STREET TALK
VOLUME 1 ISSUE 2
REPORTING ON WHAT MATTERS TO PUBLIC WORKS
MARCH 2011
inside: Getting Mobile:
A guest column from Transportation takes us from Bond election to implementation
History of a Department:
A look back tells us how many mules were in the inventory
Who’s a HERO?:
Find out how you can nominate one in your office
Public Works is to
Fixin’ Get Fit!
A VIEW
FROM
PUBLIC . . . S K R WO
director’s message BY HOWARD LAZARUS DIRECTOR
STREET TALK
Orandum est ut sit mens in corporasano
I
EDITORIAL Editor in Chief: Sara Hartley
sara.hartley@ci.austin.tx.us
Contributing Writers: Howard Lazarus
howard.lazarus@ci.austin.tx.us
Michelle Frith
michelle.frith@ci.austin.tx.us
month, and I am therefore establishing the Department with a Healthy Heart challenge. Anyone who walks (or runs) 30 miles over the next thirty days and completes and submits the form below will receive his or her own really cool, PWD ‘Keep Austin Working T-shirt.’ Reporting of miles walked is on the honor system – the only person you’re cheating is yourself!
Alison Von Stein
alison.von-stein@ci.austin.tx.us
Luciano Tamayo
luciano.tamayo@ci.austin.tx.us
Sharon Warren
sharron.warren@ci.austin.tx.us
Shannon Wisner
shannon.wisner@ci.austin.tx.us
Leah Fillion
leah.fillion@ci.austin.tx.us
Max Eby
max.eby@ci.austin.tx.us
Chief Graphic Designer: Alexa Muraida
alexa.muraida@ci.austin.tx.us
Director of Photography: Shannon Wisner
shannon.wisner@ci.austin.tx.us
HOOFING IT FOR HEALTH!
30
NAME:
MILES IN 30 DAYS
DIVISION: PLEDGE:
X
Be up for the challenge! To get your t-shirt, fill out the form, cut it out and send to Shannon Wisner at OTC, 13th Floor. Then get moving!
S DE P
SIGNATURE:
RK
YOU CAN DO IT!
vera.labriola@ci.austin.tx.us
DESIGN
THIS MONTH: DIRECTOR’S CHALLENGE Every journey begins with the first step. Get on the path to wellness by accepting the Director’s Challenge! In this issue, Howard challenges you to get your feet to move you 30 miles in 30 days. Run, walk, skip, or dance but get those feet moving forward and put yourself to the test.
Vera Labriola
T.
n or about the first century AD, the Roman poet and satirist Juvenal encouraged his fellow citizens“to strive for a sound mind in a sound body.” The desire to achieve balance in our lives has persisted from the days when we hung out in our togas and tailgated at the Friday night lanterns chariot races. While the Circus Maximus has given way to DKR Memorial Stadium, the message remains the same. We need to pursue the lifestyles that will allow our bodies to support a lifetime of activity. The sad news is that due to the lifestyles and diets we’ve adapted an American will have a coronary event every 25 seconds. February is National Heart Health
O P U B LIC W
2011 MARCH STREET TALK
03
cityspace.ci.austin.tx.us/departments/pwd VOLUME 1
ISSUE 2
contents MARCH 2011
COVER STORY
Fixin’ to Get Fit! Are you letting those resolutions slip? How PWD can help you stick to your goals of getting healthy this year.
IN EVERY ISSUE... WHERE IN THE WORLD 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 PWDrelated sites!
04 STREET TALK MARCH 2011
THE HOT LIST Who’s coming and who’s going? Awards-watch and little bits of good gossip…follow our Hot List in every issue to know what is going on with your fellow Public Workers.
HAPPENINGS
Coming In Our Next Issue
YOU tell US what’s happening around Public Works. We will be adding an events page that you can help us fill in with your division’s calendars. Email us at: streettalk@ ci.austin.tx.us
contents
cityspace.ci.austin.tx.us/departments/pwd VOLUME 1
ISSUE 2
MARCH 2011
14
10
28 features
divisions
1
0
0
HISTORY OF A DEPARTMENT
8
4
ALL AROUND AUSTIN
5
0
PWD is hosting and participating in events all around the city to highlight the great projects we have been part of through the CIP.
8
1
WHO IS A HERO?
6
1
Read about how you can get from one spot to the next with the wind in your hair while burning a few calories!
A look at how Public Works has evolved over time in Austin.
1
NCD: CYCLING COMES TO A BUILDING NEAR YOU!
16 08 columns
HRO: EMPLOYEE SOLUTIONS!
Michelle Frith profiles two employees that work hard for PWD everyday, but that you may have never met!
6
0
How HRO started a quiet revolution in how we train our workforce.
8
2
Find out more about our award programs and how YOU can be part of recognizing those colleagues who help make work a better place!
ESD: WEST CAMPUS REDO Multiple projects are affecting the overall look, feel and service in the UT campus area.
1
2
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 and calendar for training.
2
1
GETTING MOBILE In November 2010, voters invested in Austin’s future transportation needs by approving a bond package expected to improve mobility issues, including roadways, bicycle lanes, trails and sidewalks.
CID: DOWNTOWN WASTEWATER TUNNEL CID follows the project closely to make sure the tunneling stays on track.
2011 MARCH STREET TALK
05
divisions BY MAX EBY CONTRIBUTING WRITER
e-Solutions: Human Resources
In 2010, your e-Solutions HR Team started a quiet revolution that changed the way our training is delivered forever! THE SYMPTOMS: Employees had difficulty attending classroom training within the mandatory completion window for the course. The HR Team experienced a large number of last-minute class cancellations, resulting in repeat courses and non-compliance with deadlines. Many people also expressed concern about the miles driven and time wasted commuting to and from training facilities.
THE SOLUTION: Considering these scheduling and location challenges, remote learning was the clear answer. With training available on-demand, employees may complete selected courses when and where they prefer. As an added bonus, most remote learning classes are shorter and more focused than classroom versions and always include comprehension questions at the end. So far, employee feedback has been overwhelmingly positive and many request that more classes be offered online.
ď Ľ
THE CHALLENGES: We spoke with employees and managers to learn what challenges they faced. Over and over again, we heard the same story. Employees and managers valued training but scheduling was a nightmare! The need for back up coverage in some job functions created logistics issues. Additionally, employees who work on large projects often couldn’t predict ahead of time when they would have to make a critical field visit. Training facilities are scarce and availability is even more limited!
ECO-FRIENDLY:
In addition to the convenience factor, classes presented online eliminate drives across town to a training facility. The environmental impact is shocking! By offering one single class online, Workplace Harassment Prevention Review, we prevented Austin Transportation, Contract & Land Management, and Public Works employees from driving 2,905 miles! That is the equivalent of driving from Austin, Texas to the country of Peru! Carbon Dioxide emission reductions amounted to just over 570 metric tons (enough to maintain 48 homes for a year). The cost savings achieved by not wasting commute time to and from class is a whopping $10,764! As more courses move online, these numbers will continue to grow.
06 STREET TALK MARCH 2011
LOOKING TO THE FUTURE: Most new employees will complete Department New Employee Orientation and Workplace Harassment courses online. Ethics in the Consultant Selection Process will shortly transition to remote learning also. Some training topics will remain in classroom format but look for more electronic learning options in the future!
safety zone BY SHARON WARREN CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Stay Healthy and Safe Out There It’s an important part of everyone’s job!
A
s we talk about getting fit in this issue, safety is one thing people don’t always think about when they talk about health. But with so many of our employees doing work that requires physical labor and long hours standing, being as fit as possible makes a big difference in staying safe. Injuries on the job can be devastating, so consider taking the director’s challenge and using the recreation centers to get yourself strong. Core fitness can help when you lift that box, use that shovel, or even sit all day! Your back will thank you for it! Beyond exercising, the Public Works Safety Office wants to make sure that ev-
eryone is working as safely as possible in all areas. Safety training is so important to ensure that employees have the proper knowledge for the jobs they will be doing. The Public Works Safety Office offers numerous trainings on various topics. If any section would like specific training on work they will be doing, they should contact the Safety Office to arrange it. Another great resource for safety is the Employee Safety Association. The association is made up of safety professionals throughout the City, but is open to any employee that is interested in joining. They offer monthly trainings on a variety of subjects (both health and safety), and they hold an annual safety conference in
June for all employees. Plus they have a great family safety fair in September. The Safety Office encourages all employees to attend any of these safety trainings, the conference and the fair. Let’s boost our attendance of PWD employees at these trainings! If you have suggestions on a particular safety subject for training, please feel free to contact the Safety Office, Sharon Warren, or 974-0922. They will look into getting that presentation at one of the monthly trainings, or even at the safety conference. And as always, stay safe out there!
2011 MARCH STREET TALK
07
divisions BY MICHELLE FRITH CONTRIBUTING WRITER
City Cycle Gets Employees Going The weather is becoming beautiful. Why not enjoy the sunshine and get to your next appointment in a really fun and environmentally conscious way?
A
s the weather turns beautiful for spring, wouldn’t you like to get outside and do something healthy during work hours? Did you know you can ride a bike on work time for free? A benefit just for City employees is City Cycle. This bike share program is offered to everyone in most city facilities, who would like to get from point A to point B in the downtown area without ever getting into a car. The program is administered now by our Neighborhood Connectivity Division, via Nadia Barrera. It had its beginnings in Watershed Protection with just three bicycles stored at One Texas Center. Austin Energy’s Climate Protection Plan took it over for awhile, and the inventory of bikes quickly grew to 20. The bikes are three-speed automatic shift Trek Lime bicycles available in two sizes made for men and women with low and high bar frames. Each bike comes equipped with a U-lock, keys, a helmet, and even a basket
08 STREET TALK MARCH 2011
to hold your meeting materials as you trek from one place to another. Check-out times for the cycles are generally Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and the bikes must be returned to the location from where they were checked out. They also must be used during daytime hours only since they are not equipped with lights. City Cycle locations are concentrated in the downtown area, located at Town Lake Center, City Hall, One Texas Center, the Parks and Recreation Building, and at Waller Creek. There are coordinators at each location that can answer questions, make sure bikes are maintained, and keep a general eye on the bikes housed at their locations. And it’s not just about exercise! Between January 1, 2010 and October 1, 2010, reservation numbers reflect an astounding alleviation of emissions released into the environment. Specifically, 1110 vehicle miles were avoided by riding City Cycles! That translates to saving 1016.76 pounds
of CO2 from being emitted into the air (the equivalent of 117,944 2-liter bottles). It also prevented the emission of 3.44 pounds of nitrous oxide and 6.88 pounds of volatile organic compounds. Now that is something to breathe easier about! Besides being great for the environment and great for your health it’s great fun! Just ask Brenda Loney, Building Service Manager at City Hall. She uses City Cycles along with other ‘green’ transportation options. “The thing I love most about the City Cycle bikes is that I can use them for personal errands. I use the bike to run to the library, to pick up lunch, and often attend downtown meetings on the city bike. I love it when the weather is fair and parking is so much easier no matter where I go!” For more information on how you can cycle around downtown using City Cycles, visit http://cityspace.ci.austin.tx.us/services/ citycycle or call the appropriate site coordinator listed on the website.
A QUICK LOOK
INTO OUR CITY CYCLE PROGRAM
IMPACT OF CITY CYCLE PROGRAM
LOCATIONS 721 BARTON SPRINGS
811 BARTON SPRINGS
CITY HALL
WALLER CREEK CENTER
CONVENTION CENTER
ONE TEXAS CENTER
NUMBER OF RESERVATIONS FROM EACH LOCATION
901
12
70
12
1 12
MILEAGE
17
326
1
244
326
MILES
MILE
MILES
MILES
494
MILES
MILES TOTAL MILEAGE 1,110 MILES
1,110 VEHICLE MILES WERE AVOIDED BY RIDING CITY CYCLES! 2011 MARCH STREET TALK
09
Public Works From the Beginning..... BY SHANNON WISNER CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Can you imagine sealcoating a street with a mule? The first known report regarding equipment inventory was submitted by J. K. P. McFall, who served as the City Engineer from 1887-88, and again from 1895-1900.
The first Capital Improvement program proposal was compiled in 1954, and started the process as we know it today. The 5-year scope of the project included plans for an interregional highway at East 1st Street as well as plans for new schools, parks, streets, bridges, cemeteries, drainage, and electricity. The proposal also outlined improvements to be made to existing facilities, parks, and streets. 10 STREET TALK MARCH 2011
Project Managers – this is where your life with the City began! This illustration from 1954 describes the significance of the Capital Improvement Project as an integral part of the City’s master plan. Notice the citizens move along a pathway to the left, which connects them to each part of the process. Kind of cool - and it still applies today!
To The Present... 2010
Mobility Bond.
Roadway Projects
Transit Projects
Bicycle Projects
Pedestrian Projects 2011 MARCH STREET TALK
11
columns BY LEAH FILLION CONTRIBUTING WRITER
2010 Bond Package Moves Austin Forward
In November 2010, voters invested in Austin’s future transportation needs by approving a bond package expected to improve mobility issues, including roadways, bicycle lanes, trails and sidewalks.
Roadway Projects
A
Transit Projects
ustin is a busy city with plenty to do and lots of places to go. With population increasing, traffic becoming more congested, and little space for new roads, innovative ideas to improve mobility have become necessary. On November 2, 2010 Austin voters approved a $90 million package to alleviate these issues, including both short-term and long-tem investments that address City mobility with a more multimodal approach to transportation in mind. These improvements include $14.4 million for the Lady Bird Lake Boardwalk, which will extend the hike and bike trail on Lady Bird Lake from South Congress Avenue to near the east side of IH35. Also planned is a Great Streets reconstruction of 3rd Street downtown, which will also integrate the last segment of the Lance Armstrong Bikeway. Other projects will include road, sidewalk, bicycle lane and trail improvements. This initiative is a new approach to solving mobility issues in Austin and was recently named as one of the top five smartest policies enacted by American cities in 2010 by the Drum Major Institute for
12 STREET TALK MARCH 2011
Bicycle Projects
Public Policy online blog (DMIblog.com.) DMIblog applauded the City’s efforts to solve traffic congestion through a more holistic approach. “Recognizing that they could never build enough highways to eliminate traffic congestion, lawmakers instead put a $90 million bond issue on the ballot to improve Austin’s existing streets and make them more hospitable to pedestrians and bicycles. For affirming that transportation in-
Pedestrian Projects
vestments must include more than just new highway miles, Austin’s bond walks straight onto our list of the best policies of 2010.” For full text of this article, go to: http:// www.dmiblog.com/archives/2010/12/ten_ best_and_worst_city_polici.html For more information about the types of projects that will be funded by the 2010 Mobility Bonds, go to: www.austintexas. gov/bonds.
PROJECTS INCLUDE: Interim improvements for the “Y” at Oak Hill
Traffic signalization improvement US 183 between US 290 and US 71
Guadalupe/Lavaca transit improvements/sidewalk enhancements
MoPac corridor downtown access preliminary engineering
3rd Street reconstruction/Lance Armstrong Bikeway
Sidewalk improvements on Burnet, Manchaca, Brodie Lane
Airport Boulevard corridor arterial improvements
Bike crossing at Jollyville and 183
MLK corridor preliminary engineering Manor road redesign
Rundberg roadway extension Rails to Trails - Austin to Manor Boardwalk at Lady Bird Lake
! n o o S Coming
To a Utility Bill Near You... PUBLIC WORKS CONNECTS YOU TO THE PEOPLE AND PLACES YOU CARE ABOUT
ALL AROUND AUSTIN. Street Maintenance We revolve around keeping Austin’s streets in tip-top shape! We want roads to stay well maintained, and count on your help. Call us at Austin’s 3-1-1 to report issues in the street from potholes to downed signs or water leaks. We work hard to keep you safe out there.
Neighborhood Partnering Program Each Austin neighborhood has its own distinct flavor. Public Works wants to partner with neighbors by providing matching funds, materials or labor to beautify spaces around your neighborhood! Ask us how!
Neighborhood Connectivity Division Encompassing public access to all, we create alternate modes of transportation by working on Austin’s urban trails, bike facilities, sidewalks and more. Let us know how we can improve those routes for you!
Child Safety Program Keeping Austin’s kids safe is a priority for all of us. So we provide a comprehensive safe walking, biking and training program for children to navigate to and from school.
Public Works - Your Department with a Heart!
Visit us online and help us better the world around you! www.austintexas.gov/publicworks 512.974.7065
Look for Public Works to star in Austin Energy's March Bill
features BY SARA HARTLEY EDITOR IN CHIEF
All Around Austin
Public Works Department builds our city’s future
I
f there was any doubt that Public Works is busy working all around Austin, then all of the events for ribbon cutting, groundbreakings, and general grand openings this year should put that to rest!
Starting the New Year off with a bang! AVERY RANCH- 45 Is a gorgeous “green” new Fire/EMS Station that went into service in early December. In January the departments and neighbors assembled to see the station officially dedicated and opened. Howard Lazarus was on hand to congratulate the Project Manager Craig Russell and highlight the sustainable aspects of the station, including the cistern pictured below, and the LEED© Gold certification expected to be received soon.
Avery Ranch- 45
14 STREET TALK MARCH 2011
Public Safety Training Campus
THE PUBLIC SAFETY TRAINING CAMPUS The Public Safety Training Campus was next, with an impressive procession of the Austin Police Department’s Pipe and Drum Corps and Honor Guard from the Fire, EMS, and Police Departments. The ceremony focused on long-time patron of Public Safety, former Mayor Roy Butler. The main training building was dedicated to him, and included an amazing display case full of memorabilia from his time serving the community. Mayor
Butler’s widow and family were on hand to accept the accolades of all those who spoke with sincere fondness of their time with the Mayor. He was a founding director and former president of the Greater Austin Crime Commission and served on its executive committee until his death. The facility was built through design-build with Rossy Farina-Strauss managing the project.
Avery Ranch- 45
But it won’t end there… This spring, the celebrations will continue as more capital projects are delivered to the City of Austin.
MARCH PFLUGER BRIDGE EXTENSION AND SAND BEACH PARK GRAND OPENING Project Manager: Demira Wyatt (and formerly Lora Teed) Sponsor: Public Works Department; Neighborhood Connectivity Division
Public Safety Training Campus
Pfluger Bridge Extension
Come join us for an evening ceremony with live music and refreshments to celebrate having another picturesque place to spend time outdoors in downtown Austin. The Pfluger Bridge Extension opened on February 5, 2011 for the public to use and connects the original bridge to the north side of Cesar Chavez. Northwest Recreation Center
APRIL IH-35 MAKEOVER PROJECT
WALLER CREEK TUNNEL GROUNDBREAKING
Project Manager: Burton Jones Sponsor: Public Works Department with Keep Austin Beautiful and TXDOT
Project Manager: Gary Jackson Sponsor: Watershed Protection Department
The “brontosaurus ribs” are in place and the parking lots are looking good. Just add some landscaping through TXDOT and Keep Austin Beautiful and you have a finished product. This project beautifies the connection between East and West Austin in the downtown area and enhances Austin’s image. We will celebrate with a ribbon cutting event in April, highlighting the makeover and the Art in Public Places that has everyone talking!
Great big boring equipment and a tunnel you can drive a semi through? Yes, please! We look forward to showcasing one of the biggest undertakings that the Capital Program has seen in Austin. On April 8, 2011, a ceremony and media event will take place on the site of the Tunnel Shaft, and all are invited to join in the kick-off of this enormous project, more than 30 years in the making.
NORTHWEST RECREATION CENTER REMODEL Project Manager: Burton Jones Sponsor: Parks and Recreation Department This recreation center on Northland Drive gets a nice new facelift. We will celebrate the brand new facilities added to this busy center alongside Parks and Recreation. The project includes adding 7,500 square feet, fixing existing problems with the facility, and equipping the facility with modern amenities to accommodate the needs of the Northwest Austin community. 2011 MARCH STREET TALK
15
columns BY MICHELLE FRITH CONTRIBUTING WRITER
How Well Do You Know Your Neighbor?
Michelle Frith profiles two employees that work hard for PWD everyday who you may have never met!
A
ll of us have been tested at one time or another in our lives and some know that difficulties can make us stronger individuals. Take Calvin Earvin, Seal Coat 2 Supervisor at Harold Court. Calvin came to the City of Austin 3 ½ years ago from working at a private dump truck company. His goal was to get better benefits, more stability, and to be a public servant, a part of the community. Although it wasn’t easy to get hired with the City, Calvin was patient and NEIGHBOR was eventuCalvin Earvin ally brought on board. He DIVISION started his Street & Bridge City career as a truck driver TITLE and quickly became interSeal Coat 2 Supervisor ested in the heavy equipment. In no time at all, he applied for and received a position as Heavy Equipment Operator 2 and was promoted in April, 2010 to Supervisor. Inspiration comes from those around us, and Calvin found that he admired the positive attitude of Brian Works, Street and Drainage Maintenance Supervisor. Calvin says, “Brian inspired me to be positive and knowledgeable. I believe in community involvement, and in setting an example. Everyone should try to have a positive impact in their daily lives. I try to carry myself with pride and to encourage others to better themselves.” Calvin also finds he is positively affected by his six year old son, Deon. Deon
16 STREET TALK MARCH 2011
makes him want to be a better person, and a better Dad. Deon likes to fish, swim, play soccer and lately enjoys reading. He’s a pretty popular young man, following in the footsteps of his Dad. Six months ago, Calvin was on vacation in Mexico when he was involved in a life-threatening accident. His health insurance company, a City benefit, flew Calvin back to the U.S. for emergency treatment. Recovery was a slow and grueling process. Calvin smiles softly when he talks about the gratitude he has that he never had to miss a paycheck and that he had such good insurance. He appealed for accrued leave donations through Public Works HR. With the donations of sick leave from co-workers, Calvin was able to recover without worrying about temporary pay decreases. He says of this challenging time, “Things happen in life. They are a test of faith, but they can also make you a stronger person.” Calvin carries his positive attitude has the right attitude and enough motiinto his work as a supervisor. When he vation, it’s like being in the Army – be all accepted his latest position, Calvin saw a
If a person has the right attitude and enough mo“tivation, it’s like being in the Army- be all you can be! A positive attitude has helped me to grow as a person. It can have such a positive impact in your life. ” -Calvin Earvin, Seal Coat 2 Supervisor, Street & Bridge
need to show care. He says, “This is important as a leader. To care for each employee as an individual is my number one priority.” Calvin also encourages the group he supervises to take courses and training offered by the City. Calvin says, “If a person
you can be! A positive attitude has helped me to grow as a person. It can have such a positive impact in your life”. Tried and true, Calvin is a great example of meeting challenges with positive gratitude!
I
t’s hard to find a native Austinite so Eric Dusza, Senior Planner in the Neighborhood Connectivity Division, is proud to say he was raised in our great city. Studying Urban and Regional Transportation Planning at Texas State University, Eric’s goal was to be a Planner for the City of Austin. After graduation in 2001, Eric started his career in Dallas, and then began his trek back home by next taking a job in San Antonio in NEIGHBOR Zoning. He Eric Dusza returned to Austin, acDIVISION cepting a position with Neighborhood Connectivity the Capital Area Council of GovernTITLE ments (CAPSenior Planner COG) doing community and regional planning. In the fall of 2006, Eric fulfilled his goal of being employed at the City of Austin by being hired as a Senior Planner. Eric’s position in the Neighborhood Connectivity Division of Public Works affords him a variety of projects and tasks. “I particularly like the diversity in planning functions in my job. I really appreciate having something different every day.” He especially likes the NCD team. “I like the open door policy and I’m really comfortable talking with my co-workers and manager. This team is a close-knit group. We all care and are very passionate about what we do. We respect each other equally and work well together. We’re a real team in every sense of the word.” The projects NCD manages include sidewalks, trails, bike lanes, child safety,
and the Neighborhood Partnering Pro- Casey and Gavin. Eric appreciates being a gram. Currently, Eric is the acting pro- City employee in many ways, but in particgram coordinator for the Neighborhood ular, the retirement options. “The benefits Partnering Program until a new coordina- are incredible! And pension is unheard of tor can be hired. anymore!” When asked what he likes about Eric and Casey enjoy fishing, campPublic Works, Eric smiles and says “I think ing, boating and canoeing. One of their our ability to communicate with the pub- best memories is camping at Big Bend, lic is great. Generally the public can be reI like the open door policy and I’m active, but by getting really comfortable talking with my out there in the field, coworkers and manager...We all care conducting outreach, and by sending letters and are very passionate about what in advance of construcwe do. tion, the public reacts in a really positive way.” -Eric Dusza, NCD, Senior Planner Eric met his wife Casey while at work and now Casey and and they are planning on canoeing soon Eric have an 18-month-old son Gavin, down the Colorado River from Bastrop to who has recently started toddler class. Smithville. Constructively planning his Eric’s son is a great motivator for him to goals, education, career, family, and fun do a great job and be a good provider for means Eric Dusza can’t help but succeed.
“
”
DO YOU KNOW SOMEONE INTERESTING IN PUBLIC WORKS? Contact Michelle Frith (974-2436) if you’d like to nominate a co-worker or yourself to be profiled in a future issue of Street Talk! 2011 MARCH STREET TALK
17
features BY MICHELLE FRITH CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Who’s a Hero? Public Works recognizes that there are heroes all around us. Haven’t YOU always wanted to unmask a hero?
T
here’s a new plan underway to recognize heroes – the people that perform every day acts of selflessness that help make Public Works a great place to work and Austin an amazing city to live. We’re asking for your help to spot these heroes so that they can be thanked in a meaningful way for all of their contributions. Public Works will be recognizing two different types of champions – Citizen Heroes and Heroes with Heart. A Citizen Hero is someone in the public who has contacted an employee of public works with information that has helped to save work, money, or time for the City, or who has helped a Public Works employee in an emergency. For instance, recently a 12-year-old boy reported to his mother that there was a hole in the street between two manholes, and that the hole was deep. The mother reported this to Public Works. It was discovered that a small sinkhole was forming and the work was repaired before there was a problem. Another example of a Citizen Hero might
18 STREET TALK MARCH 2011
be a citizen who stopped to help an employee who has been injured or who is sick. The Hero with Heart award recognizes Public Works employees who have gone above and beyond their normal job duties to better the Public Works Department or the City. One example of a Hero with Heart could be someone who researched and suggested a more cost effective and efficient method of operations, or someone who showed exceptional dedication to their position, team, or department as a whole. Going above what is expected to deliver our “department with a heart” message to our citizens is another way to be a Hero. This is a Director’s level award and nominations will be something beyod the normal scope of your division level awards. They should be submitted for review and approval by your Division Managers, who will then forward them on to the Office of the Director for consideration. All Citizen Heroes and Heroes with
Heart will receive special recognition at the May 18 Recognition Breakfast at the St. Elmo facility. All Heroes will receive a framed certificate and a token of appreciation from the Office of the Director. Heroes with Heart will be acknowledged in Street Talk, City Source and the City Manager Highlights, while our Citizen Heroes will be recognized in Street Talk, Austin City Notes and a news release. Formal nominators of a Citizen Hero or Hero with Heart will be entered in a drawing for a chance to win a Public Works polo shirt or other prize! To recognize a Citizen Hero, call Michelle Frith at 9742436 or email streettalk@ci.austin.tx.us. To nominate a Hero with Heart, contact your division manager. Help us unmask the Heroes and give them the gratitude they deserve!
How Do You Want to be Remembered? ? S I H T E K I L
or
LIKE THIS?!
... h c u m o s t o n
YAY!!!
Paparazzi by Shannon! SERVICES INCLUDE: HEADSHOTS
EVENTS
GROUP PHOTOS
TO BOOK SHANNON:
E-mail: Shannon.Wisner@ci.austin.tx.us Phone: 512.974.7704
PROJECTS
divisions BY LUCIANO TAMAYO CONTRIBUTING WRITER
West Campus Neighborhood Construction
T
he West Campus neighborhood in central Austin, adjacent to The University of Texas at Austin is an area with diverse architecture and is heavily populated by college students, with 80-year-old buildings, craftsman style bungalows, and historic mansions, often found next door to modern condos and apartments. The small geographic area has seen big changes in recent years, as a result of the University Neighborhood Overlay (UNO) Plan. A city initiative passed in 2004, the plan was: “intended to help create a residential district that is close to the
campus, consolidating some of the student housing that is presently scattered throughout the city, and thereby reducing transient student traffic to campus from outside, and reducing the transient parking requirements around West Campus.” The neighborhood’s educational foundation places it near museums and libraries that can easily accommodate the thousands of students, professors, and other university staff that have made West Campus home. Many student organizations are located in the West Campus neighborhood, and students who are ea-
ger to live or work in the West Campus neighborhood quickly diminish the availability of housing. This increased demand of housing in West Campus has changed the face of the area over the years. The plan seeks to bring University of Texas students closer to campus, as well as create a denser, urban environment in order to provide more space for the growing student population and to further construct additional housing near the University and reduce student and faculty traffic.
URBAN ENVIRONMENT ESD PROJECTS IN WEST CAMPUS AREA:
1
0
2
0
3 04 0
20 STREET TALK MARCH 2011
WEST 23RD STREET RECONSTRUCTION FROM GUADALUPE TO RIO GRANDE (COMPLETED) A complete reconstruction of 23rd Street, including Great Streets upgrades: new paving, 18’ sidewalks, trees and landscaping, Great Streets amenities, and utility and drainage work. The project also upgrades the Renaissance Market. WEST CAMPUS AREA 1 TO 5 (UNO) (COMPLETED OR UNDER CONSTRUCTION) This water project in the University Neighborhood Overlay Zoning District (UNO) from Area 1 to 5 was developed and constructed to meet the growing demand of water usage due to the tremendous growth of multi unit buildings in the neighborhood. WEST CAMPUS AREA 6 TO 10 (IN DESIGN STAGE) Additional area for waterline upgrade is Area 6 to 10, as shown in the area map. GUADALUPE STREET RECONSTRUCTION FROM MLK TO 24TH STREET (FUTURE PROJECT) This is another future ESD project that will be designed in-house. It includes street reconstruction, great street features, rapid bus station, bike and pedestrian lane, etc.
street talk extra
UPDATES FROM THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
Hot List
WHO’S
THAT? ENRIQUE GLOSSON
CID celebrates their successes with monthly awards
New to the St. Elmo Field Office as a temporary inspector. A Marine who volunteered after 9/11 to go to Cuba with Operation Enduring Freedom for a year and two years in Operation Iraqi Freedom II. Experience includes: Design Technician for TxDOT, underground utilities, and many City jobs as a Superintendent.
And the winners are... Above and Beyond Awards
Jim Evans
KIRKLAND FORDHAM
Is new to Austin, coming from Petersburg, VA originally. Brings 17 years of quality assurance inspection experience in water, heavy, and commercial construction. He lives in Round Rock, enjoying automotive mechanics and motorcycling. He joined us as a temporary inspector at Rio Grande.
EDWARDO BARRON
Prefers to be called “Lalo”. From Thorndale, TX, he started working in construction in 1995 after four years in the Navy. In his free time, Lalo enjoys spending time with his wife and four kiddos. He works at Rio Grande as a temporary inspector.
Jim Evans- Exemplary customer service on the PCC Pavement Joint Rehabilitation Project work at the Airport. Jim wowed the sponsor with his quality work and professionalism – keeping the work progressing to avoid runway and taxiway closures! Rip Hirsch - Stepping up for a co-worker on extended leave. Rip took over the inspection of all night 600 cubic yard concrete pours in addition to the daytime work, while maintaining his own huge inspection project at Hornsby Bend. What a team player!
Rip Hirsch
Safe Driver Awards Carlos Lopez
Simon Orta
Valerie Rockwell
Brett Clemons
Patti Moreno
Judy Die
Kevin Jones and Sidney Hanson (not pictured) Stepping up and overseeing all-night concrete pours, helping to cover for an absent coworker, while working on their own projects. They got the work done and maintained a high level of service for the sponsor department.
CONGRATULATIONS! Thu Cao (Design Team 3) Promoted to Engineer C! Thu has been with the City since August 1999, starting with the Street & Bridge Division and moved to ESD in May 2001.
2011 MARCH STREET TALK
21
hot list continued
from pg.19
FROM CITY SOURCE TODAY: COMMUTE CHALLENGE WINNER DONATES PRIZE TO ILL CHILD After completing the 2010 Walk, Bike & Roll at Work Challenge, Leticia Torres, an Accountant Associate in Public Works, decided to take another step for a good cause and donate her grand prize to brighten a sick child’s day. Torres was randomly selected as grand prize winner from the participants
in the 18-week alternative commute program that rewards City of Austin employees for avoiding solo car trips to work. She chose an iZip Via Rapido Electric Bike from three possible prizes and gave it to 8-year-old Patrick Flores, the son of a former co-worker from the Austin Police Department, who is suffering from a rare
Patrick Flores
blood disease. What a great new employee we have snagged here at Public Works!
Sponsors Recognize Excellence On a difficult CIP project like the 32nd Street Reconstruction, Rohini Kumarage finds ways to coordinate, cooperate and save the City’s taxpayers thousands… From the Watershed Protection Department Memo: “Rohini Kumarage, Project Manager, Public Works Department cooperated fully in accommodating Watershed’s request to add the additional storm drain system to the Group 32 Street Reconstruction Project, even though this meant incurring a delay to the Public Works schedule. Utilities in the Group 32 Street Reconstruction Project were redesigned and the storm drain added to the con-
22 STREET TALK MARCH 2011
struction plans. Had the Watershed Protection Department been required to construct this project separately, the estimated construction and design cost would have exceeded $700,000. By including the additional storm drain system in the design and construction contracts for the Group 32 project, and taking advantage of the current bid climate, the cost to design and construct the additional storm drain system was approximately
$300,000, not including inspection and administrative costs which would have been similar under either scenario. The savings to the City resulting from Public Works’ assistance in resolving this issue were in excess of $400,000. Please know that this type of cooperation, coordination and accommodation is much appreciated and we have the utmost respect for you and the staff within your
organizations that made this project work for the citizens of Austin.”
Our Award-Winning Public Workers CID Helps Get a Bullseye
In a project as important as building waste water tunnels, nothing but perfection is enough for our CIP Construction Inspectors
T
aken from the top of the Comal Shaft, the end of Reach 1 of the new Downtown Wastewater Tunnel is a photo of a perfect landing. The project bores through the ground across the downtown area all the way out to Krieg Field in the east. At nearly 85 feet below ground surface a ten foot diameter tunnel boring machine moves along underground, crossing Lady Bird Lake at three different sites! Here it can be seen at the bottom of the shaft, with
BY VERA LABRIOLA CONTRIBUTING WRITER
“Reach 1” beginning at Krieg Field along Pleasant Valley Road and representing almost 6500 linear feet of tunneling, nearly half of which was under Lady Bird Lake and the Fiesta Garden Inlet. The surveying that took place to ensure that the tunnel stayed on alignment paid off, as the “punch-thru” at the shaft site was exactly on target! No easy feat but demonstrates what keeping a watchful eye on our construction projects can mean. 2011 MARCH STREET TALK
23
Fixin’ to
Get Fit! ith rising healthcare costs and an economy that W could add stress to anyone’s life these days, Public Works
has plans to get employees physically active by offering lots of choices on the path to wellness. They say variety is the spice to life, so let’s begin to “season” your lifestyle here…
BY MICHELLE FRITH CONTRIBUTING WRITER
cover story BY MICHELLE FRITH CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Gus Garcia Recreation Center
O
nce the holiday season ends, many of us try to find clothes that fit a widened waist line and wonder yet again how we managed to put on those extra pounds. It’s no surprise that during the colder months of the year, physical activity has a tendency to drop off and all those delicious meals and celebrations have taken their toll. The lack of exercise and extra weight has a real impact on your health, your job, and to the Public Works Department’s bottom line (no pun intended)! How could Aunt Tootie’s cookies or playing with your Xbox or Playstation impact the budget for Public Works? And what can you do about your health? How could those two things be related? According to FY 09/10 citywide per-
26 STREET TALK MARCH 2011
formance indicators, approximately one week of sick leave is used per 1000 hours of work. So, for example, with 180 staff in Street and Bridge Operations, it’s expected that Public Works will pay 6,660 hours in sick leave every 25 weeks! Just from January to July 2010 the City spent $566,459 in health care costs for all city employees. Top claims in health insurance include heart disease, back and joint disorders, diabetes, and cancer. There is strong evidence that these illnesses are preventable or manageable with appropriate diet and exercise. So – the City and Public Works has a plan that is designed to help you get fit and lower costs of health for everyone! Strategies have been developed to bring you additional venues for exercise and wellness. For the past year, various City departments have been meeting to determine the potential benefits to offering expanded resources for exercise and wellness. Director Howard Lazarus volunteered the Public Works Department to be the pilot department in this effort. In September 2010, the Public
Works HR division administered a survey of Street and Bridge staff to determine the health and activity needs and desires of the workforce. Results were very encouraging. Eighty-eight percent of those surveyed expressed a willingness to participate in wellness activities. A significant number (23%) of employees revealed that they are having health issues that impact their daily lives. Those surveyed said they would first use the fitness centers for strength (32%), for the convenience and low cost (30%), and for cardio/weights (30%). Staff expressed a preference for weight machines, free weights, and additional equipment in the following order: treadmills, stationary bikes, and elliptical machines. The majority also expressed a need for training on the use of the equipment. Recreational facilities in order of staff preference were: Gus Garcia, Givens, AB Cantu/PanAm, and Dove Springs/Dittmar. The majority of those surveyed (63%) were also interested in additional PARD services including: swimming, athletics, and exercise classes. If benefits were to be
extended to family members, most (56%) were interested in adult programs, 35% in youth, and 9 % in senior programs. Public Works is working with PARD and HRD to offer free access to recreation center weight rooms, fitness classes, and other facilities. Public Works staff will receive free access to select fitness facilities for one year in exchange for the Public Works Department providing funds to update at least four fitness facilities. As PARD continues to develop the service delivery
88% of Street & Bridge staff surveyed expressed a willingness to participate in wellness activities. model, other incentives will be offered to participating staff. The HRD Wellness Program has also agreed to create PE classes specific to PWD staff health needs in addition to exploring ways to measure health
outcomes from this initiative. It’s a winwin for everyone! This initiative’s primary goals are to empower you to take control of your health and to increase the opportunities for all staff to be physically active. There are many existing tactics to take control of your physical well being. PE classes are available to all employees in the spring, summer, and fall. Spring classes have been filled already, but if you missed the deadline to enroll, you can attend any walk or run/walk class without enrolling.
You can still take advantage of organized team walks or runs. There are also multiple classes on nutrition, stress management, tobacco cessation, and more made available by Healthy Connections. See TRAIN to enroll in any of the classes and you can also check out the Healthy Connections web site by going to Cityspace and clicking on the Healthy Connections icon. You can always connect by calling 974.3284 or emailing healthyconnection@ci.austin. tx.us. And don’t forget to join the Director’s Challenge to get healthier in 30 Days! (see the inside cover Director’s Message) Incentives are there, all you need is a little personal motivation to go with it! January was resolutions, February was a good start with Heart Health Month so let’s continue the effort all through the spring, so by summer you will be ready to enjoy those warm days running around Austin! Public Works encourages all employees to reach their goals, whether they are career, education, or fitness goals. Your health is the most valuable advantage you can have in life and Public Works would like to ensure that each of us has an opportunity to be as healthy as we can be. You don’t have to run a marathon to be fit, you just have to exercise and eat healthy, well-balanced meals. We’re challenging you get moving and get fit! 2011 MARCH STREET TALK
27
events calendar 2011 MARCH Monday
Tuesday Wednesday Thursday March 0
1
7
3
0
Saturday
4
8
0
ESD Staff Meeting
9
0
0
1
5
0
0
Diabetes Education Empowerment Program
Work Zone Traffic Con- Defensive Driving trol Refresher (TEEX) Class
Forklift Training
0
2
0
Friday
(DEEP) class 10:30 AM St. Johns Community Center
2
1
1
1
Diabetes Education Empowerment Program
Flagging in the Work Zone (TEEX)
(DEEP) class 10:30 AM St. Johns Community Center
SXSW
5
4
1
1
6
7
1
Professional Truck Driver Defensive Driving
1
8
1
Diabetes Education Empowerment Program
Work Zone Refresher
(DEEP) class 10:30 AM St. Johns Community Center
UT and AISD SPRING BREAK SXSW
1
2
2
2
Defensive Driving
8
2
28 STREET TALK MARCH 2011
3
2
4
2
5
2
Work Zone Traffic Control CID Staff Meeting New Employee Safety 8:00 AM-9:30 AM Orientation Computer Ergonomics
9
2
0
3
1
3
9
1
6
2
Diabetes Education Empowerment Program (DEEP) class 10:30 AM St. Johns Community Center
APRIL Monday
Tuesday Wednesday Thursday
Friday
Saturday
1
0
8
0
0
2
April Fool’s Day
4
5
0
0
ESD Staff Meeting
6
0
7
0
0
Keep Austin Beautiful Clean Sweep
Yoga in the Park free yoga at noon @ Republic Square
1
2
1
1
9
3
1
4
1
5
1
2
2
1
6
Taxes Due
Yoga in the Park free yoga at noon @ Republic Square
8
9
1
1 Passover
5
2
6
2
0
2
1
2
2
Yoga in the Park
Earth Day
free yoga at noon @ Republic Square
Good Friday
7
2
8
2
3
One Green Step- Solid Waste Services
9
2
Yoga in the Park
CID Staff Meeting
free yoga at noon @ Republic Square
8:00 AM-9:30 AM
0
3
2011 MARCH STREET TALK
29
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!
Can you correctly identify both project site locations that Shuv-L-Reddy has visited? Write in to: streettalk@ ci.austin.tx.us for a chance to WIN A PRIZE! LOCATION 1
LOCATION 2
Answers from last issue: Location 1: I-35 Makeover Project Location 2: McBeth Recreation Center Remodel
30 STREET TALK MARCH 2011
Photo from Harold Co urt
Courtesy of Shannon Wisner
...WE KEEP
AUSTIN WORKING
Hey You!
DR P THAT D NUT!
...AND TELL US WHAT YOU WANT TO HEAR ABOUT! WRITE IN TO US WITH YOUR SUGGESTIONS REGARDING:
Hot List
NOMINATIONS
WRITING A GUEST COLUMN PHOTO CONTRIBUTION SPECIAL EVENTS GOING ON IN YOUR DIVISION EMPLOYEE PROFILE NOMINATIONS ...AND ANYTHING ELSE WE MAY HAVE MISSED OR YOU WANT PEOPLE TO KNOW ABOUT
CONTACT US:
StreetTalk@ci.austin.tx.us