sq feet have for AISD been added! The facility now consists of two classrooms, two multi-purpose rooms, a Once again, 2011’s Build a Backpack Program was a great success for PWD and the City of

12 STREET TALK SEPTEMBER 2011

Chris Bazzle proudly displays the backpacks prepared by his team!

Austin. The program helps to support Austin students by supplying backpacks filled with school supplies for low-income students in need. The City will contribute 546 schoolsupply-filled backpacks and hundreds of pounds of school supplies to AISD schools this month. This almost doubles the 300 that were given last year!

The Public Works department contributed substantially to that figure by donating 45 total backpacks, which is 13 more than we did last year! Special thanks to Robin Field who helped coordinate backpack donations for PWD, and of course, to all who donated!

that are beautifully paved and inlaid with decorative pavers in the intersections and turn lanes, new safety and decorative lighting, plus enhanced pedestrian crossing and ADA improvements, all of which makes the area much more pedestrian friendly and inviting. The ground breaking included remarks from Congressman Doggett among others, and featured dozens of exhibitors from local businesses and City departments, dance performances from Aztlan Dance Company (http://www.aztlandance.com), Ballet Folklorico and a visit from the Austin Bike Zoo (http://www.austinbikezoo.org). Congratulations to Clay Harris for helping out the businesses on East 7th Street through the construction, who can now marvel at the new great street they now share!

Child Safety Team ‘Hooks it up’ for AISD students at the Back to School Bash!

Bash Safe Walk to School award to the principal and students of Cunningham Elementary School. From PWD’s Child Safety team, Rhonda Bolick and Leticia Richardson conducted the Safe Walk demonstration and worked at a Child Safety booth answering questions and distributing information. Chris Moore was available to relay information about the Bike on Wednesday Walk on Wednesday Campaign (BOW-WOW), Anti-idling, and pedestrian/bicycle safety tips for parents. She also helped coordinate this event with AISD. Our Crossing Guard crew was also a big help. They assisted with stuffing 1,000 backpacks with school supplies and helped distribute them at the event! Additionally, they helped properly fit 800 bicycle helmets on students. To support Active Transportation, the Child Safety Program even donated 5 skateboards with helmets and two Razors as door prizes.

This year’s Back to School Bash was quite the event with over 4,500 participants in attendance at the Convention Center. East 7th Street Ribbon The Bash was co-sponsored by City of Austin and AISD. In such trying economic times, Cutting Celebration The East 7th Street ribbon cutting took it is incredibly important to remember our place on Saturday, August 27th to great fan- children, and as anyone with kids will tell fare and rejoicing! Growing pains are never you, purchasing those school supplies can easy, but the payoff for this project is huge. really add up! This is the reason school supBesides the total reconstruction of the street plies and backpacks were provided at the and utilities, 7th Street now sports beautiful event – along with bike helmets and even obeliscos created by Art in Public Places art- some bikes. Council Member Tovo was in atists, wide sidewalks and landscaping, streets tendance and presented the Back to School 2011 SEPTEMBER STREET TALK

continued

from pg.13

IH35 Makeover Project Ribbon Cutting: ‘stitching’ Austin Together After decades of being a psychological barrier between East Austin and downtown, the IH-35 intersection between Sixth and Eighth Streets has been “stitched” together by parking lot improvements, a beautiful public art light display and inviting landscaping. The ribbon cutting ceremony took place on Friday, August 12 and included Congressman Lloyd Doggett, Representative Eddie Rodriguez, Mayor Leffingwell, Mayor Pro Tem Sheryl Cole, and Assistant Director Keri Juarez, among others. Kudos go to Project Manager Burton Jones for bringing the project to completion. Whether you think it looks like a brontosaurus rib cage, a boat or stitches, it’s a thing of unique beauty and definitely a conversation starter! The IH-35 Makeover Coalition has also promised to push all of the partners to keep improving these types of intersections across Austin to tie the community back together.

This photo is from the IH-35 opening ceremony that took place March 29, 1962!

Building Communities: PWD’s Neighborhood Partnering Program Breaks Ground Ground was broken on Wednesday, June 29th on the City’s first Neighborhood Partnering Program (NPP) project. St. Elmo Road will receive safety and aesthetic improvements in the form of two landscaped pedestrian islands, crosswalks, and bicycle lanes. This is part of the City’s partnership with Foundation Communities, a non-profit whose mission is to empower low-income families by providing high-quality housing in a service-enriched environment. Foundation Communities provides free after school care at its Sierra Ridge apartment complex for its own residents

14 STREET TALK SEPTEMBER 2011

as well as local children referred by St. Elmo Elementary officials. The Foundation serves approximately 150 children per day during

the school year, and estimates that when the renovations are complete at its newly acquired Sierra Vista complex, about one

half of St. Elmo Elementary attendees will be Foundation Communities residents. “Creating a safe beautiful streetscape with crosswalks for families to walk together and the community to flourish in the St. Elmo neighborhood is exactly the kind of project I envisioned with the Neighborhood Partnering Program. I am grateful to the leadership of our Public Works Department, the Still Water Foundation, and Foundation Communities for planning this project together, sharing resources and talent, and improving this neighborhood,” said Mayor Pro Tem Sheryl Cole. The City began construction in late July and is near completion. Sincere thanks to Sara Krause, program manager for the Neighborhood Partnering Program, for making it all happen!

upcoming event: North Austin Community Recreation Center Groundbreaking The North Austin Community Recreation Center Groundbreaking will take place on Monday, September 26. The facility will be built at Mearns Meadow and Rundberg. This project is a collaborative effort between the YMCA and the City – the first collaboration of its kind. The City owns the land, and both the YMCA and the City will pay for the development costs. The YMCA will ultimately run the facility. Parts of the complex will be available for public use and other parts will be for YMCA members only. Mark Schruben is the project manager of this facility.

2011 SEPTEMBER STREET TALK

Announcing 2012 Benefits Enrollment for City Employees October 17, 2011 through November 18, 2011 *Computer based enrollment for Public Works

There will be set-up times for field ops employees to obtain assistance in open enrollment issues at their locations and/or St. Elmo & OTC suite 720.

column BY EVA MOORE CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Diversity Council Members

The Diversity Council

Now that the charter has been signed, what comes next? Find out what they’re all about and what they plan to accomplish this year.

ast fall two powerhouse departments within the City of Austin came together to form the Diversity Council. The Public Works Department and the Department of Transportation have created this new project, with the help of volunteers and nominees of roughly a dozen men and women of all ages, educations, and upbringings. The council itself is a shining symbol of what we hope to accomplish. To understand what the Diversity Council is, you must be clear on what they are not. Public Works and the Department of Transportation did not team up to form a grievance council. The Diversity Council has not spent a year of planning to balance out the number of each ethnicity in each department. While important for an equal employment work force, it is not our focus. The Diversity Council goes deeper into their plan by looking at the bigger picture, and anticipates the successful future of the City of Austin and all departments within. The purpose is to focus on the talent each individual has, based on his or her values and life experiences.

The council meets once a month to work on important topics and concerns brought to them by other departments. Council members are rotated bi-annually, or yearly, depending on the availability of its members. Members will continue to be a combination of volunteers and nominees. The council plans to begin reaching out to more individuals as the years go by, to see how well it will do in diversifying and unifying each department. There may be opportunities to hear speakers from Universities, Corporations, and Non-profits to discuss how diversity was accomplished within their work teams. It is the councils’ passion to keep their eyes and ears open to make our dream a reality. C o m i n g soon, the council plans to hold open forums and brown

bag luncheons to give everyone an opportunity to see what they’re working towards. In addition, the council is even planning small events designed for you to show your support for a diverse workforce based not on color, gender, or wealth, but your individuality cultivated throughout your lifetime of experience. The Diversity Council will work with Management and Team leaders to help obtain employees and cultures that will benefit the City of Austin community in the long run. Diversity is no longer about our packaging; it’s about the gift inside all of us.

2011 SEPTEMBER STREET TALK

divisions BY KATE MONTGOMERY CONTRIBUTING WRITER

If these streets could talk…

Pavement Data Collection gets high tech at Street and Bridge.

ver wonder how we know which streets need our attention the most? It is getting more high tech every time we do an assessment, and this past year has been a demonstration of exactly how we can get to know our streets even better. The Infrastructure Management Division (IMD) of Street and Bridge Operations is using the latest in pavement data collection to discover what our streets would tell us if they could. The Automated Distress Vehicle (ADV) is the way they collect the data – which is then used to update the Pavement Management Information System maintained by IMD. Fugro Consultants, Inc. is the company driving the vehicle and collecting data on all 2,400 centerline miles of streets in Austin. The pavement data collection includes ride quality measurements for

Fugro ADvantage Van: Our new pavement data collecting machine!

roughness and cracking distresses which will be quantified by type, severity, and extent. Distress surveys consist of computer automated crack recognition for longitudinal, transverse alligator, and block cracking. Ride quality assessment by accelerometer is also being done at the same time. All data collected is stamped with the GPS coordinates and labeled with route reference, distance data, direction as appropriate, and a date/time stamp. The ADV is also collecting right-ofway images using a Ed Poppitt discusses pavement data technology on KXAN.

18 STREET TALK SEPTEMBER 2011

high-definition forward facing and rear facing camera. This will allow the rightof-way images to be associated with the corresponding pavement image and pavement condition. These images can also be used to view other assets such as sidewalks, curb/gutters, signs, guardrails, fencing, traffic signs, etc. If it all sounds like a lot of technojargon, it is. This is advanced pavement assessment technology and our IMD engineers are thrilled to have it. Citizens will be too, since it will help us determine where to begin when we start planning our work. Fugro’s Project Manager, Reuben Williams and IMD’s Supervising Engineer, Ed Poppitt were interviewed on KXAN earlier this year to demonstrate how this all works. See the interview here: http:// www.kxan.com/dpp/news/local/fromsinkholes-to-potholes-via-laser-scanner.

l a u n n A h t 4

        

n i t s u A f o y t i C

F F O  COOK

October 15 @ 10:00am

               



Open to all City Employees ployee to participate A team must have at least one (1) City Em

ENTRY DEADLINE IS OCTOBER 7TH

The competition is FREE los Villalpando (974-7153) Contact Rebecca Zapata (974-7231) or Car

columns BY MICHELLE FRITH CHIEF REPORTER

City of Austin Combined Charities Campaign

It’s more than the thought that counts! Public Works employees mobilize to get ready for this year’s fundraising and special events.

hen the going gets tough, the tough get going! Since 2008 when the U.S. economy hit a huge bump in the road, many normally generous people closed their wallets and cinched up their belts another notch. It’s a great lesson for all of us to be better money managers, but the fallout includes fewer charitable contributions at a time when they are most desperately needed. In 2009 alone, charitable giving fell by 6%, according to national studies. And when 75% of all charitable giving in our nation is made by individuals, it’s a pretty heavy hit to non-profit organizations whose mission

20 STREET TALK SEPTEMBER 2011

sure for the charities. For instance, if a person chooses to give $5 from each pay period for 24 pay periods, it adds up to $120.00. That money could, for example, go to help find a cure for a disease, help a battered woman and her children in a shelter, feed an elderly person, connect seeing-eye dogs to those that need them, purchase livestock for families in other countries so they can continue making a living, or help a child receive the help they need to live a happy, healthy life, etc. What’s great about the campaign is that if you choose to donate, you get to decide who to donate to and how much. It’s all confidential, and it’s even tax deductible. Every gift makes a difference, no matter how small! If we all gave even a little, it would be a tremendous boost for the non-profit agencies! Most employees think that the CoACCC is about ice cream socials, bake sales and cook-offs. That’s a tremendous part of the teambuilding that happens around CoACCC and part of our awareness campaign, but it doesn’t raise nearly as much money as pledges or gifts. The special events are deeply important to the campaign and make this time of year a lot of fun (and pretty fattening too - but luckily, calories don’t count when they’re for charity!). This year in Public Works, we Michelle Frith and Annie Van Zant at the COACC 2010 Pumpkin Carving Contest judging booth have already had two bake

is to help others. Many services that are desperately needed are being cut while the agencies scramble for funds. The City of Austin Combined Charities Campaign (CoACCC) is one way that each of us can help lessen the impact to the charities and therefore to the adults, children, animals and other recipients of our dollars. The CoACCC is an annual campaign that occurs each October and involves every department within the City. Employees are asked to consider making a payroll pledge for as much or as little as they would like for each pay period. The payroll pledges quickly add up to a trea-

Pfluger Bridge Extension Nadia Barrera gears up to pie

James Snow for COACC 2010

sales and an ice cream social and are planning, among other things: a Multi-Media sale (CD’s, books, DVD’s, VHS, and more), an ESD Employee Cookoff with live bands and fabulous eats, a S&B Breakfast, a Halloween Costume Contest and Pumpkin Carving Contest, and a recipe book for sale to all City employees. All of the money donated through the fundraisers is raised for the campaign, and is divided evenly amongst all of the charities in the campaign. While the funds raised are helpful, the purpose of the special events is to gain enthusiasm for giving, and for educating all of us about how each of us as individuals make a difference to each other. Each one of us has been directly or indirectly touched by at least one of the agencies, if not multiple agencies, and you are encouraged to educate yourself about what these organizations do. Contact your department coordinator for more information, or to schedule a speak-

2011 COACC Ice Cream Social

er at one of your upcoming meetings. The campaign officially kicks off on October 3, 2011 and runs through October 31. We are hoping to raise more than the $32,000 that was raised last year, but can only meet this goal with your help! Keep your eye out for emails about how to make an online pledge and call your

Department Coordinators: Annie Van Zant Michelle Frith Rebecca Zapata

974-2825 974-2436 974-7231

department coordinator or a team leader to get help with logging in or with understanding the form. For those without Internet access, the team will distribute hard copy pledge forms and brochures detail-

ing information about the individual charities involved. Again, please call a department coordinator or team leader should you need any assistance with finding or filling out a form. It should be stressed that your choice of making a donation or not and any donation made is kept completely confidential and is shared only with the fiscal agent, Earth Share and the payroll department. Your co-workers, supervisor, and upper management do not have access to specific information, only how many gifts were given and the grand total. Finally, we need volunteers to help us lead the charge; to help with events, collect pledges, help with forms, schedule speakers, and more. Please contact one of your Department Coordinators to ask how you can volunteer. And remember, fill out a form if you can and participate in the events. It’s a great time – and its tax deductible! 2011 SEPTEMBER STREET TALK

divisions BY SARA KRAUSE CONTRIBUTING WRITER

New, Improved, and Innovative: The Bicycle Program Keeps Austin Rolling

hat is 486 square miles, but also 1666 linear miles, is high, medium and low comfort, but still comfortably fits in your pocket? Well, if the title of the article hasn’t given it away yet, here’s one more clue: it just underwent a major revision making it even easier to find the perfect route for your trip. Although there’s no prize for answering the riddle correctly, you can still earn one by stopping by the Neighborhood Connectivity Division and getting your very own 2011 Bicycle Map. And, if you haven’t ventured out into the bicycle network lately, then you’re in for a treat. The revision of the map reflects the improvements and changing nature of the bicycle network. The program has deployed a number of innovative facilities to make a user-friendly network that services greater numbers of Austin’s residents and visitors each day. Buffered and contra-flow bike lanes, urban trails, and other fully separated bike facilities are just a few of the new features that are making bicycling an easy choice for transportation and recreation. A bicycle network is not just about paint and concrete: it’s a system that requires promotion and encouragement so people are comfortable with its use. The bike map, a seemingly simple tool, is a huge asset to this network. “When riders have an easy-to-use tool to plan their route ahead of time, then their trip is made much easier and more enjoyable. We worked hard to make it so that people know what to expect during their travels.” says Program Consultant, Annick Beaudet.

22 STREET TALK MAY 2011

To achieve that purpose, this edition of the map designates high, medium and low comfort routes and identifies steeper streets along those routes. The City is also publishing a Spanish edition of the map this year.

Putting its Signature on Austin The map is a key asset to the program, but there is even more continued progress and successes in the bike program. With the addition of solutions like contra-flow and buffered bike lanes, bike boxes, colored bike lanes, and fully separated pathways, Austin’s bicycle network is becoming an increasingly popular amenity. And with two more signature facilities under construction, the Downtown Bicycle Boulevard and the Lake Austin bike lanes, the network promises to become even better. Expected to be completed this spring, the Downtown Bicycle Boulevard will contain several innovative features such as large roundabouts with rain gardens. It is designed to be friendly to bicycles and pedestrians, while still allowing for car traffic. The Lake Austin Boulevard bike lane project has bike lanes installed on both sides of the street: on the north side, there will be a separated 7’ wide path, and a 5’ wide monolithic bike lane will be installed on the south side.

All Roads Lead to Somewhere

With the increasing number of people traveling by bicycle comes an increased demand for bicycle parking. Re-

cently, the bicycle program received a request from a local business that sees large numbers of cyclists come through its doors. The business built support for a type of bicycle parking called a “bike corral” which accommodates 14 bicycles in one regular sized parking space. The City installed the parking in June, and has since received five more requests for the high-volume parking solution. The City’s bicycle rack program has seen an increase in the number of requests for general bicycle racks this year. Jessie Duncan, who started installing the racks at the end of June, has already installed 46 racks. Add to that a recent green light from Capital Metro to install racks at its bus stops, and the Bicycle Program is sure to keep him sweating all summer long. Street maintenance in Austin means new bicycle lanes and other bicycle facility improvements as NCD follows our friends in Street and Bridge throughout the summer. This year, we’re making some changes to the following streets: South Congress: Riverside Drive to Oltorf Street – Bicycle Lanes Airport Boulevard: IH-35 to Lamar Boulevard – Bicycle Lanes Anderson Mill Road: US 183 to Wagon Gap – Bicycle Lanes Samsung: Parmer Lane to Sprinkle Cutoff – Bicycle Lanes 51st Street: Berkman to Springdale – Shared Lane Markings

s ’ t a h T a ! p a r W

1 FY201 n i s w ing any th to intervie t m d e ish out wi compl team set ghts on ho c a s a k PWD h Street Tal t their thou r FY2012. e u o h and t cutives abo ir vision is f e e the ex and what th went…

2011 SEPTEMBER STREET TALK

features

t’s almost like you want to say “Happy New Year!” around here each October 1st. We all get that feeling of starting over again, we get our new budgets flowing, plan new goals for this fiscal year, and generally just turn over a new leaf. So wrapping up the Fiscal Year 2010-11, what do our executives feel we have accomplished? What do they see as our “New Years Resolutions?” The Street Talk team sat down with each of the Assistant Directors and the Director to ask a few of those exact questions, plus a few more. Read on to see how they feel looking into the rear view mirror of FY 2011, and what they see coming down the road of FY 2012.

make city government work the way you would want it to work for you - building trust and building a neighborhood one block at a time.

If your vision for Public Works in 2012 were realized, what would that look like? Do you think that your vision is something within our reach?

AM:

To address the quality of the workplace, we need to be engaged and think non-traditionally in terms of what our goal is and how it fits into service delivery. I’d like to start looking at how all of those things; personnel, equipment, vehicles, office space, and processes all help define how we’re going to do work in the next 10 years, and maybe have a broader vision. In terms of moving us to the best managed organization, it requires a broader perspective on things. The workforce has a role in our future as well; having a positive outlook on your work environment really sets the tone for what we can offer the City of Austin and INTERVIEWED BY ALEXA MURAIDA how great our work will be.

director

Howard Lazarus

AM:

Are there any specific departmental achievements you feel have moved us into being a model city this year?

The department does tremendous work and does tremendous things in terms of projects and maintenance work everyday. This year we’ve worked on systems, hiring, and getting the resources in place that will help us be more effective and create a better quality of workplace. I find pride in the little things, like helping solve problems within neighborhoods - sometimes more pleasure comes from those type of smallerscale projects. The percent of Austinites who are happy with the condition of neighborhood streets far exceeds the national average of other cities and we are way off the charts in terms of satisfaction. Big projects are important and are a challenge, but what makes municipal service meaningful is the feedback you get from individual citizens in terms of how we

HL:

24 STREET TALK MAY 2011

HL:

If you’re going to work for the government, the best level in my mind to work for the government is at the local level. This is because the feedback is immediate, there is less energy lost in bureaucracy, and the relationship to getting results is much more direct than if you work at the state or federal level. What I have enjoyed about working as a director for PWD is the ability to create a positive work environment. There certainly are many technical chalWhat do you believe are the lenges, which is fun. I enjoy that part of most important challenges municipal work, and what we do; not only what impacts everybody on a day to day facing PWD today? basis but also all of the cool things going Growth and demand will always on. be a challenge for us, as will What do you enjoy most succession planning and staff about Austin? turnover. We’ve been fortunate in recruiting really well. I think we have to retain a Austin has a unique culture good staff, give them the tools they need, and is widely recognized as provide a good challenging work setting, having an exceptional quality and show career progression so that staff of life. We’re the custodians of continues to feel like they have ownership that, and if we do our job well, things we in what we do and that there is a path for- do will ensure that we have access to a ward for them as they seek a career with great quality of life. I think what is unique the City. I want to focus on creating a to Austin, or should be, is that there are healthy and dynamic workplace so people things that contribute to a high quality of don’t just come to work, but they come to life that don’t cost a lot of money. You can work and they feel that their ideas can be always count on the hike and bike trail, the expressed and they’ll be acted on. library system, the parks and recreation system, and much more, to lead you to a How would you describe your experience as a direc- highly connected community. As Austin grows, we need to preserve those things tor of Public Works in that make it different so that it doesn’t beAustin? come just like every other place, and it’s a real challenge for us.

HL:

AM: HL:

AM:

HL:

AM:

If your vision for Public Works in 2012 were realized, what would that look like? Do you think that your vision is something within our reach?

MF:

assistant director

Keri Juarez

My vision for 2012 is simply to continue on the path of improvement in our work. Although I’m definitely proud of the work already being done, I hope that all staff will be willing to challenge themselves with greater performance standards. INTERVIEWED BY MICHELLE FRITH QSMD will work on defining PWD costs that should be recouped for some things we’re not currently being paid to do. My Are there any specific departgreatest hope for the coming year is for mental achievements you feel Capital Project Delivery staff to have work have moved us into being a that they are interested in and passionate model city this year? about and projects that give them satisfaction. The development of the Quality Standards and Management DiviWhat makes Austin stand sion is the most significant develapart from other cities? opment in Public Works’ Capital Project Delivery group. The formation of this We’ve built higher credibilgroup allows Public Works to tackle some ity over the last few years and big issues we’ve faced for a long time, our name is starting to really such as updating of our standards and mean something. Quality, responsiveness specifications. The QSMD staff has been and customer service are the basis of our with the City long enough to know what work. When our City Manager thinks of needs to be done and they will be mak- us as ‘world class’ and gives us tough asing a huge difference by solving prob- signments, it’s a sign that he trusts us to lems and collaborating in and outside of do a quality job. We need to continue to our department. Their mission will be to step up to the plate for the City Manager, pull the right people in, do focused work, Council and the public. Gaining trust with and build cross functional relationships. the public is the biggest challenge and By reaching these goals, QSMD will help our top goal. They need to feel heard and allow Public Works to be a leader in tack- should be able to trust us. The City is at a ling problems and will help facilitate solv- very interesting point right now. The Uring problems with sponsor departments. ban Rail issue can be a defining mark for They will be silo-busters! QSMD was Austin and can make a big impact on how formed by taking components out of PMD we grow and the kind of city we are. It will and ESD that were not part of their core be interesting to watch the public make a mission. My vision is for PMD to focus only decision. on Capital Project Delivery and for ESD to Can we sustain and mainfocus primarily on design with no distractain the positive attributes tions. about Austin that make it 2011 also included some really im- unique? pressive milestones in our projects like the Central Library. Cindy Jordan was able to Austin has a deep and enduring clear a path with many obstacles for the character full of creative and progression of this project. The Waller passionate people and I feel it Creek Drainage Tunnel is also a major proj- will endure always. ect that Public Works has begun, as is WaHow would you describe ter Treatment Plant 4. This team has done your experience as an Asan impressive job and is producing highsistant Director of PWD quality work. And that is just to mention here in Austin? a couple of examples, many more great projects have been delivered this year as I love my job and I feel that it well. is incredibly important for me to help the people who work

KJ:

MF: KJ:

for me to be successful, to feel supported, and for me to clear the path for them so they can shine and be passionate about their jobs. I hope we all continue improving on the things that are important and continue ridding ourselves of the extraneous. I want to be a filter for ideas that aren’t in the best interest of the citizens of Austin and consider myself an ambassador for Capital Project Delivery.

MF:

What is the most difficult part about your job?

The hardest part for me is to balance the needs of PMD with the demands of City Hall. I am emphatic about being the representative at City Hall to communicate the Capital Project Delivery. There are often problems delivering the initiative because the CPD wasn’t considered in the past. By representing the CPD, I help to prevent missteps in planning. Over time, I have seen an increase in “aha!” moments of understanding the process.

KJ:

What will the impact be of the number of PMD employees retiring in the next few years?

MF:

There will be a deep loss of institutional knowledge. We sustain productivity by bringing in the right people with the right experience. The current economy creates a great hiring situation and by encouraging informal one-on-one mentoring relationships, we can succeed. To be even more successful, we can document a formalized lessonslearned process through QSMD, which should be rolled out to all the divisions. It’s all about making connections, forging relationships between the right people, and having regular meetings.

KJ:

MF: KJ:

2011 SEPTEMBER STREET TALK

features

evolution of the last two years and see how a vision that Howard and I had has come together and how it can work. We are by no means perfect, but we are constantly striving to improve.

continued from pg. 25

assistant director

Robert

SBH

What do you enjoy about the city you live in?

I have been in Austin for 32 years, so I have seen major changes, but what I love about Austin is how “weird” it is from top to bottom! It’s the people, the culture, and the INTERVIEWED BY SARA HARTLEY environment made by people who have this great vision about what a city should be. Starting from when I first got here, What do you believe are the most important challenges fac- with Armadillo Headquarters and the hippie culture back in the 70’s; that weirdness ing PWD Operations today? has just progressed, it hasn’t gone away. It Well, obviously right now for our has morphed, but we are still ‘weird’. crews, it is the very adverse condiAre there any specific detions they are working in out there! partmental achievements But, another challenge is the additional you feel have moved us into responsibilities we have taken on in the maintenance of the right of way. We want being a model city this year? to be more efficient in the way we do that, A big accomplishment with and some of that will come from the ComSBO is in the completion of our puter Maintenance Management System Business Process Analysis. This we are working on right now. Budgetary studied every single function in Street requirements are another challenge, and and Bridge. We have worked on several the volatility of oil which impacts that, but hundred processes along the way; how even with all of those challenges, we have they are now, and what we want them to come out pretty well this year. We are as be. We brought in managers, supervisors, efficient as we can be with what we have, and crew leaders - we wanted all levels of and our Division Managers are doing a our organization to take part. The Division good job with those resources. That is the Managers even take part across division key: everybody is making the best with lines so they can see what is happening in what we have, and making sure that the the other areas and have a better underpublic gets served well. standing… I run them ragged!

Hinojosa

RH:

SBH: RH:

SBH RH:

SBH: RH:

How would you describe your experience as an Assistant Director of PWD here in Austin?

What are some of the more exciting ways you think we have changed in our Department in FY2011? The most impressive part of this

new team is their willingness to work together to solve any of the problems that we have. All of them have complimentary strengths, and work well as a team. I do encourage passionate discussion and they have the ability to step back and compromise, to work it out. They interact very well, and they are each passionate about what they do, but they listen to each other and compromise. This is unique and we are very fortunate to have Division Managers like that. It really makes me proud to see them working that way. It has been very rewarding to see the

26 STREET TALK SEPTEMBER 2011

SBH

We reviewed our on-call system, and we are about to completely change that process. The Auditor felt it was not a good system, since only a small committee of employees would set up who was on-call and when. There really was very little oversight. Given all that, we faced a big challenge in getting it to be more inclusive, so we took it from being a volunteer program to a mandatory on-call system. The Division Managers schedule the staff, supervisors have primary responsibility in taking turns, crew leads, seniors and operator leads will

RH:

also be the people who are called in. Now that the guidelines are set, this is a 24/7 coverage on-call process. It will begin on September 16 and be evaluated for 6 months to see if any adjustments need to be made. We had about 18 meetings, and included as many people as we could to make sure we had good input. Not everyone agreed, but the approach was based on good recommendations.

SBH

If your vision for Public Works in 2012 were realized, what would that look like?

I want to see us successfully procure and implement the Computer Maintenance Management System. We can then capture all of the data in one place, and do all of the analysis that we need, including allowing us to have the justifications for additional personnel where it’s needed. This helps us answer the question: How efficient are we? Purchasing and implementation is a big hurdle, and then how we make it happen in the field, which requires a lot of cultural changes. This vision is in our reach with a solid combination of training, patience, and persistence. It has to go all the way into the organization from implementation down to putting the expectations into SSPRs. I believe once our employees see the data we get from this, so many things can be done with it to create efficiencies.

RH:

SBH

Anything else you would add?

I am so proud of Street and Bridge for going through the Cultural Assessment this past year. It was with their cooperation, patience and acceptance that we got through it. Now they are embracing the changes it brought; and it was a big change!

RH:

is information management strategy. This deals with how we manage the data and documents underneath us and how we share information, which will touch the whole Department in multiple ways. We’re also going to do some incredible things with SharePoint next year to help us do that. EDIMS, another one of those darn acronyms, is the new electronic document management system that we’re going to try to roll out in the second half of next year. All of this falls under information management, which is one of the key tenets that the director and city manageINTERVIEWED BY SHANNON WISNER ment believes in as far as transparency of our government to the citizens.

assistant director

James Snow

SW:

Are there any specific departmental achievements you feel have moved us into being a model city this year?

SW:

What do you believe are the most important challenges leverage is and helping to empower them. Since I’ve been here, I’ve taken pride that facing PWD today?

I think that over the two and a half years I’ve been here, we’ve built a great foundation. But, I think the challenge still, as with any organization, is going to be vertical communication. I think another challenge is that as we grow, safety is going to be a key issue for us as a department. I also think professional development in our employees is great. We have a lot of tenured employees here and many will have the opportunity to retire in the next few years if they want to, and we need to map out a strategy that will retain all the great knowledge that we have. As far as the City as a whole, a big challenge will be rolling out new software programs. They’re also going to field Windows 7, which is a whole new thing. It’s something the City probably hasn’t done for 8-9 years, and may be a challenge to make sure that business remains as usual.

JS:

One of the things I think a lot of people recognize is electronic timekeeping, which has helped us take a big step forward as far as moving from paper to electronic, improving the system, and making things easier for people to be able to record and submit their time. Another thing we worked on this year is the coordination meeting. This involves coordination in the right of way and helping to link capital planning and operations together; not just in the Department, but reaching out to Austin Water, Watershed, PDR, and actually now, TXGas, in a way that we can better coordinate work and save the taxpayers a lot of money. Another initiative that I’m proud of is Citizen View, which has been a coordinated effort between the Communications group and our group as far as actually being able to How would you describe provide the citizens with a way to look in your experience as an Asand see some of the work that we’re doing sistant Director of PWD and where it’s at. Also, we’re working on here in Austin? getting laptops to Construction Inspection so that they can work more efficiently Well, it’s a lot of fun. I mean, I on-site. As a whole, the group has done truly believe if you’re not having really well and we’ve got a lot going on in fun everyday, you’re not in the the future. right place. Obviously, I’m not going to have a good day everyday I walk through If your vision for Public the door, but I enjoy where I am. I’ve been Works in 2012 were realin the military, I’ve been in the private secized, what would that look tor, and I will say this: my experience in the like? Do you think that your vision is private sector compared to the job I’m dosomething within our reach? ing here and the individuals I get to work We have some key things we’re with here, is that we have just as much tallooking at and I think that one ent (if not more) than those in the private of the main things we’ll be sector. That’s something that excites me working on within the next year or two - finding individual’s skills and where their

JS:

SW: JS:

SW:

JS:

we’ve had many individuals that when you shine a light on them, the light shines so bright that they start taking over the stage! It’s exciting – I like the environment, I like the team that we’re building. I don’t necessarily think that we’re done yet, but I definitely like where we’re going.

SW:

What do you most enjoy about the city you live in?

I like that there are many flavors here. It’s a very open, familyfriendly, and accepting community and there’s a lot to do for everyone. Whether you like the arts, being outdoors, sports, or just family time, it’s great! You’re also not too far from other places in the Hill Country so you can do different things outside Austin. But really, it’s just the way of life here that I enjoy the most… it’s welcoming.

JS:

SW:

If you could take a trip to anywhere in the world, where would you go?

Probably Fiji. I’ve lived in Europe and I’ve visited the Orient, but someplace in the Pacific southwest, or somewhere like New Zealand or Australia would be fun.

JS:

SW:

Do you have anything else to add?

I guess I would end with the fact that we’ve done a lot of great things in FY11, and a lot of these things will set the stage for FY12 and set a launch pad for us to move forward.

JS:

2011 SEPTEMBER STREET TALK

columns BY MICHELLE FRITH CHIEF REPORTER

How Well Do You Know Your Neighbor?

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

it Johnson is our new City Architect, eager to absorb all he can about being on the Public Works team. Learning about Public Works and City government is like drinking water from a fire hose – there is a lot of fascinating information to take in all at once! Kit’s job is to be a liaison to other City groups and to the public--keeping the communication lines open, while ensuring Public Works is on the right track for our customers. Kit readily admits to being an extreme extrovert. His eyes twinkle, and he laughs as he says, “Everyone is so unique and each brings something NEIGHBOR different to Kit Johnson the table-skills, knowlDIVISION edge or exQuality & Standards p e r i e n c e s that I don’t Management have. I see other people TITLE doing jobs I City Architect couldn’t possibly do, and I get really jazzed about the differences in people and their experiences and skillsets.” Growing up in Richardson, Texas didn’t give him the opportunity to meet people that were from different cultures and backgrounds. When he came to Austin, he was fascinated at the diversity of personalities, experiences, religions, economic strata and cultures. He attended UT and earned a Bachelor of Architecture in 1991. His career path took him to Dallas and then to San Francisco and then back to Texas where he and his wife Debra

formed their own firm. Kit couldn’t resist the call to Austin and moved here to help form a new architectural firm and then rebranded his own family business before coming to Public Works in June, 2011. Kit muses, “Austin is on the threshold of real greatness. Of course, Austin’s been on numerous ‘top ten’ lists for all kinds of things. But, I believe now is the time to put our money where our mouth is.” With projects like Airport Boulevard’s Form Based Code, the East Riverside Corridor’s Regulating Plan, and the construction of “Complete Streets” and “Green Streets,” Austin can be a real leader in bringing sustainability and urbanism together. Not only can Austin show we can be environmentally responsible while embracing urban density, but our city can be an example that the two actually can and should work together. For example, “Clean Streets” makes the streets pedestrian and bike-friendly and helps us to get out of our cars and see people on the street – an old-world idea made new. This is really what Street and Bridge Operations and Neighborhood Connectivity is all about – alternate transportation, sociability and decreasing our impact on the environment. Our tendency is to move from air-conditioned buildings, to air-conditioned cars, to our garages, and into our air-conditioned homes—all the while never connecting with our neighbors. Austin can excel at changing the way we get around, and in doing so, help connect us with each other in a way that is healthy for our bodies and healthy for our environment. “ He wants to look back someday and say, “I was a part of that—making our

Kit Johnson

28 STREET TALK SEPTEMBER 2011

great city even better—making our great city a leader and an example for others to follow.” Debra and Kit have been married for 19 years, and Kit describes his spouse as a very patient person. “You have to apply heat to refine something. Learning to live together and appreciate each other’s differences, has applied a lot of heat to us both and as a result, I’m a much better man than I would have been without her.” They have two sons: Jude, a very mature 9 year-old with an excellent sense of justice and compassion and Ezra, 5, the comedian—always extroverted and affectionate. Kit ends by saying, “This city inspires me. I feel like I’m a part of something huge, and it is an honor. I want a bumper sticker that says, “Austinite by the grace of God.” Not a bad idea…that bumper sticker would likely be a big hit in our town.

he recent ribbon cutting of the East 7th Street project is a culmination of years of planning and 16 months of construction. There were many obstacles and up to the challenge was Clay Harris, Project Manager. It takes someone with commitment and a big heart to listen to the needs of the community, accept their concerns and still work toward solutions. Clay has those qualities and more. Clay hails from Newton Falls, Ohio, a small farm town of about 5,000 people where he says the teens have opportunities to get into lots of mischief. Clay knew he wasn’t ready to go to college out of high school, so he joined the Army in 1988 and was sent to Fort Hood. He served 9 months in Desert Shield and Desert Storm, was assigned to heavy artillery, and returned to the U.S. to complete his service. After serving our country, Clay returned to Columbus, Ohio and went to school for Civil Engineering NEIGHBOR and ConstrucClay Harris tion Management, graduDIVISION ating from Franklin UniverProject Management sity. During college he worked TITLE five years as a Project Manager construction inspector. Graduating in 2000, he went to work for various contracting companies doing transportation and municipal projects in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia, honing his skills in construction management. Clay and his family moved to Austin in June 2007 to be closer to his oldest son, Christian. He began his career in Public Works as a Project Coordinator under mentors Dennis Crabill and Rick Colbrunn. Clay says that he has learned much from Dennis and Rick. Besides the incredible technical expertise, the best lessons from them are to not take things personally when the public or the media is being critical – it’s just business and we can’t make everyone happy. Paying it forward is im-

portant, Clay says, and he hopes to be a great mentor to new employees in the future. He’s a real “people person” and says that people at his church tell him he has “the heart of a servant”. “I like working with people the best, meeting new people, talking with them and delving into creative problem solving. I like to help where I can. By definition, public servants care and want to solve the problems of the citizens of Austin. Each of us plays their part in the solutions to Austin’s challenges.” Clay’s family, his faith and helping others are his inspirations. As a young boy, he delivered papers while a little girl that he took little notice of watched from a distance. Many years later, Clay returned to Newton Falls to attend a friend’s wedding and finally noticed the little girl now grown up – Charity. Charity and Clay were married in 2001 and are now the parents of Christian, Cody and Carter. Charity is the Director of Nuclear Medicine at Live Oak Cardiology. Christian (16) is a junior in high school, works at McDonalds and enjoys performing arts and computers. Cody (9) is a Webelo in Cub Scouts and enjoys karate and piano. Carter (6) is thrilled to enter Cub Scouts and loves soccer. Their family goes on frequent campouts together and has been to Pedernales Falls, Llano, Enchanted Rock, Piney Woods, NASA and to Sea World, where they “slept with the sharks”. They love Austin for the family-friendly at-

mosphere and the ability to hear live music and go dancing. They live in Dripping Springs and especially like Nutty Brown Café and the Backyard, and are looking forward to seeing the new Austin City Limits theatre. Clay’s favorite project thus far has been East 7th Street, unique in the landscaping, engineering and design community, and one of the Great Streets. Clay encourages anyone interested in becoming a project manager to get the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification and to apply for tuition reimbursement through the City. He also encourages personnel to take the Project Academy classes, which he considers excellent training and a great refresher.

Clay Harris 2011 SEPTEMBER STREET TALK

divisions BY KALPANA SUTARIA CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Learning Best Practices in Sustainability

Portland, Oregon offers lessons at the American Public Works Association’s Sustainability Conference.

efore reaching the city of Portland, I didn’t know what to expect since this was the first time I was attending APWA’s sustainability conference. It turned out to be a wonderful experience. I came to learn best practices in sustainability and what efforts Portland, a city much like Austin, is making. Portland has a special challenge. Its storm and sanitary sewers are combined, causing a problem with controlling the volume as the city grows. The city entered an amended stipulation with the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality in August of 1994, requiring the city to control the 55 combined sewer overflows by 2011. The city is aggressively pursuing incorporation of green infrastructure projects to solve this problem and to meet the requirements of the storm water management criteria. The best part of the conference was

1 2 3

a sold out bus tour of Portland’s green infrastructure projects prior to the official start of the conference. We were joined by Bill Owen, Senior Engineer, in Portland’s Bureau of Environmental Services and David Elkin, a landscape architect with GreenWorks PC. These projects created a very interesting street configuration allowing parking and green infrastructure by reducing street widths. This turned out to be a “win-win” solution for the city and the homeowners. The city spent a lot of time and effort encouraging citizens to support these projects prior to installation, as they couldn’t have succeeded without their input and participation. Portland is a paradise for bicyclists and pedestrians. The downtown area has many bike routes with safety features like “bike boxes” at certain locations. It was easy to see many bike commuters on the

The site visits included the following projects: “The Headwaters at Tryon Creek” which served as a demonstration in sustainable stormwater management, green development practices, wildlife habitat restoration, rain gardens, and water conservation. The site includes LEED Silver rated senior housing, town homes and apartments. The highlight of the site was the daylighting of the tributary stream of Tryon Creek. “River East Center” which uses a formerly abandoned warehouse on an underutilized piece of real estate near the Willamette River. The renovated building is a LEED gold facility with innovative on-site stormwater management. The developer worked with the city to obtain a revocable permit to turn an unused city street into a public plaza that connected surrounding neighborhoods with the river. Three residential sites where the city and the homeowners signed an agreement to maintain the green infrastructure projects constructed in front of the homes.

30 STREET TALK SEPTEMBER 2011

Hawthorne Bridge over the Willamette River. The light rail throughout downtown is everywhere and is very much a part of the downtown aesthetic. I was able to take this rail starting from the airport to downtown and travel within the city. Cindy Jordan, Public Works Project Manager, had asked me to visit the “Festival Streets” in Chinatown. The city worked with the Chinatown community to create a festive street by removing curbs and installing short granite bollards (vertical posts) and entrance artwork. The Central Library team that Cindy is managing is considering a similar design on 2nd Street in front of the library. I met many consultants, managers, developers, government employees, manufacturers and suppliers who presented their best practices in sustainable design and construction of streets, highways, buildings and waste management. The conference also had a special appearance by Congressman Earl Blumenauuer (OR-3). He served as a vice chair on a select committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming in 20072008. He has supported transportation and infrastructure projects in Oregon and said at the conference, “we are trying to make it (Portland) the best European city in the US”. With so much support from elected officials, talented individuals in the public and private sectors, and citizen support, Portland is often at the top of the list of most sustainable cities in the US.

milestones WHO’S

THAT?

CIPID:

PEGGY HOWARD Peggy is a returning City employee. She is a native of Texas and a long-time Austin resident. Peggy has a strong background in GIS, civil engineering, and surveying. She also has 10 years of experience in state, county, and municipal government. She is a mother of two who enjoys spending time with her family outdoors.

CIPID:

Guadalupe (Lupe) Gomez Jr. Lupe is from San Antonio, TX. He served in the United States Army from 1986 to 1991. He brings eighteen years of construction experience and is a proud father of four children and grandfather of nine grandchildren.

CIPID:

Kenneth Kirk Kenneth is assigned to Pat Webre’s group and will be working at the St. Elmo Field Office. Ken has extensive street construction experience in the Austin area and with the State of Texas since 1980. In addition to his work with the City and State, he has also worked as a contractor.

street talk extra

UPDATES FROM THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT

South Congress Avenue Project gets Kudos from

feedback:

“

the Community

I’ve appreciated the City’s many efforts to make this project proceed as smoothly as possible for the neighborhood. Being kept informed by emails has really helped. I’ve already encountered one of the “ambassadors” on the street and thought the handouts that he provided were very helpful. Last but not least, crossing South Congress on foot feels exponentially safer now; I especially like the new crosswalk lights at South Congress and Leland--a huge improvement!

”

Please convey my thanks and appreciation to everyone involved. Thanks, Dottie

sohuot ut

“

I drove on the southern end on South Congress (south of Mary, north of Oltorf ) and the milling really makes the road amazing! Just wanted to let you know that I appreciate your work.

”

Feel free to share with the crew, Jody

“

I just wanted to give y’all a thumbs up on the redo of South Congress! It was done very quickly, with good notification and the crew was most helpful and courteous under very hot, trying circumstances!

”

A sincere thank you from adjacent neighbors, Gary

Shout out to Project Manager Mark Schruben for keeping the neighborhood and stakeholders in the loop and making the project run smoothly and efficiently!

ESD: NEW DIVISION MANAGER

Gail Hamrick-Pigg, P.E. Gail, has been selected as the Division Manager for the Engineering Services Division. Gail brings to the position 25 years of engineering experience in both the public and private sectors and a proven record of excellence. Gail’s previous City of Austin experience includes work with the Austin Water Utility Systems Planning, Facilities Engineering and Line Maintenance Divisions. Gail also served as the Division Manager of the Pipeline Rehabilitation and Technical Services Division. Gail’s private sector experience includes design and management of various water and wastewater infrastructure and environmental projects, including Austin Clean Water and Annexation Program projects.

LEFT: The markings crew setting up to put in the back-in-angle parking striping. They did it all from 10pm to 7am on the nights of July 5th and 6th. The sign crews worked through the two days after that and got it done well ahead of schedule so it was completed before First Thursday. MIDDLE: The paving crew laying asphalt in front of the South Congress Baptist Church. They did this on Sunday June 26th and everybody was still able to get to church on time. RIGHT: South Congress to date: resurfaced, restriped, and ready to go! Even with many unforeseen utility delays at the start of the project, they still got the job done in less than half of the scheduled time. The paving crews, Signs and Markings Division, Street & Bridge concrete crews, Neighborhood Connectivity, and everybody else that helped hit the ball out of the park!

2011SEPTEMBER STREET TALK

milestones

continued from pg. 31

aewcaorgdnsi&tion CIP Inspection Division r ‘Pat on the Back’ award

‘above and beyond ’ award

Nannett Holweger

Rick Glosson

Claudette Rhea

Nannett Holweger and Claudette Rhea received the “Pat on the Back” award for covering for a key CIP Inspection Division OTC staff member who is on extended leave by picking up additional duties. Thanks to these two ladies for their teamwork!

Inspector Rick Glosson received the CIP Inspection Division’s “Above and Beyond” award for the way he handled a difficult on-the-job situation. He received very positive comments from both his project manager and from a citizen who was very impressed by his professionalism in the way the matter was handled.

3rd Quarter 2011 2nd Quarter 2011

S.T.A.R. Project Management Division awards service award

teamwork award

achievement award

craig russell

randy harvey

imane mrini

for his efforts in resolving claims issues for using his extensive program knowlon the Avery Ranch Fire Station Proj- edge and effective communication skills. ect. He has provided outstanding training support to the Project Management Academy.

teamwork award

respect award

chris calvery

alison von stein

for the Teamwork she exhibited in sup- for her commitment to providing excelporting her Inspector to resolve a con- lent Customer Service to both internal and external customers. flict with the Contractor.

32 STREET TALK SEPTEMBER 2011

for her quick and effective response to project challenges on the Braker Lane and 183 TSM Project involving expired temporary real estate easements.

Milestones promotio

‘above and beyond ’ award john bowman Congratulations to Inspector John Bowman for passing the Certified Erosion, Sediment and Storm Water Inspector (CESSWI) certification exam!

BARDO MENDOZA Has accepted the position of Street and Bridge Maintenance Supervisor. Bardo brings a plethora of experience and skills to the position. He will be an excellent asset to the management team of Street and Bridge Operations. Bardo will be assigned to the Central District (3511 Manor Road) and report to Lawrence Alvarez.

YueJiao Liu Has been promoted to the position of Project Management Supervisor. YueJiao is a registered Professional Engineer (PE) and Project Management Professional (PMP). She obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering at Zhejiang University in China and her Master’s degree from the University of Cincinnati. YueJiao has more than 15 years of civil engineering and project management experience in the City of Austin, the Midwest, and China.

J.B. Souther

(Info contributed by William Hollins)

treet and Bridge Operations has sadly lost one of its own. J.B. Souther, who had been in public service with the Street and Bridge Division for over 30 years, has passed away. He had returned to Street and Bridge briefly as a temporary employee in the Overlay organization before his retirement on May 31, 2011. He respect award retired to spend more time with his family - especially his grandsons. One of his brenda proudest accomplishments was being the baker man in his grandsons’ lives. He took them For her significant efforts on the South to Disney World, air-shows and attended IH-35 segment 9 Project in successfully co- their ball games. ordinating easement acquisition and conJ.B. was enthusiastic about life and struction phase services. his retirement. He was an airplane enthusiast and had many hours of flying experience. He spoke often about taking his wife on an Alaskan Cruise after he retired. J.B. and his wife were on that cruise when he became ill. J.B. was an expert at operating equipment in the Street and Bridge organization and was always the early-bird reporting to work. He would talk with everyone while preparing for the day and

was an employee that everyone wanted to have as a part of their crew. After hours, J.B. even talked to his friends about performing maintenance on the equipment. His skill, ethics and friendship will be greatly missed.

2011 SEPTEMBER STREET TALK 33

34 STREET TALK SEPTEMBER 2011

2011 SEPTEMBER STREET TALK

36 STREET TALK SEPTEMBER 2011

in every issue

where is shuv-l-reddy?

Where In The World Is Shuv-L-Reddy?

Remember Carmen San Diego? Waldo? Well, Shuv wanted in on some of the action…play our guessing game as he wanders around the city at various PWD-related sites...and beyond!

Can you correctly identify both project site locations that Shuv-L-Reddy has visited? Write in to: streettalk@ austintexas.gov for a chance to WIN A PRIZE! location 1

location 2

Answers from last issue: Location 1: South Congress Avenue (during street resurfacing) Location 2: Take Your Child to Work Day; One Texas Center 2011 SEPTEMBER STREET TALK 37

events calendar 2011 SEPTEMBER Monday

Tuesday Wednesday Thursday

Friday

Saturday

COACCC Begins (ends Oct.31st)

Sunday

Pay Day

Defensive Driving

Labor Day Offices Closed

class 8 AM-5 PM OTC-325

Free Day of Yoga (studios all over town)

COACCC PWD Mixed Media Sale @ OTC 12:30

South Congress Art Dedication

Sunday

Austin Museum Day (Free all-day)

ACL Music Festival Pay Day

New Employee Safety Orientation

PE Fall Classes Begin

class 1-5 PM LRC

Health & Lifestyle Expo

Sunday

Diez y Seis Celebration

ACL Music Festival

Autumn Begins

Pecan Street Festival (free)

Defensive Driving class 8 AM-5 PM OTC-325

New Employee Safety Orientation class 1-5 PM LRC

North Austin Recreation Center Groundbreaking

38 STREET TALK SEPTEMBER 2011

Sunday Pecan Street Festival (free)

3 Pay Day

Fredricksburg Oktoberfest

OCTOBER Monday

Tuesday Wednesday Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Fredricksburg Oktoberfest

Sunday

Fredricksburg Oktoberfest

Safety Meeting (S&B)

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

New Employee Safety Orientation class 1-5 PM LRC

class 8 AM-5 PM OTC-325

Defensive Driving

class 8-9 AM Cheathem Facility

HAMM Benefit Day Safety Meeting (PMD/ESD/NCD)

Open Enrollment for 2012 Begins (ends Nov.18)

COACCC Employee Cook-Off

class 8 AM-5 PM OTC-325

class 8-9 AM Cheathem Facility

First Thursday (free-South Congress) PWD COACCC Mini Golf Putt-Putt Bash @ City Hall

CPR

Safety Meeting (S&B)

Pay Day

COACCC Bike Ride w/ PWD Director @ OTC, 8AM

Computer Ergonomics

Defensive Driving class 8 AM-5 PM OTC-325

Mediterranean Festival COACCC Employee Cook-Off

Sunday

1 Texas Book Festival

Sunday

Pay Day

New Employee Safety Orientation class 1-5 PM LRC

Sunday

Texas Book Festival

Austin Film Festival

class 8:30-9:30 AM OTC-500

Mediterranean Festival

Austin Film Festival

3 Halloween

Safety Meeting (S&B) class 8-9 AM Cheathem Facility

2011 SEPTEMBER STREET TALK 39

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

streettalk@austintexas.gov