APWA AZ Newsletter 2019 July
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July 17, 2019 July 17, 2019 August 1, 2019 August 6, 2019 August 7-9, 2019 NEWSLETTER SPONSORS
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SEAMLESS TRANSITION Dear Members: I first want you to know that I am excited, honored, and humbled to serve during the coming fiscal year as your new Chapter President. Serving on the Board for several years now, I am continually impressed and have seen first hand how much time and energy goes into making our organization tick. Be it Sub-Committee Members, Chairs, or Board Members, you need to know that there is a huge amount of volunteer effort that goes on behind the scenes to make our organization as successful as it has been for many years. I will be doing my very best to continue these efforts and look forward to seeing you at our Statewide Conference on August 7-9 and our National Conference "PWX" on September 7-11. Sincerely,
APWA Luncheon Young Professional Luncheon Statewide Conference Meet Your Keynote Speakers
A professional computer geek since 1992 who has played many technical roles in numerous industries, Steve has also taught college-level communication classes, led marriage and parent classes, refereed ice hockey, and performed as a cast member of the Arizona Renaissance Festival. Steve will leverage his diverse background to present Thursday’s keynote “Become a Geek Who Can Speak”. Geeks are committed to their chosen craft. They are critical to identifying, diagnosing, and solving problems in all areas of life. No matter the type, style, or task, geeks have one thing in common: They usually suck at communicating to people outside their universe. How can geeks stop insulting their clients? How can geeks leave their non-geek clients delighted instead of deflated? And what if you’re that geek? Buckle up for an energizing, entertaining, and enlightening keynote that will show you how changing your mindset and increasing your communication competence will allow your geek-ness to shine without crushing your client’s soul.
She will take you through the adversity of breaking her back to nine weeks later leading a blind veteran to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, an experience that changed her perspective on the meaning of life. Kristy also dealt with the unexpected when she trained for an Ironman in 90 days without ever completing a triathlon or riding a race bike, and she used intrinsic motivators to find comfort in the uncomfortable. Kristy will draw the parallels of how these lessons translate throughout her life both professionally and personally. Through the power of purpose she will show how you can reach new levels and inspire others to do the same. You will be amazed at the ease in which you can apply Kristy’s simple lessons to take your career, company, team, and clients beyond what you ever imagined. Fun Night (Carnival Theme) Details
Golf Tournament Details
Special thanks to those firms that have already registered as sponsors and exhibitors:
Exhibitors
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to:
New Members
New Member Spotlight Name and Title: Jill Scott, Senior Office Specialist Agency: Town of Oro Valley With APWA Since: 2019 Describe your job responsibilities: I am responsible for contract administration, asset management, technical writing, and administrative support for the Engineering Division at the Town of Oro Valley What was your favorite project to work on in the last 10 years? La Cholla Blvd, Phase II (currently active) Name one thing not many people know about you: I have been doing calligraphy since I was a little kid
Who's Who in Public Works
Name: CHRISTINE NUÑEZ Agency: CITY OF SURPRISE Title: ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGER What are you responsible for in your new role? I am responsible for directing the activities, budget, and personnel of the Environmental Division. Performing critical decision-making, strategic planning, and developing programs to ensure successful compliance with water, wastewater, air quality, and other environmental rules and regulations. My role includes coordinating across divisions and departments to implement programs and processes; representing the division Citywide and participating in various regulatory initiatives at a regional level. How long have you been in this position? 13.5 years Where did you work previously? City of Mesa What Challenges do you experience in your role? Regulatory compliance is a difficult thing for some people to understand because it is law based. It can be boring and cumbersome at the same time. Being able to communicate legal jargon into non-expert terms and keep others interested can be challenging. How long have you been an APWA member? Ten years Have you served on the Board or any committees? No What benefits do you get out of being a member? Great learning opportunities, networking with other PW professionals, and supporting professional growth. What would you like to share with APWA Members? Change is a constant thing in the workplace; reorganizations, new processes and procedures, new bosses, new co-workers, and new ideas will always be part of the work environment, either lead, be part of the change, or roll with it. Most people are good at heart, some are difficult, but remember we are all just people with our strengths and weaknesses regardless of position. Enjoy the ride, work hard, share your knowledge, ask for help, and serve the public with an open heart. Tell us about your family and hobbies: My husband (Art) and I have been married 26 years, we are both Phoenix natives, we have a blended family - 7 children (2 girls and 5 boys) ranging from 14 to 35 years old (his, ours, and others (we adopted the two youngest)). We have two dogs, Max and Ruby. I enjoy photography, cooking, baking, gardening, doing special DIY projects, and doing Zumba.
New APWA AZ Board APWA Arizona installs its new Board of Members. Shown from left to right are: Jeff Kramer, Al Field, Amanda McGennis (Treasurer), Denise C. Brewer, Sandy Niebel, Donna Sullivan-Hancock (Secretary), Kristin Tytler (President Elect), Rob Kidder (President), and Greg Smith (Past President); absent from photo are Wendy Springborn, Steve Orosz, Nancy Cole, and Chris Ewell.
Coming Soon...."Why APWA" Interviews Thanks to all who participated and watch for more to come! Free Training Did you know that APWA offers free training? The following are some of the “Click Listen and Learn” recordings that you may find interesting and useful. Note that we said these are some of the recordings. APWA Nationals website offers many more. Check it out at: Technology Solid Waste Transportation Leadership Public Works Job Opportunities This section allows agencies to advertise their open positions. Please provide your advertisement and/or link to sniebel@woodpatel.com or tbaker@logansimpson.com. Town of Avondale Town of Gilbert
Information provided by Valley Metro and APWA Government Affairs Committee An initiative was filed to terminate “the furtherance of any light rail extension or any other fixed rail line transit system” in Phoenix. The initiative which is specific to Phoenix but could have regional funding repercussions also seeks to “redirect the funds” to finance infrastructure improvements in South Phoenix and throughout the city. The Anti-light Rail Initiative’s formal name is Proposition 105 and according to Valley Metro, a “Yes” vote accepts the proposal to TERMINATES light rail, while a “No” vote rejects the proposal and CONTINUES TO FUND LIGHT RAIL. Proposition 105 is on the August 27, 2019 citywide ballot. A legal challenge focusing on election law (ballot language and signature gathering) was brought by the Arizona Chapter Associated General Contractors. This challenge was taken to the Arizona Supreme Court only to be rejected allowing the initiative to move forward. Valley Metro’s “Just the Facts” shows the following:
APWA’s Government Affairs committee has arranged for Scott Smith, CEO, Valley Metro, to talk about this initiative in more detail at the July 17th luncheon. To reserve your seat, visit: http://arizona.apwa.net/EventDetails/17144 To learn more about the impacts of the anti-light rail ballot initiative visit: https://www.valleymetro.org/just-facts Understanding what the Valley will lose if Proposition 105 wins is critical to communicating how important it is to get out and vote NO against the Building a Better Phoenix initiative. The APWA Government Affairs Committee felt it was important to provide readers with some perspective regarding all the work that has gone into the Valley’s transportation planning over the last 30+ years. We have come too far to allow a small group of opponents to disrupt the future of transportation for the region. Provided to you is an article published this year by the Arizona Republic from one of Arizona’s true transportation visionaries, J. Doug Pruitt, former chairman and CEO of Sundt Construction, Inc. Light rail foes want to undo 3 public votes and 20 years of transit planning. Don't let them… For 45 years, I had the honor of working for Sundt Construction and be a part of many important construction projects across the United States and Arizona. I have seen firsthand how critical transportation is for our community and the future of our economy. Our leaders understood that in 1985 when they originally came together to pass the Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) and again nearly 20 years later with its continuation. I was honored to serve as the chairman of the Yes on Proposition 400 campaign in 2004 to continue the half-cent sales tax dedicated to funding the RTP. We understood that it was critical to have a multimodal plan that could help move people, goods and services throughout the Valley to reduce congestion, improve our air quality and build strong communities. The first vote in 2004 passed handily That is why Proposition 400 took a balanced approach and called for:
The plan was passed overwhelmingly with nearly 58 percent of Maricopa County voters voting yes. Ultimately, because of the economic recession we did not see all those projects completed, but the Valley’s freeway system and transit systems we enjoy today are a direct result of that continued wise investment. Voters again said yes to transit in 2015 Voters further voiced their support for transportation investment in 2015 when nearly 55 percent of Phoenix voters passed Proposition 104, Phoenix’s Comprehensive Transportation Plan. The proposal replaced Phoenix’s existing four-tenths of 1-cent sales tax (originally passed in 2000) with a seven-tenths of 1-cent sales tax. Street improvement goals include:
Transit goals included: new light rail, bus rapid transit, expanded bus service hours and improved frequency, new Dial-a-Ride vehicles, new buses, new and extended bus routes, and increased security on bus and light rail. Both struck a well-planned balance In these plans you see one major theme — a well-planned balance. More than 30+ years of transportation planning and investment have made the valley one of the most attractive places to start a family and build a business. Our quality of life, cost of living, improved air quality and reduced congestion are why we are one of the fastest growing and most attractive markets in the entire country. It is also helped increase mobility and build hope for growing communities such as south Phoenix where households are four times more likely to not have a car compared to other households throughout the Valley. Prop. 104 provided additional public transit services to south Phoenix to provide families with convenient access to key destinations such as work and school. That is why more than 70 percent of south Phoenix residents voted for Prop. 104. However, a small group is trying to take these options away from south Phoenix. In 2004, a group of anti-transit activists spent more than $1.5 million to oppose Prop. 400. They lost. In 2015, the anti-transit activists formed two separate opposition committees and invested thousands of dollars to oppose 104. They lost. Let’s ensure they lose again, Vote No on Proposition 105 – August 27th. ** Learn More at the July 17th APWA Luncheon Legislative Wrap UP, by: APWA Government Affairs Committee |
