APWA Arizona 2014 August Newsletter
|
NEWSLETTER AUGUST 2014 In this issue
Follow Us 2014 Newsletter Sponsors
UPCOMING EVENTS CALENDAR August 27, 2014 August 29, 2014 September 9, 2014 September 10, 2014 *Note: Event dates/times/locations should be verified with appropriate committee chair –See Committee Directory
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE Fellow members: This year marks the 60th Anniversary of the creation of the Arizona Chapter of the American Public Works Association. The Arizona Chapter received its Charter in October of 1954. APWA at the national level had its beginnings twenty years earlier in 1934. “APWA is the result of the merger of two predecessor organizations, the American Society of Municipal Engineers, which was formed in 1894, and the International Association of Public Works Officials, primarily comprised of non-engineers who were engaged in public works management and service delivery. The majority of the Society’s members were consultants, design engineers, construction supervisors, and water works directors.” (APWA website).
Dr. Donald C. Stone was one key person responsible for the creation of the American PublicWorks Association. In An Interview with Donald C. Stone, October 1992, Dr. Stone recalled the roots of APWA. Government reform movements of the 1920’s transformed the prevailing patronage-based form of government administration to the current form of government administration which is based on professional managers and is embodied in the council – manager government. In a council – manager form of local government the elected council establishes policy and overall direction. The council appoints a professional manager who is responsible for the day to day operation of the government and in turn hires professional staff to oversee various functions. This is the prevailing practice for local governments today and “citizens ... expect the selection of professional people”. (Dr. Donald C. Stone). In 1934 the American Society of Municipal Engineers and the International Association of Public Works Officials agreed to a Joint Public Works Congress where the two organizations decided to merge. The history is interesting and still resonates today. “Some members of both groups had questions. Some refuse collection directors thought they might be subordinated to persons with engineering and higher degrees. Some of the engineers looked down on these operators” (Dr. Donald C. Stone). I note with some pride that the Arizona Chapter counts among its members: contractors, operations managers, public works administrators, engineers, equipment suppliers, manufacturers and others. Our diverse group of dedicated professionals is what makes AZ APWA unique, strong and relevant. Happy 60th Anniversary Arizona APWA!
Sincerely,
At the September meeting the Board will submit the names of nominees for the offices of President Elect, Secretary, Treasurer and for three Directors. At that time there will be a call to the members for additional nominees from the floor. This will require a nomination and a second to be included on the ballot.
2014 State Conference Awards Once again I would like to thank the Awards Program Committee for an outstanding job at this year’s conference. It is difficult to sort through so many worthy projects (both big and small) throughout the State. I would like to amend the record on one project, the Lower El Mirage Wash Basin. We would be remiss if we did not recognize one of the key partners in this multi-agency project, The City of El Mirage. The City of El Mirage was a critical partner in helping the Lower El Mirage Wash Basin project come to fruition. The City not only provided the land for the basin, but was proactively involved in every stage of design and construction. From the beginning of the project, the Flood Control District of Maricopa County and the City of El Mirage approached the project in the spirit of partnership. As a result, Dibble Engineering and Environmental Planning Group (EPG) were able to produce a truly integrated design that serves both the District in its regional flood hazard mitigation activities, as well as the City of El Mirage in satisfying its community safety and passive/active recreation needs. The design of the Lower El Mirage Wash Basin is integrated and sustainable, successfully marrying civil engineering and landscape architecture throughout the design and construction process.
William (Bill) Mattingly, P.E., R.L.S. , President AZ APWA
FEATURE ARTICLE 2014 AzAPWA Award Winners Announced Includes 15 Projects and 2 Outstanding Public Works Professionals
The Arizona Chapter had a very successful awards campaign for 2014. The Awards Committee received 24 nominations in 11 categories and selected 17 winners. We also had three nominees selected as National Projects of the Year, which included:
Awardees were announced and honored at the Statewide APWA Conference held in Tucson, July 27-29. Read about each of the award winners below! Recognition of the Judges The judges for the 2014 Awards Program deserve special recognition for their efforts and commitment to the process. Many thanks to:
OUTSTANDING PUBLIC WORKS PROFESSIONALS Don Carley, Field Operations Manager City of Bullhead City Outstanding Public Works Employee It is difficult to place a value on Mr. Carley to our department, the entire City government, and the community, because he continually comes up with new ways to better the community using limited resources. His constant thinking outside the box and his dedication to quality is rivaled only by his can-do attitude. We truly believe that there isn’t anything he can’t do and do well. He has raised the bar to new heights, which will reap benefits for the community for many years to come. We believe he is the consummate Public Works Employee of the Year. Benjamin L. Dominguez, Road Maintenance Superintendent Maricopa County Department of Transportation Award of Merit Benny has always welcomed any challenges sent his way. From years of working with the public, he has learned a great deal of patience, reliability, and amazing customer service skills. Naturally, the Department of Transportation deals with road construction and traffic control, which doesn’t always make citizens and the traveling public happy. Benny has successfully diffused many citizen complaints leaving the citizen calm, pleased and with a sense of understanding for the need of the roadwork. OUTSTANDING PROJECT AWARD WINNERS
Tres Rios Environmental Restoration, Phase 3A & 3B City of Phoenix Environment: $5-25 Million
South Chandler Wastewater Force Main, Water Transmission Main and Lift Station City of Chandler ENVIRONMENT: $25-75 Million Spurred by significant commercial, residential, and high-tech industry growth, the City of Chandler’s water and wastewater infrastructures demanded much needed improvements in a short span of time. The City utilized the CMAR project delivery method and selected Achen-Gardner Construction to partner with the project’s design teams and other stakeholders to fast-track and construct this 20 MGD lift station, six miles of 42-inch wastewater force main, and five miles of 24-inch water transmission main. The project team incorporated innovative design and construction techniques focusing on redundancy, flexibility, sustainability, and collaboration to meet the City’s budget and schedule requirements.
Pima County Regional Wastewater Reclamation Department ENVIRONMENT: $75+ Million The Tres Rios Capacity and Effluent Quality Upgrade was a project completed as part of the Regional Optimization Master Plan (ROMP) program. The Tres Rios Water Reclamation Facility (WRF) was a 70’s vintage wastewater treatment plant that required significant upgrades to meet the current effluent standards, expand its capacity and implement modern technology. Design for the project began in July 2008 and construction was substantially complete in October 2013. Delivery of the project utilized a Construction Manager at Risk delivery model. The scope of the project included upgrade of the liquid stream to provide removal of nutrients and increasing the capacity to 50 MGD. The project also included increasing capacity of the solids handling and treatment capability to 82 MGD to be able to treat all of the solids from both the Tres Rios WRF and the new Agua Nueva WRF.
Lower El Mirage Wash Basin Flood Control District of Maricopa County STRUCTURES: Less Than $5 Million The Lower El Mirage Wash Basin project included design and construction of a 24-acre, multi-use, active recreation park and detention basin in El Mirage. The project transformed the existing basin, a rough-graded eyesore that had standing water after storms, attracted illegal dumping, and community, into a showcase park that has quickly become the pride of area residents.
City of Scottsdale STRUCTURES: $25-75 Million The Tony Nelssen Equestrian Center project at WestWorld featured the renovation, enclosure and conditioning of the existing 100,000 square foot Equidome. Renovations included the replacement of the existing skin system, restructuring, new suites, restrooms, concession areas and new sound system. Four attached buildings were added forming 300,000 square feet of continuous space, which included a 25,000, SF enclosed East Paddock for staging; a 40,000 SF enclosed South Hall for stalls and event staging; a 134,000 SF enclosed North Hall to host a myriad of events; and a 3,500 SF show office for event coordination.
Litchfield Pedestrian Underpass Arizona Department of Transportation TRANSPORTATION: Less Than $5 Million
The Arizona Department of Transportation teamed with the cities of Litchfield Park, Goodyear, and Hunter Contracting to administer the $2.8 million Litchfield Pedestrian Underpass project. This public safety improvement project consists of a pre-cast concrete arch underpass constructed under Litchfield Road on the north side of Wigwam Boulevard. Other work included roadway, drainage, and landscape improvements along with historical elements of public art. The project experienced zero lost time accidents and implemented a value engineering proposal that saved the contract $128,000 and reduced the impact to Litchfield Road traffic from 300 days to 56 days.
Sonoran Boulevard: 15th Avenue to Cave Creek Road City of Phoenix TRANSPORTATION: $25-75 Million This project deserves special recognition under the Transportation Project Category ($25 to $75M Division) because the team employed the highest degree of strategic planning, creative engineering solutions, partnering, innovation, and “out-of-box” thinking to produce a sustainable $60M project on a $45M budget. The Sonoran Boulevard project serves as a testament to the City’s goal of maximizing the potential of its budget and engineering consultants to produce
Sun Link Tucson Streetcar Project City of Tucson / RTA TRANSPORTATION: $75+ Million The construction of the Sun Link Tucson Modern Streetcar, Tucson’s first fixed rail transit system, is not only reframing how transit and transportation projects are managed in our community, but what “project success” means. The successful construction of the Sun Link system – the City of Tucson’s largest and most complex, transportation construction project in its history reflects a new standard in how jurisdictions, elected officials, contractors, staff, design experts, businesses, and community leaders work together. Some of the highlights of the project include: creating a new, high level of cooperation and accountability across jurisdictions; amidst complexity, instilling on-the-ground collaboration among contractors, utilities, and the project team; creating 500 construction-related jobs and fueling the local economy; triggering $800 million in private/public investment before the final track weld in July 2013; installing $19 million in much-needed infrastructure improvements; connecting with and educating the public about streetcar construction in new ways; and focusing attention on Made in America jobs and materials.
Maricopa County Facilities Management Department HISTORICAL RESTORATION/PRESERVATION: Less Than $5 Million The project was completed under budget and ahead of schedule while overcoming technical and logistical challenges. The window performance was improved while respecting the requirements of a listed historical building. The project resulted in reductions in outdoor air infiltration, solar gain, and street noise pollution plus improved thermal insulation and reduced maintenance needs. The building was occupied throughout the project. A competitive mock-up process improved pricing accuracy. Construction documents identified the sequencing of swing stage scaffolding, and cost/time savings were monitored in real time. Cost savings paid for needed repair work on the building façade. There were no safety issues.
1891 Pinal County Courthouse Restoration and Rehabilitation Pinal County HISTORICAL RESTORATION/PRESERVATION: $5-25 Million The 1891 Pinal County Courthouse is a noteworthy example of the American-Victorian style and
Sierra Vista Environmental Operations Park Wastewater Treatment Plant City of Sierra Vista SMALL CITIES/RURAL COMMUNITIES: Environment
Gold Rush Road/Montana Wash Improvements City of Bullhead City SMALL CITIES/RURAL COMMUNITIES: Transportation The original roadway was very rugged, with very sharp, steep, undulating curves and some horizontal curvature within those curves. The original roadway was only one lane wide in each direction, with no pedestrian facilities along the majority of the route, and there were several low-income apartment complexes, recreational vehicle parks and businesses along the route that generated pedestrian traffic. The project provides safer walking and driving conditions and provides an all-weather storm crossing that will provide unrestricted safe passage of emergency service vehicles along Gold Rush Road to our primary hospital on Silver Creek Road.
Robles Ranch Improvements Pima County Parks & Recreation (Three Points, Arizona) SMALL CITIES/RURAL COMMUNITIES: Structures
The Robles Ranch Community Center Improvements provided a critical need for safe, outside
Inner Basin Water Supply Pipeline Reconstruction City of Flagstaff SMALL CITIES/RURAL COMMUNITIES: Disaster or Emergency Construction/Repair The 2010 Schultz fire burned 15,075 acres of overgrown forest and destroyed a layer of forest duff that had exceptional water absorbing qualities. Monsoon storms during the summer of 2010 created severe runoff and powerful erosion effects on the mountainside, damaging the
Energy Savings Performance Contract PSOMAS Sustainability Practices/Program PSOMAS has been a longtime proponent of sustainability in our practice and in our projects. We have been committed to the notion of sustainability conceived, constructed, and operated projects for many years, and that commitment is reflected in: Leadership and assistance in the creation of the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure; dedication to credentialing 100 Envision Sustainable Professionals by mid-2014, of which we currently have 95; design experience with wildlife crossings on projects such as Tangerine Road and State Route 86; and incorporation of sustainable designs into projects such as Paseo de las Iglesias and Vail Academy and High School.
Recognition of all ApplicantsThere were outstanding nominations that were not selected as award winners but are deserving of recognition.
APWA CONGRESS APWA Congress 2015 Sponsors Thank you to Achen-Gardner Construction, the latest sponsor for APWA Congress 2015. Please help the Arizona chapter reach its sponsorship goal of $500k. Current Sponsors: Dibble Engineering
Sign up to Volunteer at the 2015 APWA Congress to be held in Phoenix Dear APWA Members and Friends, 
We are reaching out to you to make you aware of an exciting opportunity for your Private Sector and Public Works Staff!! The Arizona Chapter of the American Public Works Association (APWA) will be hosting APWA’s International Congress and Public Works Exposition at the Phoenix Convention Center from August 30th through September 2nd, 2015. The APWA Congress provides many educational sessions from Sunday through Wednesday as well as having the largest Public Works equipment display on Earth. There is 300,000 square feet of Exhibition floor that will have all types of vendors and services with thousands of attendees. This will be available to your staff because of a program APWA and the Arizona Chapter have initiated for the event. We will need over 400 volunteers to work at the Congress, from Saturday, Aug 29th thru Thursday, September 3rd. Most volunteers will work for a ½ day, and get the other ½ to attend educational sessions or the Equipment show. They will also get an APWA logo volunteers t-shirt for their time. We want you and your staff members to be preparing for dedicating the time to this fabulous event. National APWA will have their website available in the spring of 2015 for sign up. We hope you will plan to volunteer and support and encourage your staff to do the same. Thank you in advance for your commitment to making this the best Congress ever! Your APWA Congress 2015 Volunteers Committee Co-Chairs, Rebecca Timmer Jeff Kramer Dibble Engineering Maricopa County Department of Transportation
APWA New Members
|
Phase 3 of the Tres Rios Environmental Restoration project removed salt cedar trees, salvaged existing native plants and revegetated a 3-mile-long, 2,000-acre stretch of open water and wetland marshes at the confluence of the Gila, Salt and Agua Fria rivers. The project has created 44 acres of new open water reaches along with 10 acres of marsh habitat and 46 acres of riparian habitat. The Tres Rios project has inspired and united all stakeholders involved, and has increased the value of the area as a regional attraction and a destination for local residents, recreationalists, and visitors.
Tres Rios Water Reclamation Plant
Tony Nelssen Equestrian Center at WestWorld
important infrastructure enhancements for its citizens. This project, with its numerous value-added benefits for the region’s end-users and stakeholders, will remain as the City’s most impressive transportation project for decades to come.
Maricopa County Security Building Window & Glass Sealant Replacement
nineteenth century construction in Central Arizona. The courthouse was listed in the National Register of Historic Places on August 2, 1978 and is Arizona’s oldest governmental building in use. The courthouse project exemplifies the integration of contemporary uses and systems into an out-of-date building without compromising function or historic preservation. The overall success of this historic preservation project provides direction to other public agencies considering new construction rather than the adaptive use of dated or historic buildings. The Pinal County Board of Supervisors demonstrated its commitment to historic preservation by undertaking this complex project. The courthouse is a symbol of pride for the community, the anchor of the Town of Florence’s historic district, and once again, the center of governmental activity.
The City of Sierra Vista is dedicated to the preservation of its history and environment. Its future, residents, and visitors are considered when planning for and carrying out necessary improvements. The improvements to the 4 MGD Environmental Operations Park (EOP) WWTP was no exception. This project created significant economic and environmental benefit to the community while solving performance issues with improved effluent quality, supporting a unique wetlands facility, significant reduction in energy costs, added composting, and septic receiving facilities.
recreation in coordination with the historic community center. The Friends of Robles worked with the Pima County Community Services Department and the Parks and Recreation Department to receive a significant series of Community Development Block Grants. Grouping together several grant projects from multiple year awards allowed for a jointly delivered project that was very efficient, and a huge impact to the site. The project was transformational thanks to Kimley-Horn & Associates design and Durazo Construction’s careful craftsmanship, creating a recreational oasis in what was previously a barren area.
Inner Basin pipeline in numerous locations and severing two sections. Pipeline repair was crucial to preserve Flagstaff’s first and most economical water source as a potable water supply. Hunter Contracting Co., Jacobs Engineering, Shephard-Wesnitzer, and the City of Flagstaff worked closely with the USDA Forest Service, FEMA, and ADEM to repair the pipeline and assure an expeditious project completion.
