APWA Arizona 2014 June Newsletter
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NEWSLETTER JUNE 2014 In this issue
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UPCOMING EVENTS CALENDAR June 18th, Wednesday July 7th, Monday July 27th, Sunday
AzApWA Conference Golf Tournament Hilton Tucson El Conquistador Resort More Info: www.arizona.apwa.net July 28th & 29th, Monday & Tuesday
APWA Statewide Conference Hilton Tucson El Conquistador Resort More Info: www.arizona.apwa.net *Note: Event dates/times/locations should be verified with appropriate committee chair –See Committee Directory 2014 Annual Conference More Info: www.arizona.apwa.net |
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PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE Fellow members: Over the years I have learned to appreciate the value of a positive attitude. When I communicate with the Mayor and Council, whether in person or in writing, I am careful to emphasize the positive aspects of the situation. This helps to convey a sense of confidence that things are going well and that the situation is being properly managed. I learned this by watching many people over time. However two people come immediately to mind. One who drives a garbage truck and the other who was an Engineering Director. Willie Townsend is an Equipment Operator who drives a Solid Waste vehicle (aka garbage truck). Several years ago, when the City began to offer curbside recycling collection, we began an extensive public information campaign. We enlisted the help of two local radio personalities Tim Hattrick and Willy D. Loon (Tim and Willy) who were then with “Camel Country” radio station. They helped to develop promotional videos and advertisements. Willie Townsend was introduced to them at one of the related events. Willie was very enthusiastic about promoting recycling. He eventually began a weekly feature on the morning radio program where he would call in on Wednesday mornings (his day off) and provide a recycling tip of the week. He even adopted a persona “Willie the Wizard the Desert Lizard”. Willie Townsend, Tim and Willy and their listeners had great fun with this and it provided an on-going, light-hearted promotion for recycling. You could not buy this kind of promotion. For many years David Moody was the City Engineer for the City of Peoria. I would watch him as he interacted with the City Council at public meetings. Often times the Council had tough questions about contentious issues. Dave would invariably have a smile and be positive in his response. He frequently began his reply with the word “yes” to acknowledge the comment and to affirm a connection with the speaker. He then went on to explain why the answer was more like “no”. The Council was satisfied with his response and I was impressed how he managed to keep the person happy while delivering a negative message. His positive approach and friendly demeanor disarmed potential conflict. According to Colin Powell, “Perpetual optimism is a force multiplier”. I believe this to be true. Thank you and keep smiling.
2014 AzAPWA Statewide Conference to Headline Prominent Speaker and World-class Entertainer July 27th - 29th, 2014 PUBLIC AGENCY SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE! The keynote speaker and “Fun Night” entertainer have been finalized for the upcoming AzAPWA Statewide Conference to be held at the Hilton Tucson El Conquistador Golf and Tennis Resort, Sunday through Tuesday, July 27- 29th. Dan McNichol - Best-selling author, former White House Appointee, award-winning Journalist / Monday Luncheon Keynote
The Monday program will feature Dan McNichol, author of “The Roads that Built America,” as the luncheon keynote speaker. His presentation, titled “The Drive to Revive America’s Infrastructure,” will discuss McNichol’s 12,000-mile tour around the United States and his perspective on the state of America’s infrastructure. What makes McNichol’s journey unique is that he did the roadtrip in a beat-up 1949 Hudson he named “Mrs. Martin.” In doing so, McNichol encourages his listeners, followers, and readers to “give a dam!” about America’s ailing infrastructure and to make a difference by getting involved. “We are what we build. We must build smarter, faster and better. As the world moves into the future of the Global Economy with intelligent systems while employing smarter methods, we fall further behind. Our antiquated rails, roads, ports and grid are becoming a liability - not an asset. It’s time to invest. We each need to own it - our infrastructure,” he writes on his website. McNichol is a bestselling author and an award-winning journalist. In 2008, McNichol won the Robert F. Boger Award for Outstanding Construction Writing while chronicling Minnesota’s disastrous I-35W bridge collapse. The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) named McNichol as one of our nation’s outstanding writers. He was honored with a PhD in Engineering and Technology for his publications and his contributions to the fields of engineering and construction. His articles and work have appeared in The New York Times, USA Today, The Boston Globe, The Philadelphia Inquirer and numerous other periodicals. Michael Finney - Comedian and Magician / Monday Fun Night Performer
Finney has lived in Arizona since 1978 and has appeared on numerous television specials and performs regularly throughout the United States. He had his first real break in the business as a finalist in a Star Search competition, and is the recipient of numerous awards including the Academy of Arts Award for Comedy Magician of the Year and the Silver Lion Head award for excellence in comedy & magic from Siegfried & Roy. Finney was once a regular performer on NBC’s World’s Greatest Magicians and World’s Wildest Magic Shows. He now performs regularly for corporate events, cruise ships, charity events and casinos.
About the Conference The conference, with this year’s theme of “Public Leadership for Public Trust,” will have over 30 speakers, led by Tim Phillips, General Manager, Flood Control District of Maricopa County with the opening keynote “A New Leadership Reality for Today’s Organizations”. It also includes a diverse exhibitor/vendor showcase, a golf tournament, the Magic Mixer Fun Night, and the awards program. Held at the Hilton Tucson El Conquistador Golf and Tennis Resort, the conference kicks off with the Golf Tournament at the Canada course on Sunday, July 27th 9:00 AM registration, 10:00 AM shotgun start, followed by the Get Acquainted Reception Sunday afternoon at 5:00 PM in the Exhibitors Showcase. The conference educational sessions, awards and Magic Mixer Fun Night are held Monday and Tuesday, July 28th and 29th . Full registration is $275 for members; $300 for non-members full registration; $175 for members Monday only or Tuesday only; $200 for non-members Monday only or Tuesday only; and $50 for the Tuesday awards lunch. Register online at http://www.azapwa2014conference.com.
On behalf of the entire Statewide Conference Planning Committee and the American Public Works Association Arizona Chapter Board of Directors, we personally welcome each of you to Tucson for the 2014 APWA Statewide Conference. The Planning Committee has worked tirelessly to organize and present a memorable and relevant conference experience for all of our Public Works professionals. Whether you work in the public or private sector, in design, construction, or operations and maintenance, you will find educational programs and networking opportunities to help you better meet the evolving challenges faced by the Public Works community, and hopefully have a little fun as well. Our conference theme this year is “Public Leadership for Public Trust”. It continues to be an exciting and challenging time for the Public Works field, as we must look for new and innovative ways to provide the best services possible using limited taxpayer dollars. As stewards of public funds, facilities, and infrastructure, we must do our best to gain and maintain the trust of our citizens and elected officials. Therefore, in our varied conference program you will have the opportunity to learn about leadership, ethics, value engineering, public relations, and other general interest topics in addition to the traditional technical presentations. The Exhibitor Showcase will give you the opportunity to talk to and learn about the great consulting and construction firms, and equipment/material suppliers. Without the support of these companies, this conference would not be possible. We have a lot of fun activities lined up too, so if you have not done so already, please register for the conference. In addition, we still have some great sponsorship opportunities available. See you in Tucson! MEMBER NEWS Woodson Engineering and Surveying Celebrates its 20th Anniversary Company marks 20 years of quality service to Arizona. Woodson Engineering and Surveying, a leading provider of valued engineering and surveying services throughout Arizona, is celebrating its 20th anniversary in June. Two decades of expertise have transformed Woodson Engineering from a one person firm to a well-respected engineering and surveying business. With a University of Arizona degree in Civil Engineering and a Masters of Business Administration and over 30 years of civil engineering experience, Mark Woodson has created a highly regarded company. Our projects have serviced Northern Arizona along with many other areas of the Southwest. Woodson Engineering and Surveying launched in June of 1994, helping meet the growing demand of high-quality engineering and surveying in Flagstaff. WE continues our mission with excellent employees providing valuable service to over 500 clients. Current projects include serving numerous regional agencies and developers. “We at Woodson Engineering are thankful to our many clients for making this anniversary possible”, said Mark and Lupe Woodson owners of Woodson Engineering and Surveying. We look forward to continuing to serve our valued customers for many years to come. See more at www.woodsoneng.com
PHOENIX PLANNING, ENGINEERING & ENVIRONMENTAL FIRM CELEBRATES 25TH ANNIVERSARY Littlejohn unveils new brand to celebrate anniversary year and reflect on the firm’s expanded scope, which has grown to encompass eight offices in four states Phoenix, Ariz. (June 4, 2014) – In celebration of its 25th year in business, Littlejohn Engineering Associates has changed its name to Littlejohn to reflect the firm’s growth and expanded services. “Our new name illustrates our broader reach and expanded services,” said Jim Littlejohn, president. “Just as in planning and engineering, we always try to remember that the simplest solution is usually the best solution. We’re taking the same approach looking ahead with our name and our brand – efficient, understandable, straightforward and collaborative. We want our name to be synonymous with professionalism and quality service delivery.” Founded in 1989 in Nashville, Tenn., Littlejohn works with public and private clients across the country to plan and engineer infrastructure for notable projects and progressive communities. Consulting services in surveying, engineering, planning, landscape architecture, environmental services, industrial hygiene, health and safety are the core components of Littlejohn’s expertise, and in just 25 years, the firm has grown from a sole proprietorship, to a national firm with eight offices in Tennessee, Florida, Arizona and Alabama. Littlejohn, a multi-discipline professional services firm, has completed more than 6,000 projects in 42 states and employs more than 125 engineers, landscape architects, planners, surveyors, environmental scientists, industrial hygienists and support personnel. Celebrating 25 Years of Success Using innovative and sustainable ideas, Littlejohn solves complex environmental and land development challenges and delivers progressive and efficient design solutions. “We have some of the most talented individuals and creative teams in the business,” said Jim Littlejohn. “To us, a project is much more than just concrete, steel, brick and mortar – it represents the core of who we are.” In Arizona, Littlejohn – and its predecessor Evans, Kuhn and Associates – has worked on thousands of projects from Phoenix City Hall, to the University of Phoenix Stadium and numerous healthcare campuses across the state. “For 25 years, we have been working to build a better Arizona, both as Littlejohn and more recently with the expertise of the former Evans Kuhn team here in Phoenix,” said Ross Lucas, Littlejohn’s Southwest Regional Manager. Ross manages the firm’s Phoenix office. “Our expertise and willingness to collaborate has been an important part of our success. We are committed to serving – and being advocates for – our clients.” As it has in the past, Littlejohn will continue to invest in the newest technology essential to meeting tomorrow’s engineering challenges, while embracing best practices and lessons learned, to develop infrastructure, landscapes and built environments that stand the test of time. “I’m very proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish as a professional service firm – across our offices from Florida to Arizona – and I’m extremely proud of our talented professionals who work together so well to serve our clients,” said Jim Littlejohn. “I can’t wait to see what the next 25 years will bring.” About Ross Lucas: Ross has extensive experience designing and managing commercial and institutional site development projects throughout the U.S. and leads Littlejohn’s Phoenix office as Southwest Regional Manager. His expertise includes working directly with planning and development officials, researching community development standards, and developing cost effective solutions to a variety of development challenges. Ross also leads the firm’s ADA compliance division and has completed civil engineering design of ADA remediation projects at over 200 facilities across the country. He has a keen insight into ADA needs and requirements through performance of numerous tasks related to accessibility issues, ranging from drawing review and remediation plan design to construction inspection and evaluation. He truly understands the connection between construction plans and a compliant final project. Additional project design specialties include stormwater detention/retention analysis and design, water quality design and permitting, sediment and erosion control plan preparation, and utilities relocation. About Jim Littlejohn: Jim Littlejohn, President, completed his Master of Science in Engineering Administration from the University of Tennessee in 1982 after having graduated from Vanderbilt University with a Bachelor of Civil Engineering in 1976. His project experience is extensive, particularly in the areas of land development, infrastructure planning, water resources, and roadway design. He has led numerous projects, many of them substantial in size. He maintains active engineering licenses in 38 states. Jim’s specialties are in the areas of planning and project management for land development projects, roadway, drainage, water, sewer, complex storm water management systems in addition to overseeing firm operations and leadership. Jim currently sits on numerous boards and commissions and was named the Nashville Chapter of the TN Society of Professional Engineer’s 2012 Outstanding Engineer of the Year for leadership and integrity in the Engineering Profession. Visit www.leainc.com for additional information.
PROJECT SPOTLIGHT Design and Construction Complete for Tucson’s Houghton Road (Irvington Road to Valencia Road); Project Improves Capacity from Two Lanes to Six Lanes Article contributed by Antigone Spiker, Psomas
Psomas completed improvement plans for widening 3.9 miles of Houghton Road from a two-lane to a six-lane roadway. Coordination with the public, a Citizens Design Review Committee (CDRC) and elected officials started at the design criteria report (DCR) stage and continued through final design. The project required significant right-of-way (ROW) acquisitions from the Arizona State Land Department and a few private property owners, but no relocations were required. Extensive access management measures were implemented in order to maintain mobility along this roadway. There will be a solar-powered emergency fire signal and five traffic signals along with stretch. Two signals (at Drexel Road and Poorman Road) were design with Florida T (or Green T) configurations to allow southbound traffic to flow without having to stop. The project will provide multiple improvements for alternative modes including 12 bus pullouts, and a paved, landscaped multi-use path along the east side of the road. Extra wide access ramps and a special bike-friendly treatment that will accommodate pedestrians and bicyclists was designed for all the crosswalks along the path to allow bicyclists to cross the side streets without having to walk their bikes. New multi-cell box culvert crossings over two large washes, including Atterbury Wash, were designed to provide all-weather access. The drainage design was completed with FLO-2D to carefully evaluate and mitigate potential impacts such as increases in water surface elevation or floodplain limits outside the ROW. Construction was substantially completed in May 2014.
 Arizona APWA Members – Countdown to Congress – 450 Days and Counting APWA New Members Alfred Gonzales, City of Buckeye
Joaquin Campos, City of Buckeye
Justin Shawler, Sunland Asphalt
Jason Mahkovtz, City of Buckeye
Rob Owen, City of Kingman
Timothy Quillman, Michael Baker Jr Inc
Lacey James, City of Avondale
Mark Soyster, Sunland Asphalt
Beth Wright, Aztec Engineering
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A fun and magical evening awaits at the Monday Fun Night "Magic Mixer" event to cap off the first day of conference sessions. Michael Finney, a noted comedian and magician based in Arizona, will headline the Magic Mixer, which will also include light appetizers, drinks, raffles and networking opportunities for attendees.
