6 minute read
Public Works Pipeline
An IntervIew wIth todd KorchIn dPw dIrector town of westwood, MA
Will you please provide us with some insight into your background, education, and history that led you into your current position?
I graduated from Northeastern University in 2001 with a degree in Criminal Justice. Upon graduating I was offered a seasonal position in the Westwood Public Works Department, and was later hired by the Highway Department. I thoroughly enjoyed the work and started to take note of the daily operations, how things were run, and really tried to gain an understanding of how the Department functioned. At the same time, I became familiar with operating the equipment and obtained my Hoisting and CDL licenses. I continued my employment throughout the summer and into the fall/winter of 2001. It was at this point when a full-time position became available and I took advantage of the opportunity. I worked as a full-time heavy equipment operator at Westwood Public Works for nine years. In 2010, the former Highway Superintendent retired and the position was posted. Looking at what I had learned over the past nine years, I figured I’d throw my hat in the ring and take a chance. I was promoted that October! The following year the Director’s position became available and I once again figured I’d take a shot at it. I was selected for the position and in November of 2011 I was promoted to Director of Public Works! I think I might be the only Director of Public Works in Massachusetts with a Criminal Justice Degree.
Please give us a brief description of
Westwood regards make-up of the DPW, population, and infrastructure statistics?
Westwood’s population is roughly 16,000, and the town covers an area of 11.1 square miles. A majority of the zoning is residential with about 80% of the 5,800 homes being single family. But we also have over 500 businesses and some very active commercial areas along Route 1 and in the University Station area. The DPW Highway Division maintains approximately 94 miles of town owned roadways, 30 miles of sidewalks, and an extensive drainage infrastructure. Snow removal is a combination of town vehicles and private contractors. The DPW Sewer Division operates and maintains 87 miles of sewers and 10 pumping stations, all of which discharge into the MWRA system for treatment at Deer Island. Almost all businesses are on the sewer system and about 75% of residences are as well. We send out about 5,000 sewer bills annually. In 1986 the towns of Westwood and Dedham merged their water systems and created the Dedham and Westwood Water District, which is responsible for the water infrastructure in both towns. Water is generated from 14 deep wells to serve the needs of both towns. In 2005, the district also signed on and tied into to the MWRA water network allowing access to 200,000 gallons per day, if needed. continued on page 45
The DPW is also responsible for field maintenance at seven public schools, for cemetery operations and maintenance, for coordinating trash and recycling operations, and for maintaining our own fleet of trucks and heavy equipment. Needless to say, the Westwood DPW is a very busy department. I’m fortunate to have a hard-working and experienced staff of 30 full-time employees that I can count on to get things done.
What do you currently see as the most pressing infrastructure needs for the Town in the next few years, and is there a 5-year Asset Management Plan in place to address those needs?
In a typical year, the Westwood DPW might advertise $3M-$5M in public bids for our infrastructure repairs and/or upgrades. In the short term we are currently working with our consulting engineers to access ARPA funds in order to move several projects forward in FY2023 that would create safer roads and improve congestion. In the longer term, with these once-in-a-generation Federal Funds available from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, we are also working to assess Westwood’s eligibility and to take advantage of these funds in order to get some long-standing projects off the shelf at significant savings to the town. continued on page 47
Westwood currently has a 5-year revolving Capital Plan to address all infrastructure, including equipment and buildings. One of the DPW’s biggest/most pressing issues every year is the funding of our Pavement Management Program. Bridging the gap between what Chapter 90 distributes annually and what the Town needs to maintain its current pavement rating of 85 is a constant challenge.
How does your municipality normally fund infrastructure projects? Does the town utilize the SRF Loan Program through MassDEP for water or sewer infrastructure projects?
We utilize a combination of funding mechanisms. We apply for State Grants/Programs and Chapter 90 for our road needs. For sewers we would typically look toward MWRA assistance programs. Occasionally the town will issue road/ equipment bonds to assist with our fleet and pavement maintenance.
Funds from the Federal Bi-Partisan Infrastructure Bill and the prior ARPA Bill are now available in Massachusetts at both state and local levels and earmarked for infrastructure. Does Westwood have some projects coming out to bid in 2022 or 2023 that will be utilizing these Federal Infrastructure funds?
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What Industry Groups and Associations do you belong to?
I currently belong to the American Public Works
Association (APWA), the Massachusetts Cemetery Association (MCA), and the Massachusetts Highway Association. I’m currently a member of the Board of the Norfolk-Bristol-Middlesex Highway Association (NBM). Networking with my peers at NBM, exchanging ideas, and sharing resources has been very valuable to me and to our Town. n
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