APWA AZ Newsletter 2014 December
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NEWSLETTER DECEMBER 2014 In this issue
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UPCOMING EVENTS CALENDAR December 10, 2014 December 17, 2014
*Note: Event dates/times/locations should be verified with appropriate committee chair –See Committee Directory
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PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE Fellow members: In January our new Board of Directors takes office and I will conclude my term as President. I commit my support to the new Board and will continue to serve in the capacity of Past President. This has been a whirlwind year which was full of change. In my role as President, I have come to know many of you better and I am always impressed by the commitment that each of you bring to the Arizona Chapter. Together we have accomplished much. The State conference in Tucson was an overwhelming success in every way, from the speakers, exhibitors, technical sessions, entertainment and the awards luncheon. Arizona was well represented in Toronto. Many of us were there to staff the Arizona Booth and to promote the 2015 Congress in Phoenix. We watched David Fabiano do cartwheels in his zeal to generate support both financially and from the membership for the 2015 Congress. Under his Committee Leadership we continue to build momentum toward an outstanding Congress next year in Phoenix. As we go into the New Year, I ask each of for your continued support of this endeavor. Lastly, I would like to express my appreciation and thanks for allowing me to serve as the President of the Arizona Chapter. It has been an honor. I wish you all a Happy Holiday Season. Sincerely, 2014 CONGRESS WRAP UP For the next few months we’ll be featuring stories from Arizona Chapter APWA members who attended the 2014 APWA International Public Works Congress & Exposition on August 17-20 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. If you have a 2014 Congress story you’d like to share please send it to sheila@gettingitdone.org. Melissa Serven, Stantec
To start with, I was in a different country. Of course, the language is recognizable in Toronto (although they do pronounce some words funny) and wherever I went people could not have been nicer. From the CN Tower, to the Hockey Hall of Fame, to Niagara Falls, to the fabulous restaurants - the city has so much to offer. And then there is APWA Congress and that is different, too. It’s unlike a Statewide Conference. You meet people from all over the world and have the opportunity to see how others run their cities and agencies. It is heavily attended by the public sector and the relationships I’ve been able to form from the last three Congresses have really broadened my horizons and given me insight into the “bigger picture” of our industry. It can feel overwhelming…this was my third Congress (Anaheim, Chicago, Toronto), but I still feel like I don’t know where to start when I get there. Walking into the Toronto Convention Centre I was immediately greeted by volunteers with the coolest hockey jerseys!! They were there to direct traffic and make us feel comfortable; we were there to hand them a Congress 2015 lapel pin and implore them to come to Arizona in 2015! Of course, that is where the best networking happened – in the hallways, on escalators, and in line for coffee in the morning. Whether exploring the diverse city of Toronto with construction cranes on every street corner (I’m not exaggerating!) or walking through the Expo Hall at Congress, there were endless opportunities to learn. Fantastic General Sessions kick off each day, with educational presentations going on throughout the day that encompass everything from leadership to diversity to technical expertise.
And then there is the fun stuff! The Get Acquainted Party on Sunday night is always a huge hit. There is entertainment, great food, and lots of mingling to be had. This is usually where friendships for the week get started. We’ve also partnered all three years with another Chapter for our Tuesday night Chapter Dinner (twice with the Minnesota Chapter and once with the Texas Chapter.) What fun that is! You get to learn another language (right?!) and form relationships that follow you from Congress to Congress. So, when contemplating if you should take the time to attend Congress 2015 – don’t hesitate! You will not regret the experience and I bet you walk away with new friends and some great ideas to take back to work with you. FEATURE ARTICLE Get to Know the 2015 Arizona Decision Makers Compiled by Laura Turiano, David Evans and Associates, Inc. With the 2014 mid-term elections complete, it’s almost time for State Legislators to roll up their sleeves and get to work. As A/E/C professionals, it’s important get to know those serving in the Arizona government and contact them about issues of concern. Below is a brief look at the 2015 House of Representative committee leaders that may influence the A/E/C industry. CONTACT INFORMATION FOR INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS CAN BE FOUND ONLINE AT www.azleg.gov. Agriculture and Water Committee Born in Safford, Arizona, Representative Barton is a fifth generation native of rural eastern Arizona. In 1871, her great-great grandfather established the first crossing on the Colorado River. In 1880, the family settled in Lee Valley near Greer in the White Mountains. Allen F. Smithson, her maternal great-great grandfather rests in the Lebanon cemetery just west of the family’s historic homestead in Artesia where Representative Barton spent her early years. In the late 1980s, she began her career in public service with the City of Safford. During the end of her tenure with the City of Safford, Rep. Barton led a group of employees in writing the City of Safford’s Vision Statement. It was subsequently adopted by the City Council. By the mid-1990s, public events drew her into political activism and she became an elected officer of People for the West, a land rights group. Representative Barton is a veteran of the Sage-Brush Rebellion that swept the Western Lands States from the 1970s into the 1990s. Memberships/Service: National Council of State Legislators, Heartland Institute, American Legislative Exchange Council, Arizona Citizens Defense League, Arizona Federation of Republican Women Top Issues: Building a strong state economy coupled with the conservation of our quality of life in Arizona.
Energy, Environment and Natural Resources Committee Frank is a second-generation Arizonan from proud pioneer stock. His grandfather came to Arizona from Germany in the 1880s for the silver rush and built the Brunenkant City Bakery in Florence, a building now on the historic registry. His father, Callie Pratt, left Ohio for adventure in Arizona. Callie’s first job was in Globe delivering milk but after he married Minnie Brunenkant he became a carpenter and general builder. Frank was raised in Florence with five brothers and sisters who, in turn, raised their respective families in Wellton, Maricopa, Globe, Peoria and College Station (TX). When Frank was a junior in high school the family moved to Maricopa (City of Maricopa today). After high school Frank farmed in Maricopa (many years) and Yuma (only 5 years). In the late 1980s, Frank moved to Casa Grande and started a business with his son, Bryan. Pratt Pools (est. 1986) is still in business today. Memberships/Service: Frank is a Red Cross Volunteer, former Pinal County Merit Commission Chairman, Public Safety Retirement Board Member. He has held memberships in both the Maricopa and Casa Grande Chambers of Commerce. He serves on the Government Affairs Committee for the CG Chamber. Frank is a Rotarian and a former chapter president Top Issues: Job growth, a less intrusive government, accountability, personal and fiscal responsibility, and consideration of all community stakeholders.
Commerce Committee Warren is a 3rd generation Gilbert resident. He has been married to his wife Michelle for 15 years and they have 5 children. Warren is the VP Sales for VIP Homes and has owned a real estate brokerage for over a decade. Warren refused taking a pension and will work hard for principles that promote servant leadership. Based on his voting record for the 2013 session the Arizona Conservative Coalition ranked him as the most conservative legislator in Arizona. Arizona Rock Products Association named him as one of the top regulatory reformers of the 2013 session. He has received awards from American's for Prosperity and been recognized by the Center for Arizona Policy for his leadership to stand up for life, families, and religious freedom during the 2013 legislative session. The Goldwater Institute ranked him number one for Tax, Budget and regulatory issues and as a "top five scoring legislator" overall. He has also been named "Friend of the Family" by the Arizona Family Project and is a recipient of the "Free Market Champion" award by the Arizona Free Enterprise Club. Memberships/Service: Boy Scouts of America or serving the youth of his faith and community. Top Issues: Job growth, protecting families and small business, fiscal discipline, public safety, education, border security and immigration, 2nd amendment rights
County and Municipal Affairs Committee Doug grew up in Mesa, Arizona and graduated from Westwood High School. He earned a Bachelor's degree in Business, Office, and Distributive Education from Arizona State University in 1981 and a Master's degree in Vocational Education from Northern Arizona University in 1989. Doug currently teaches Constitutional Law at Apache Junction High School, where he has taught for 31 years. He has also taught Business, Accounting, Small Business Management and Entrepreneurship. He serves as a faculty advisor to the high school's branch of the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) organization. He also previously coached the Boys and Girls Varsity Cross Country teams and the Girls Junior Varsity Basketball team. Memberships/Service: Residential Advisory Committee for Salt River Project, Vice Chairman of the Superstition District of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) Top Issues: Pro-life, 2nd amendment rights, border security, lower taxes, small government, quality education, job growth
Rural and Economic Development Committee T.J. Shope is a resident of Coolidge and has long been active in the community. Born in Florence in 1985, Shope has lived in Coolidge for the overwhelming majority of his life and is a 2003 graduate of Coolidge High School and 2005 graduate of Central Arizona College. In 2008, he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Political Science from Arizona State University. Elected to the Coolidge Unified School District Governing Board in 2008 and re-elected in 2012, he was voted to be the board’s vice-president upon taking office in 2009 and in 2013, was elected the board’s president. He serves as the Vice President for the Coolidge Chamber of Commerce and also serves on the Board of Directors for the Arizona Food Marketing Alliance. Shope was recently elected in the newly drafted Legislative District 8 as one of the two members of the Arizona House of Representatives. He credits his election to the grassroots work of his volunteers and his family’s long time roots in community service and business in the Coolidge, Florence, and Gila River Indian Community areas. Shope is the proud son of Coolidge Mayor Tom Shope and Luz Shope and he helps them run their family business, Shope’s IGA Supermarket, in Coolidge. He is an active member of St. James Roman Catholic Church and its Knights of Columbus organization. Memberships/Service: Member of Roman Catholic Church of St. James the Less and is a fourth degree knight in its St. James the Apostle Knights of Columbus Council #12375, having served as Grand Knight from 2010-2012, Vice President of the Coolidge Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, and serves on the Board of Directors of the Arizona Food Marketing Alliance Top Issues: Job growth; funding for police, fire and emergency services; improve educational opportunities; protect healthcare
Transportation and Infrastructure Rick was born and raised in the heart of the Midwest, Omaha, Nebraska. While growing up in the Midwest he developed strong Midwest Values, which include working hard, taking care of your family and treating others the way you would want to be treated. And he has lived these values his entire life. Rick was a single parent to four children. Along with raising four children he worked full-time while continuing his education. Rick has a diverse background including twenty years of experience as a business owner, and developing and instructing college/trade curriculum. Rick is also a licensed real estate agent. On their first visit Rick, and his wife Lisa, fell in love with Arizona, and shortly afterward moved to the Phoenix area. After arriving in Arizona, Rick contributed to the Arizona economy by starting a small business, which focused on the North West Valley area. Rick also became an active volunteer in the community that he loves. Rick graduated from Grace University earning a Bachelor of Science degree with a dual major of Organizational Leadership and Biblical Studies. Rick is in process of completing a Master’s degree in Organizational Leadership. Memberships/Service: Board member Sun City Homeowner’s Association (SCHOA); served as SCHOA Chairman, Governmental Affairs Committee; board member, Sun City Taxpayers Association; past board member Sun City Area Transit; served as Treasurer, Sun City Republican Club; member of Sun City Republican Club, Peoria Rotary Club, Arizona Citizens Defense League, NRA Top Issues: Fiscal responsibility, improved business climate, strengthen education
Ways and Means Darin Mitchell has lived in the Valley for over 35 years. He was born the youngest of six children in Alma, Michigan. At age 15, he moved to Arizona with his parents where he graduated from Mesa High School and later Arizona State University with a B.S. in Political Science. For the past 25 years Darin has held an Arizona real estate license. He has been an active member of both the West Maricopa Association of Realtors and the Scottsdale Area Association of Realtors – where he graduated from SAARS Leadership Academy. He has also been a licensed General Contractor and has spent many years building both custom homes and apartment buildings as well as having had the great experience of completing many historic restorations in Grand Canyon Village. In his first term in office, Darin has been recognized by many prestigious organizations — the Goldwater Institute as their #1 House member for his conservative voting record, received Americans For Prosperity’s highest score for promoting free market principles, a 100% score from the National Rifle Association and the title of “Friend of the Family” from the Arizona Family Project. Darin has lived in the Southwest Valley for the past nine years where he owns and operates a successful small business. Both he and his fiancée enjoy hiking in the Estrella and White Tank Mountains, walking their dogs, riding bikes, and taking time to explore Arizona’s many adventures! Memberships/Service: Scottsdale Area Association of Realtors, West Maricopa Association of Realtors Top Issues: Aquiculture, border security, water, education, Arizona’s economy, government waste and fraud, military
PROJECT SPOTLIGHT Environmental Operations Park WWTP Improvements Project: Environmental Operations Park WWTP Improvements 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 and created significant economic and environmental benefit to the community while solving performance issues. The project improved the treatment quality at the facility, which was unable to perform as it was originally intended prior to the improvements project. The plant was ineffective in detaining suspended solids in the partial mix basins; was not producing consistent effluent quality, specifically a total nitrogen limit of less than 10 mg/l; and was not effectively wasting solids from the clarifiers.
RECYCLES BIOSOLIDS: RECYCLES GREEN WASTE: LARGE FACILITIES ELIMINATED: REPURPOSING OF EXISTING FACILITIES: repurposed for equalization basins; conserving space, maintenance costs, resources and carbon footprint impacts from material transport that would have resulted from constructing new basin facilities. REDUCES POWER USE WITH NEW TREATMENT PROCESS DESIGN: IMPROVES EFFLUENT WATER QUALITY SUPPORTS A CONSTRUCTED WETLANDS SYSTEM: RECEIVES AND TREATS SEPTIC SYSTEM FLOWS: CONTINUOUS OPERATION DURING CONSTRUCTION: NO NEGATIVE IMPACTS TO ADJACENT WETLANDS SYSTEM DURING CONSTRUCTION: SCHEDULED CONSTRUCTION TO MAINTAIN WATER QUALIT Y OBJECTIVES:
New Energy Turbine Blowers New Volute Sludge Dewatering Press New 60' Diameter Clarifier View full size photos > EQUIPMENT PROCUREMENT UP-FRONT MINIMIZED COSTS AND RISK: SMART UPGRADE INVESTMENTS PRODUCED LONG-TERM OPERATIONAL COST SAVINGS: WETLANDS SYSTEM SUPPLEMENTED TREATMENT: ADDITION OF SEPTAGE RECEIVING FACILIT Y CREATED UNIQUE COMMUNITY BENEFIT: COMPOSTING PROVIDES RECYCLING AND REUSE FOR THE COMMUNITY: NITRIFICATION AND DENITRIFICATION TO PRODUCE BETTER EFFLUENT WATER QUALITY: CONSTRUCTED WETLANDS PROTECTION: CONSTRUCTION WAS TIMED TO PROTECT WETLAND PARK: USE OF PERFORMANCE BASED SPECIFICATIONS TO MINIMIZE EQUIPMENT COSTS WHILE ENSURING QUALIT Y AND PERFORMANCE: DESIGN IMPLEMENTED INTENDED TO MINIMIZE CONSTRUCTION TIME, IMPROVEMENTS COST AND PREVENT OPERATIONAL INTERRUPTION:
INDUSTRY NEWS President Obama Signs Arizona Disaster Declaration The President declared a major disaster exists in the State of Arizona and ordered federal aid to supplement state, tribal, and local recovery efforts in the area affected by severe storms and flooding during the period of September 7-9, 2014. Federal funding is available to state, tribal, and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the severe storms and flooding in the counties of La Paz and Maricopa. Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures in all areas within the state. W. Craig Fugate, Administrator, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Department of Homeland Security, named Mark H. Landry as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area. FEMA said additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further damage assessments. Source: The White House, Office of the Press Secretary Click the link for more information:
Sonoran Desert Sponsor: Dibble Engineering White Mountain Sponsors: HDR ~ Stanley Consultants Painted Desert Sponsors: Achen-Gardner Construction ~ EPS Group ~ Wood Patel Please help the Arizona chapter reach its sponsorship goal of $500k. For information on Congress 2015 Sponsorships click here or contact Kent Dibble, kent.dibble@dibblecorp.com. VOLUNTEERS The 2015 Congress Volunteers sub-committee is preparing for the big push to fill over 530 volunteer slots needed to make Congress a success. We have attended the past two Congresses in Chicago and Toronto specifically to observe and learn from those two volunteer committees, and we got some great information and ideas from them. We are currently looking for volunteer shirt design ideas, and have begun keeping a list of those who express an interest in volunteering. We are also looking for a few key people to assist us as “Lead Volunteers” – people who will be able to attend most or all of the Congress and can help us with volunteer briefings, preparation, and assisting the volunteers during the event. Based on past Congress experience, we anticipate these slots will be filled by over 350 individual volunteers, many of whom will come from your organizations. These volunteers will be needed for such assignments as “Congress Concierge” at the event hotels, checking attendees in and out of educational sessions, way finding around the convention center, and assisting vendors and visitors on the exposition floor, among other similar assignments. At times there will be as many as 100 volunteers working. So why would you volunteer, and how do you sign up? The main benefits of volunteering are easy: 1. You get a chance to give back to the profession and your peers by serving them at the premier public works event 2. When you sign up for a half day volunteer slot you will get free admission to the event for the other half day. If your agency can’t afford to register a bunch of employees, look at this as a way to get them all into the event free by volunteering to work for a half day 3. And best of all, think about the stylish volunteer shirt you get to wear on your day of service – and it’s yours to keep. WOW! How do you volunteer: 1. APWA National will post a website in the spring where all volunteers need to complete the volunteer registration form. In the meantime, you can send your name and contact information to either of the volunteers sub-committee co-chairs and we will keep a list of people to notify when the volunteer sign-up site goes live 2. If you plan to have multiple staff volunteer to get them a chance to experience the event, now would be a good time to start scheduling the timing so everyone isn’t trying to volunteer for the same day. The main days for Congress are Sunday August 30th through Wednesday September 2nd, but we will need some volunteers on Saturday August 29th and Thursday September 3rd as well. If you are interested, contact either of the Volunteer Co-Chairs, Rebecca Timmer Jeff Kramer PUBLICITY
The 2015 Congress Publicity/Exhibit Committee has developed a strategy for promoting Congress at various regional conferences. Members of the committee and/or members of the local/regional associations will attend conferences and meetings to promote Congress by manning a booth, handing out fliers, and answering general questions. If you are planning to attend an upcoming conference or meeting and would like to help us promote Congress, please contact Amanda McGennis amcgennis@azagc.org or Scott Kirchhofer skirchhofer@achen.com The Committee has acquired some promotional materials for distribution. With the help of David Dancy, APWA Director of Marketing, we have a Save The Date postcard and an Exhibitor Brochure. These promos can be found at the links below and they are free for anyone to print and distribute. Actually printing and distributing these materials is highly encouraged since we are all on the same team and want to promote Congress as much as possible to maximize the number of exhibitors and attendees. The Committee has also gathered some great brochures that promote Phoenix, The Valley, and Arizona. These brochures have been supplied to us by Janis Thomas, Senior Director – Convention Services/Housing, with the Greater Phoenix Convention & Visitors Bureau. The brochures will give Congress attendees a lot of options for places to see during their visit. We are also reaching out to the Arizona Office of Tourism and Arizona Highways to have them assist in writing articles that promote Arizona. These articles will be featured in APWA email blasts and the APWA Reporter magazine in an effort to build interest in the 2015 Congress and promote registration. CALL FOR 2015 SPONSORS
Your Arizona Chapter’s annual operations depend upon donations from our member organizations. Sponsorships pay for the resources required to provide Educational Workshops, the Public Works Leadership Institute, website support, weekly news briefs, monthly newsletters, and much more. Newsletters are published monthly, posted on the Chapter website and sent electronically to over 1000 recipients in the Public Works field. For more information visit the 2015 Annual Sponsorships web page. CALL FOR NOMINATIONS: 2015 AWARDS PROGRAM The APWA Public Works Project of the Year was established to promote excellence in the management and administration of public works projects by recognizing the alliance between the managing agency, the consultant/architect/engineer, and the contractor who, working together, complete public works projects. Public works projects may be nominated in four cost divisions and five categories plus in five different categories for Small Cities/Rural Communities. There is also a Sustainability Practices Award given for individuals and/or programs/organizations/agencies The Chapter then nominates the projects selected as local or Chapter winners (and other meritorious projects) for the APWA National Awards Program. Individuals are also recognized by the Chapter each year. We will accept award nominations for Outstanding Public Works Employee and Award of Merit. These are awards based on local criteria and are only judged locally. The Award of Merit recognizes public works or related agency personnel at the operational level who perform in an exceptionally efficient and/or innovative manner and the Outstanding Public Works Employee award is for outstanding performance at a managerial level for a Federal, State, County, or Municipal agency. Important Information The 2015 APWA Arizona Chapter Award submittals are due January 30, 2015. Once submissions have been judged, they will be uploaded to the National Awards Program by the March 3 due date. Please submit 6 hard copies and one electronic copy on CD or thumb drive. Deliver your submissions to (if using delivery service, hand-carrying or FedEx): Jeanne Sapon, Awards Committee Chair If submittals are being sent via U.S. Postal Service, use the following address to ensure proper delivery: Jeanne Sapon, Awards Committee Chair
For more information, contact Jeanne Sapon at 602-501-4471 or via email at jsapon@dbaconstruction.net MEMBER NEWS APWA New Member Spotlight
Name/Title/Place of Employment: Rogelio “Roy” Flores II, E.I.T. / Civil Engineering Assistant / Pima County Regional Wastewater Reclamation Department – Engineering Services With APWA Since: November 2014 Describe your job responsibilities: What was your favorite project to work on in the last 10 years? Where have your travels taken you? Name one thing not many people know about you:
Our Chapter By the Numbers As we wrap up 2014, let’s take a look at some Arizona Chapter APWA membership statistics. All figures were taken from the member roster (as of November 24, 2014) on the Arizona Chapter website. View all >
APWA Lifetime Member
Mark Courtney was recently recognized as an APWA Lifetime Member. APWA Members who meet any ONE of the following requirements are eligible for Life membership. - Continuous membership for 30 years
Sponsors needed for beverages, the band and gift cards.
APWA NEW MEMBERS
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The City of Toronto…the most populous city in Canada and fifth largest city in North America. That was my destination on Saturday, August 16th with APWA Congress on my mind. What words would I use to describe Congress? Different. Overwhelming. Educational._249px.jpg)
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