APWA AZ Newsletter 2016 June
NEWSLETTER JUNE 2016 In this issue Follow Us 2016 Newsletter Sponsors
UPCOMING EVENTS CALENDAR June 15, 2016 July 12, 2016 July 20, 2016 July 20, 2016 August 10, 2016 |
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PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE The word of the month is Membership. I am not sure if many of you are aware that last year the Arizona Chapter won the APWA Membership Achievement Award from National for the highest increase in membership for a Chapter of our size. This was a big accomplishment and it would be great to win two years in a row. Keep in mind, as we approach the summer months, traditionally this is the slowest time of year for association growth. I want to let everyone know we kicked off a “Summer Special” membership drive at our monthly luncheon meeting in May. Here are the details:
Here are just some of the benefits of an APWA Membership.
If you have any questions regarding membership or group membership for you company or firm, please feel free to contact me or Kevin Murphy anytime. Our June 15th lunch meeting is early this month. Don’t forget to sign up by Friday, June 10th. ***** The Statewide Conference and Hotel Registration is open now! ***** Sincerely, FEATURE ARTICLE Sustainability in Public Works
If asked what defines a successful community, such characteristics as maintaining a strong economy, providing accessible healthcare, prioritizing education, promoting growth, and protecting the environment are common factors. In order for a society to survive, all of those basic needs must be met. In order for any society to be sustained for future generations, the environment must be protected. Finite and renewable resources are essential to the functioning of our economy and quality of life and therefore must be used efficiently and effectively. Cultivating a thriving livable community requires that local government be a leader in implementing environmentally-sound policies. Such policies must encompass all facets of government to reach their full potential. To accomplish that goal, many agencies have created sustainability departments, incorporated sustainable practices into their economic development plans, established specific environmental targets, and developed community outreach programs. One agency successfully implementing all of these tools is the Pima County Public Works Department. Pima County is located in southern Arizona, and is home to approximately one million residents within its 9,180 square miles. Pima Prospers, the 2015 update of the County’s comprehensive plan, was designed with four overarching goals in mind; to promote and sustain a healthy community, healthy environment, healthy economy and healthy people. The plan was developed in accordance with a public participation plan specifically created to ensure engagement with citizens of all ages and backgrounds, business owners, associations, planning and zoning commissioners, neighboring jurisdictions, regional and state agencies. With more than 2,000 comments and ideas received during the public participation process, Pima Prospers is the product of successful community outreach and partnering. The plan covers most aspects of county services, fully recognizing that achieving balance between economic development, social well-being, and environmental protection is critical to a sustainable community. The Environmental Planning Element calls for analysis, policies and strategies to address anticipated effects of implementation of plan elements on natural resources. Conservation actions are promoted and protection of biological resources is considered an essential component of land-use planning. The Sustainable Plan for County Operations directs and supports the more than 200 employees from 30-plus departments that work together to integrate sustainability efforts into ongoing county operations. Identified within the Plan are nine key sustainability focus areas: (1) Minimizing the Carbon Footprint of County Government, (2) Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency, (3) Green Building, (4) Alternative Fuel Vehicles, (5) Water Conservation and Management, (6) Land Conservation and Management, (7) Waste Reduction, (8) Green Purchasing, and (9) Health and Wellness. A five-year implementation timeline was developed for each of these key areas, along with a defined baseline and specific action items. Quantifiable goals were developed so that progress can be regularly measured and improved. The Sustainable Plan for County Operations has been a vital guide for improving operating efficiency, conserving resources and reducing environmental impact. Highlights of the 2014/15 annual plan update included the following achievements:
Since 2009, the county has increased its solar energy portfolio from zero megawatts to 9.6 megawatts, enough to meet nearly 11 percent of its annual electricity consumption. As a result of these and other sustainable efforts, Pima County has saved an estimated $1.9 million in energy costs, avoided 15,000 metric tons of CO2 emissions, conserved 9.5 million gallons of water, and helped to produce 1,087 local jobs. Another component of sustaining a healthy community is the preservation of our history. Pima County is rich in history, cultural diversity, living traditions and regional character with Native American, Spanish Colonial, Mexican and American traditions creating a unique and multi-storied cultural landscape. The Pima County Cultural Resources & Historic Preservation Division honors this heritage through preservation policies, land-use planning, ordinances and public outreach. This program considers the broadest definition of cultural and historical resources to include archaeological sites, historic sites and buildings, traditional cultural places, living traditions and working landscapes. Preservation of our past sets the foundation for conservation of our future. Bringing all of these programs and departments together is a formidable task for any agency. Recognizing this challenge, the Pima County Public Works Department instituted the Capital Improvement Program Advisory Council (CIPAC). This group of individuals from various public works departments meet monthly to determine what programs are underway, how these initiatives align inter-departmentally, and review internal processes for continuous improvement. Presentations have included a wide variety of topics including multi-species conservation, procurement policies, native plant preservation, alternative energy projects, budget discussions, and project management training. These meetings provide an open forum for individuals within the different public works departments to work together on issues that promote efficient use of county resources. Working together is something that we must all do in order to preserve the world’s finite resources and to sustain truly healthy and vibrant communities for future generations. More information on these programs can be found at www.pima.gov.
Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport Update Article by Brian Sexton, Public Information Officer, Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport
Located in Mesa, Arizona, Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport is the 45th busiest airport in the U.S. measured by total landings and takeoffs (214,409 operations in 2015) and 102nd in total passengers served. Gateway currently serves 38 nonstop destinations for commercial passengers, 1.3 million passengers in 2015. To keep the Airport operating safely and efficiently, much attention is given to capital improvement projects. Current/recent construction projects include: Taxiway Charlie Extension Phase II: Construction on a 3,610’ by 75-feet-wide taxiway extension is complete. The $5.4 million project to construct the new taxiway improves access to the eastern runway and was wholly funded by Gateway’s Passenger Facility Charges-routine fees that airports charge passengers to fund infrastructure upgrades and other improvements.
North Apron Reconstruction Phase I, II & III: The reconstruction of the north apron pavement was bid. The total project covers an area of the apron approximately 1,000,000 square-feet. Bids were received from eight (8) contractors with the award going to CSW Contractors, Inc. Runway 12 Center/30 Center Asphalt Overlay: Approximately 112,000 square yards of asphalt pavement on the center runway was identified to be in need of rehabilitation. The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) is funding 90% of the $1.13 million project cost.
Tower Siting Study: The study’s recommendation for the preferred tower replacement site is 400’± northwest of the current tower, with a controller eye level height of 164, and a tower cab size of 550 square feet. This is 60’± higher than the current controller eye level height and doubles the tower cab square footage, allowing for additional controller positions and equipment. Next steps include completing an environmental assessment on the recommended tower site along with planning for tower design funding. Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Northeast Area Development Plan (NADP): This project provides a complete environmental assessment for the future Northeast Area Development Area (future passenger terminal development area). The draft EA has been submitted to the regional FAA office for review. The completed EA is expected by December 2016 after which development can occur on the site. The first proposed project is the relocation of the Ellsworth Channel to open up an additional 70 acres of developable property. Gateway has engaged a program manager to assist in programming the new terminal area. CIP Program: Gateway has approved an $18 million Capital Program for Fiscal Year 2017 that increases to approximately $50 million over the next 5 years to facilitate growth at the airport. enVision Gateway: As part of a strategic initiative called enVision Gateway, the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport Authority (PMGAA) hosted more than one hundred leading international and national airport developers, operators, and investors; as well as other aviation-related companies to Mesa, Arizona on April 5-7, 2016 for a three-day event designed to create awareness and educate aviation industry leaders about the robust regional economy and the many development opportunities available at Gateway Airport. PMGAA is now in the process of developing a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for a Master Development Agreement for the Gateway Aerospace Park and the Ellsworth Road Retail Area.
With more than $132 million in Federal grants and $25 million in ADOT grants since the Airport Authority began in 1994, PMGAA’s investment in capital assets has paid huge dividends to the communities it serves. In fact, a recent economic impact study determined Gateway Airport provides over $1.3 billion in economic impact to the Arizona economy annually and supports over 10,400 jobs. Combined with connecting air travelers to 38 nonstop destinations via Allegiant Air and having 1,000 acres of available land for future development, Gateway Airport is positioned to lead the Phoenix East Valley in economic development for years to come. INDUSTRY NEWS Tempe Town Lake Day The City of Tempe (City) held a dedication ceremony on Saturday, May 14th for the new dam and celebrated “Tempe Town Lake Day”. The ceremony was held at the Tempe Center for the Arts, and the public was invited to go out and learn about all of the features the lake has to offer, including water activities like boating and kayaking. Even with this day being the hottest day of the year, they still had somewhere between 1,500 and 2,000 people attend.
Civiltec Engineering Celebrates Its 30th Anniversary
2016 marks the 30th anniversary of Civiltec Engineering, Inc., a professional civil engineering services firm based out of Monrovia, California with additional offices in Prescott, and Peoria, Arizona. "Together, we are still building Civiltec. The sign out front of our offices always indicates 'under construction’," said President David Byrum. "Since 1986–and especially in the last decade–we have added unrivaled expertise to our staff, introduced leading-edge technology to the way we accomplish our services, fully developed our seven service lines, and taken the steps necessary to solidify ourselves as engineering industry leaders in Southern California and Arizona." "We incorporated the firm in 1986 and trekked into a world of the unknown," said Founder Rick Shroads. "In looking back at the history and making of Civiltec, from a one-room, 400-square-foot office overlooking Foothill Boulevard in Pasadena to our 30th anniversary, it offers one a peace of mind and solace to know that every person involved in our company–past and present–has created a sense of goodness for fellow employees and the clients we have been so privileged to serve," Shroads concluded. To view more thoughts and reflections from longtime Civiltec employees on their years of service with Civiltec, please visit www.civiltec.com/30th-anniversary. MEMBER NEWS
2016 Arizona Statewide Conference Each summer the Arizona Chapter holds its statewide annual conference where members and non-members can exchange information, socialize and learn from each other and technical experts. Visit the conference website for information and registration. www.azapwa2016conference.com Highlights include:
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New Member Spotlight Name and Title: Arnab Gupta, Sr. Project Manager With APWA Since: 2015 Describe your job responsibilities: I manage Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) projects for AECOM from the Phoenix office. I am responsible for developing technology solutions to efficient utilization and management of our built infrastructure. I also work closely with other offices in the region (Salt Lake City, Orange, Portland) to support business development efforts by meeting clients and sharing best parctices. In addition, I coordinate with other technical groups within AECOM such as Planning, Highways, Transit, and Aviation to provide custom technology solutions for that vertical. What was your favorite project to work on in the last 10 years? My favorite project over the last 10 years has been the Central Phoenix/East Valley Light Rail Transit project. I was part of the General Engineering Consultant team for the project and was involved with the modeling of the system, design of the advanced signal priority for the system, and coordination with various vendors and contractors for the installation of the system. It was great to see what we designed on paper come to fruition and change the landscape of the transportation system in the Valley of the Sun. The other project that comes close as a favorite is the Seattle Active Traffic Management project. As part of the design team, it was great to see how we took a successful European system and adapted it to our needs. Where have your travels taken you? Over the last two years I have been to various cities throughout the world. These have included Beijing, Shanghai, Moscow, Prague and Bangkok. I saw firsthand the excellent mass transit system at each of these cities. However, what takes the cake is my journey from Beijing to Shanghai on the High Speed Rail. Name one thing not many people know about you: The most relaxing activity for me is cooking a meal for family and friends. Peter Rupal, PE Joins City of Phoenix The City of Phoenix recently hired Peter Rupal, PE as the Engineering Supervisor in the Street Transportation Department, Design & Construction Management Division. With 35 years of civil and geotechnical/materials experience, Peter is responsible for overseeing the materials laboratory and survey groups at the City. Peter’s background has been on the private side with 22 years here in Arizona, 10 of which included owning his own geotechnical firm, Acura Engineering. Peter is excited to be working at the City and gaining a new perspective on helping the community. Christopher Salas, PE Joins Town of Florence
Michael Gleason Joins Entellus
APWA NEW MEMBERS
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The Town of Florence has hired Christopher Salas, PE as their new Public Works Director. Chris brings 12 years of experience in both the private and public-sector including six years with the City of Maricopa as their Capital Improvement Manager and then City Engineer. Most recently, Chris spent four years at the engineering firm Wood, Patel & Associates, Inc. There he was initially a Project Manager, and later Transportation Division Manager. In addition to serving as the Public Works Director, Chris is also the Town Engineer and is looking forward to getting to know the community and the dedicated staff in the Town of Florence Public Works Department.
Entellus, Inc. is pleased to announce that Mike Gleason, PE has joined the firm as our Development Services Market Leader for Arizona. Mike has 17 years of increasing experience and responsibility in the Arizona Land Development market. Mike will further develop and strengthen our architect, homebuilder and developer relationships within the subdivision, master-planned communities and mixed-use markets. Recognizing the improving land development market, Entellus launched the search for a strategic additional key team member last year. Mike will focus on delivering timely, innovative, and cost-effective site/civil infrastructure and drainage solutions to our clients in Arizona. "I’m confident our clients will benefit from and recognize the value in working with Mike. He is a technical expert with excellent organizational and communication skills. Mike will be a tremendous advocate for our clients and their projects” said Tim Crall, P.E., Entellus President. Mike earned his Bachelor’s of Science in Engineering at Arizona State University. 
