HomeMy WebLinkAbout7B Proclamation of National Public Works WeekPRIG
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4646 Dakota Street SE
Prior Lake. MN 55372
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
MEETING DATE:
MAY 16, 2011
AGENDA #:
7B
PREPARED BY:
JOE WIITA, STREET AND UTILITIES SUPERVISOR
PRESENTER:
JOE WIITA
AGENDA ITEM: PROCLAMATION OF NATIONAL PUBLIC WORKS WEEK FOR THE
WEEK OF MAY 15 -21, 2011
Since 1960, the American Public Works Association (APWA) has
sponsored National Public Works Week. Across the nation, APWA's tens of
thousands of members use this week to energize and educate the public on
the importance of the contribution of public works to their daily lives by
planning, building, managing and operating the infrastructure of our local
communities.
This year the theme of Public Works Week is "Public Works: Serving You
and Your Community." The week seeks to enhance the prestige of the
often - unsung heroes of our society -the professionals who serve the public
good every day with quiet dedication.
The Prior Lake Public Works Department works diligently through design
and inspection of reconstruction projects, in -house park improvements and
in -house lift station reconstruction. The Public Works Department has
implemented and improved several new programs this past year which
have succeeded and grown, including the removal of buck thorn to
encourage re- forestation; the design, development and installation of rain -
gardens as part of City residential reconstruction projects that help manage
and filtrate surface water run -off; and the utilization of liquids and liquids
only routes to improve de -icing practices.
In addition to these items, the City's Public Works Department continues to
innovate and partner with other cities on projects like compost recycling, the
joint purchasing of products, equipment and services and the development
of mutual assistance agreements with other cities and agencies.
PUBLIC WORKS GRANT STUDIES, INITIATIVES AND AWARDS FOR
2011
SNOW AND ICE CONTROL
After a record setting year of 93" of snowfall compared to an average year
of 55 ", Public Works has continued its efforts in reducing salt usage. With
the introduction of a second liquids only route staff reduced its annual salt
use from 700 ton to 625 ton.
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IRON SAND FILTER RETROFITS
Two prototypes were completed to study the reduction of dissolved
phosphorus by implementing an iron enhanced sand filtration system
placed in the side slopes of storm water ponds. Reduction of dissolved
phosphorus will reduce water quality impacts to downstream lakes and
water bodies. In 2011, an additional 10 sites were retrofit with this
experimental technology and will be studied by the University of Minnesota
to further develop the practice.
ATHLETIC FIELD IRRIGATION REDUCTION INITIATIVE
As irrigation water conservation becomes an even greater concern, staff is
researching ways to reduce the reliance on the City's potable water system
by utilizing surface water to irrigate athletic fields in the Ponds athletic
complex. This initiative may have considerable impacts for future park
irrigation planning.
SWEEPING GRANT STUDY
The City has partnered with the University of Minnesota and the Minnesota
Pollution Control Agency to study the effectiveness and efficiencies of the
City's street sweeping program. The intention is to document the
effectiveness of the reduction of phosphorus by preventing grass clippings,
leaves and silt accumulations from entering the storm water system through
effectively scheduled sweepings.
2011 INNOVATION AWARD
Public Works was recognized for leading the way by number, type and
diversity of their innovations. The areas of innovation include: Snow and
Ice Control, Street Sweeping, Storm Water Ponding and Park Irrigation.
Each of these innovations is providing better service at lower prices to Prior
Lake residents. Taken together, these innovations are expected to lead to
better water quality which is exactly the type of legacy we want to leave to
future Prior Lake residents.
The following dedicated employees "Serve the Community" and make up
the City's Public Works Department:
Streets and Utilities
Joe Wiita
Tom Buckley
Alex Breeggemann
Brad Brandt
Jim Larson
Andy Stephes
Leo Dorn
Bruce Meuleners
Jake Theisen
Bruce Friedges
Jesse Ellanson
Pete Hilgers
Denny Pauly
Parks
AI Friedges
Tom Hein
Chad Maatta
Mike Buesgens
Scott Johnson
Greg Skluzacek
Jeremy Coy
Lee Karow
Carrie Wiita
Fleet Maintenance
Chad Shimota
Chris Zweber
Administration
Judy Pint
Becky Lund
2
Enaineerina
Larry Poppler Nate Briese Kevin Kleist
Ross Bintner Aaron Carranza
The Public Works Department also utilizes nearly 40 seasonal employees
to assist City staff. Their hard work and contribution to the City are also
greatly appreciated.
In closing, staff asks the Mayor to proclaim the week of May 15 -21, 2011,
as National Public Works Week by reading the attached proclamation.
Reviewed by:
Frank Boyles, City Manager
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