CHANGE ORDERS: Dear Members: I’m not sure if there are two more controversial words in the construction world than “change order”. For those not familiar with the term, it refers to a written instrument, issued after executed contracts, adjusting the contract price and/or contract period. In my years working for Public Agencies, this one topic has consumed a huge amount of staff and management time. If doing our jobs correctly, the first question to be answered is “is this a justifiable change order”? There seems to be a lot of gray area when considering this question, but to make life manageable, we have tried to simplify the issues down to just three conditions under which a change order may be justified.
1. An owner requested scope change.
2. A design error or omission.
3. Differing site conditions are encountered. The second condition listed above does, however, get a little complicated when a Public Agency is using an alternative project delivery method such as JOC or CMAR, because in theory, the agency is paying for collaboration and review of the design as it is being developed, and therefore there should be some shared responsibility when an error or omission is encountered. The third condition listed above also has its subtleties as there are cases when encountered conditions are not “differing” and should have been anticipated by a contractor using reasonable care. Each Public Agency has its different tolerance levels to approve or not approve change orders, but in the end, to survive a project audit, Public Agencies should, and do, need to be able to justify any contract modifications that come along during the project execution. Sincerely,
Rob Kidder, P.E.
APWA AZ - CHAPTER PRESIDENT
APWA Luncheon
March 18, 2020
Topic: Arizona'a Growth Population and Private Development
Panel Discussion:
Eric Froberg, City Engineer, City of Phoenix
Troy White, Public Works Director, Town of Queen Creek
Sumett Mohan, Deputy Director of Engineering, City of Goodyear
http://arizona.apwa.net/EventDetails/21332
APWA YP Lunch and Learn
April 7, 2020 
APWA & ASHE Mixer
April 30, 2020
Statewide Conference
July 29-31, 2020
 
Special thanks to those firms that have already registered as sponsors and exhibitors: - Opening Reception Sponsor (Exclusive)
 - Keynote Sponsor (Exclusive)
TBD
- Hotel Key Card Sponsor (Exclusive)
- Wi-Fi Sponsor (Exclusive)
 - Lanyard Sponsor (Exclusive)
  - Fun Night Sponsor (Exclusive)
 - Platinum Sponsors
            
      - Coffee Sleeve Sponsor (Exclusive)
- Agency Showcase Bag Sponsor (Exclusive)
West Coast Arborists
- Awards Lunch Sponsor
- Thursday Breakfast & Beak Sponsor
Speedie & Associates
Rummel Construction
- Friday Beakfast & Vendor Drawing Sponsor
- Public Agency Sponsors
Achen-Gardner Construction
- Golf Sponsor
Neenah Foundry
- Prize Drawing Sponsors
Achen-Gardner Construction
Wilson & Company
Exhibitors | Achen-Gardner Construction | | Advantage Drainage Systems | | Archer Western | | AZTEC Engineering | | Burgess & Niple | | Cardno | | Civiltec Engineering | | Cooper Aerial | | CVL Consultants | | DCS Contracting | | Dibble Engineering | | Entellus | | Ennis-Flint | | EPS Group | | Gannett Fleming | | HILGARTWILSON | | Huitt-Zollars | | Hunter Contracting | | InEight | | Kimley-Horn | | Lithified Technologies | | Neenah Foundry | | Oldcastle Infrastructure | | Olsson | | PACE | | Pavement Restoration | | PEC | | Rinker Materials | | Ritoch-Powell & Associates | | Rummel Construction | | SealMaster | | Shephard Wesnitzer | | Speedie & Associates | | Sport Surfaces | | Sunland Asphalt | | Sunrise Engineering | | Superior Supply | | T2 Utility Engineers | | Tap Master | | UNIQUE Paving Materials | | Wilson & Company | | West Coast Arborists | | Western Technologies | | Wood | | WOODPATEL |
New Members
| Name | Title | Company | | Brittany Mays | | Alta Arizona | | George Colin Steer | Inside Sales Engineer | Advanced Drainage Systems |
New Member Spotlight
Name and Title: Monica Farrell, Business Development Manager Agency: Cambridge Companies, Inc. With APWA Since: new member Describe your job responsibilities: Research communities and private companies to learn about their construction needs. Collaborate and create project teams, attend trade shows, develop relationships, research upcoming projects, participate in local and national industry groups as well as participate in client and community organizations. Find opportunities to help clients design and build structures for their solid waste/recycling, processing, and fleet maintenance facilities. What was your favorite project to work on in the last 10 years? The new digital advertising signage throughout Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport. Where have your travels taken you?: To Scotland to attend “The Open”. Tiger didn’t win but I have a photo of him briefly on top of the leaderboard. Name one thing not many people know about you: I’ve been composting since 2007. Right now I have two large home composters that keep my garden happy.
APWA 2020 Annual Sponsorship
We have some great sponsorship opportunities to highlight your firm including in the Southern and Northern branches of APWA. Check out the link for further information.
http://arizona.apwa.net/Content/Chapters/arizona.apwa.net/Documents/2020%20Sponsorship%20Flier.pdf
Submit an APWA Committee Nomination
Less than one month remains before the committee nominations process for 2020 closes on March 22. Let's face it, public works professionals are a humble group, but the truth is that you have so much you can contribute. - Do you feel you have something to share with the public works profession?
- Do you have a network of fellow professionals you interact with regarding the latest techniques and technologies?
- Do you know someone you think would be an ideal subject matter expert?
- Are you interested in a leadership role at the national level of APWA?
If you've answered yes to any of these questions, click here to learn more about the national committee appointment process.
There are 56 open positions effective August 2020. You could be one of the APWA members who is chosen to fill that void. Members can nominate themselves or a colleague.
To find out more about the Technical Committees, Standing & Program Committees or External Representation, click here.
Contact Teresa Hon (thon@apwa.net or 816-595-5224) with questions.
Professional Development
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT CALENDAR
Compressed Natural Gas (CNG). Making it work for your Agency March 12, 2020 https://www.apwa.net/MyApwa/Events/Event_Display.aspx?EventKey=CLL031220A&utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=Informz%20Emails&
_zs=xE0tL1&_zl=XBDW5
Government Facility Security Programs & Technology
April 16, 2020 http://apwa.informz.net/z/cjUucD9taT03NzQ1NjczJnA9MSZ1PTg1OTM4ODE5OSZsaT02MjU0NDkxMw/index.html
TALKING TOP TECH WEBINARS
Starting an AV/CM Pilot Edition March 26, 2020 https://www.apwa.net/MyApwa/Events/Event_Display.aspx?EventKey=TTT032620&utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=Informz%20Emails&_zs=xE0tL1&
_zl=eBDW5
Cybersecurity for Critical Infrastructure
May 7, 2020 https://www.apwa.net/MyApwa/Events/Event_Display.aspx?EventKey=TTT050720&utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=Informz%20Emails&_zs=xE0tL1&
_zl=fBDW5
Waste to Resource Technology Edition
June 11, 2020 https://www.apwa.net/MyApwa/Events/Event_Display.aspx?EventKey=TTT061120&utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=Informz%20Emails&_zs=xE0tL1&
_zl=gBDW5
Public Works Job Opportunities
This section allows agencies to advertise their open positions. Please provide your advertisement and/or link to sniebel@woodpatel.com. City of Avondale
Sr. Planner
https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/avondale
City of Douglas
Deputy Public Works Director
Equipment Mechanic II
Grants Coordinator
Public Works Director / City Engineer
Waste Water Plant Operator
https://www.douglasaz.gov/Jobs.aspx
City of Flagstaff
Hydrologist: Community Development
https://workzone.apwa.net/career/41366/Hydrologist-Community-Development-Arizona-Az-Flagstaff?_zs=t9auH1&_zl=LsVb5
Town of Florence
Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator
Senior Wastewater Treatment Plan Operator
http://www.florenceaz.gov/jobs
Town of Gilbert
Recreation Leader Facilities
Utility Work - Distribution
https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/gilbert
City of Globe
Water/Wastewater Administrator
http://www.globeaz.gov/departments/job-opportunities
Lake Havasu City
Wastewater Superintendent/Utility Manager
Maintenance Specialist
https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/lhcaz
Maricopa County
Civil Engineer (Traffic Design)
Engineering Program Manager
https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/maricopa?page=3
City of Mesa
Building Plans Examiner/Senior Building Plans Examiner
Deputy Director - Electric
Electrical Controls Specialist
Equipment Mechanic II
Facilities Equipment Technician II – HVAC
Facilities Equipment Technician II – Plumber
IT Engineer I – GIS/CMMS
Intelligent Transportation Systems Operations Foreman
Lineman
Parks, Recreation & Community Facilities Project Manager
Senior Survey Party Chief
Streetlight Technician I
https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/mesaaz?page=1
City of Peoria
Purchasing Supervisor
Drainage Maintenance Worker
Civil Engineer – Site Development
Civil Engineer (Water/Wastewater)
Solid Waste Equipment Operator
https://www.peoriaaz.gov/government/departments/human-resources/employment
City of Phoenix
Civil Engineer III
Data Analyst (Public Works Operations Manager)
Deputy Chief Information Officer – Strategic Services
GIS Technician
Signal Systems Specialist II
Solid Waste Equipment Operator
Heavy Diesel Truck and Equipment Mechanic
Sr. Water/Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator (Sr. Utility Op)
Traffic Signal Supervisor
Utility Helper
Utility Mechanic
Equipment Service Worker II
https://hcmprod.phoenix.gov/psc/hcmprodtam/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL.GBL?FOCUS=Applicant&
Pima County
Procurement Officer
Facilities Management Trade Specialist (Commercial Electrician)
Facilities Management Trade Specialist (Central Plant Systems Technician/Operator)
Facilities Management Trade Specialist (Refrigeration/HVAC)
Hydrologist Principal
Public Works Construction Inspector
Building Inspector I
Wastewater Instrumentation & Process Control Specialist
https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/pima?page=1
Pinal County
Air Quality Engineer – Industrial Compliance Inspector
Grants Administrator
Management and Budget Analyst
https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/pinalcounty
City of Prescott
Airport Operations Superintendent
Traffic Signal Specialist or Trainee
Traffic Signal Supervisor
https://cityofprescott.applicantpro.com/jobs/
City of Prescott Valley
Planner
https://www.pvaz.net/229/Employment
City of Scottsdale
Transportation & Streets Department Director
Water Services Worker IV
https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/scottsdaleaz?page=1https://workzone.apwa.net/career/40931/Solid-Waste-Equipment-Operator-Ii-Arizona-Az-Scottsdale?_zs=t9auH1&_zl=PQWU5
Town of Sierra Vista
Engineering Technician
Wastewater Supervisor
https://www.sierravistaaz.gov/city-departments/human-resources/job-opportunities/
City of Surprise
Civil Engineer
https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/surprise
City of Tempe
Deputy Internal Services Director – Human Resources
https://www.tempe.gov/government/internal-services/human-resources/careers
A Trenchless Rehabilitation Milestone – Fusible PVC Sliplining in Peoria
The City of Peoria (Owner), Dibble Engineering (Design and Construction Engineer), and Achen-Gardner Construction (General Contractor) achieved a milestone in the field of trenchless rehabilitation by completing the longest fused polyvinyl chloride pipe (FPVCP) slipline project in Arizona history. More than 13,000 LF of 6” FPVCP was fused above ground and pulled into an existing 8” ductile iron force main under Beardsley Road from 91st Avenue to the Beardsley Road Water Reclamation Facility at 111th Avenue. More than 13,000 LF of bypass pipe and existing treatment plant pumps were used to maintain plant operations during construction.
City engineering staff considered several rehabilitation options but ultimately chose to slipline with FPVCP because it provided the best blend between costs and traffic impact while resulting in an acceptable inner diameter. Additionally, FPVCP is compatible with standard fittings and connections.
The project was released under a Job Order Contract with Achen-Gardner Construction. The contractor worked with the City and engineer to design a construction plan, with Dibble also providing construction administration services. Achen-Gardner excavated 13 pits along the corridor. After the pits were dug and the pipe strings were fused and ready for installation, Achen-Gardner pulled them into the host pipe with a five-ton cable winch. The majority of the installs were more than 1,000 feet and the longest one was 2,300 feet.
The team met all critical schedule dates and utilized a sliplining technique which resulted in a savings of approximately four months and $2 million.
 
 
2020 APWA AZ Scholarships
The Arizona Chapter of the American Public Works Association, in keeping with its objectives, will award one or more $1,500 scholarships for 2020. Scholarships are presented to deserving students striving to complete educational requirements for a career path in public works. Degrees or Majors in Public Administration, Civil or Environmental Engineering, Public Works and Water Resources Technology Programs are examples of related fields of study. Career objectives may be in the public or private sector, but in either case must be associated directly or indirectly with public works matters or agencies. The deadline for the application is June 1, 2020. Please see the attached application for more detailed information. Please direct questions to:
Kristin Tytler, PE
President-Elect
Arizona Chapter
APWA Scholarship Committee
Kristin.tytler@surpriseaz.gov
(623) 222-6153
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