ENGINEERING AND PUBLIC WORKS
FISCAL YEAR 2023
ANNUAL REPORT
Message From the County Engineer
As we reflect on the accomplishments and challenges of Fiscal Year 2023, I am pleased to share with you the highlights of our department’s efforts in engineering and public works. This past year has been marked by significant achievements, driven by our unwavering commitment to our strategic objectives, prioritizing safety and delivering impactful projects.
The Engineering and Public Works Department (EPW) plays a pivotal role in enhancing the county’s infrastructure to support economic growth and improve quality of life. From road expansions and bridge rehabilitations to traffic monitoring and storm drainage system maintenance, our projects have a lasting impact on our communities within Palm Beach County. Our focus on safety and infrastructure improvements ensures community well-being and prosperity. EPW is laying the foundation for a vibrant and prosperous future by prioritizing sustainability and resilience in our infrastructure improvements.
Tracking our performance through enterprise key performance indicators (eKPI) has been instrumental in assessing our progress and identifying
David L. Ricks, P.E.
areas for improvement. In FY 2023, we monitored key metrics such as project timelines, budget adherence, customer satisfaction and sustainability targets. By leveraging data-driven insights, we were able to make informed decisions and adapt our strategies to better meet the evolving needs of the residents in Palm Beach County.
Our core values of teamwork, accountability, quality, innovation, positivity and integrity are at the heart of our department’s operations. Upholding these values has been fundamental to our decision-making processes, project execution and interactions with stakeholders. By maintaining a culture of transparency and professionalism, we aim to foster trust within our team and with the communities we serve. Our department prides itself on fostering a culture of collaboration, continuous learning and personal growth. By investing in our team members and recognizing their contributions, we have cultivated a supportive environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to excel.
I want to express my sincere gratitude to each member of our EPW team for their dedication, hard work and unwavering commitment to excellence. Together, we have achieved remarkable milestones in FY 2023, and I am confident we will continue to build upon our successes in the coming year.
Thank you for your continued service and dedication.
David L. Ricks, P.E. County Engineer, Palm Beach County Engineering and Public Works Department
Vision, Mission & Core Values
PBC Strategic Priorities EPW By the Numbers EPW By Divisions Awards and Recognition Employee Appreciation 10
7 8 EPW Strategic Plan 24-Hour Snapshot Organizational Chart Five-Year Road Program & Operating Budget
PALM BEACH COUNTY STRATEGIC PRIORITIES
The Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners (BCC) serves as the legislative and policy-setting body for county government, enacts countywide laws and authorizes programs and all expenditures of county funds. In 2015, the BCC approved the development of a long-term strategic plan for the county, and by 2018, six priorities were identified, and the county’s vision and mission were redefined. County staff implemented the priorities and six cross-departmental teams were established to work together towards these long-term goals and objectives to make Palm Beach County the best place to live, work and play.
Part of the countywide strategic plan was addressing one of the significant issues of how to break down silos and encourage departments to work closer together on common goals and priorities. With the approval of County Administrator Verdenia C. Baker and through the facilitation of Keith Clinkscale, Director of Strategic Planning and Performance Management, six cross-departmental high-performance teams have been organized. These teams represent a new structure of intentional collaboration of county departments to work together to share and collaborate on a given strategic priority.
EPW is proud to serve on two of the six strategic priority cross-departmental teams – Environmental Protection and Infrastructure. Each team kicked off by establishing their team’s mission, goal, and potential metrics, as well as team members selected team leaders. County Engineer David Ricks serves as one of the co-leaders of the Infrastructure team, along with Water Utilities Director Ali Bayat and Regina Hagger from Information Systems Services. EPW’s Assistant County Engineer Steve Carrier serves on the Environmental Protection strategic team. After the conclusion of a fiscal year, each team presents their accomplishments to the PBC Management Team and BCC during a board meeting, and they receive feedback in preparation for next year’s focus on moving from outstanding to a culture of excellence.
Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners (left to right): Michael A. Barnett; Maria G. Marino, Vice Mayor; Marci Woodward; Sara Baxter; Maria Sachs, Mayor; Mack Bernard; Gregg K. Weiss; County Administrator Verdenia C. Baker
FY 2023 Cross-Departmental Teams Collaborative Projects
TEAM
Goal
FY 2023 Project INFRASTRUCTURE
Increase resiliency and sustainability of infrastructure
Continue to preserve existing infrastructure and deliver new infrastructure that conforms to the latest industry standards
Create safe, healthy, and attractive neighborhoods and communities
Increase multimodal travel opportunities with safe and efficient transportation services
Stormwater GIS infrastructure mapping database process 90% completed
Electrify transportation – Electric Vehicle (EV) chargers at county facilities, electric vehicle integration for county fleet and EV charging stations installed at Palm Tran’s South County facility for electric buses
Infrastructure GIS portal showing current and past projects, such as new roads, water pipe installations and renovations, etc.
50,000 linear feet of bike lanes added or refurbished
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION TEAM
Goal
Promote healthy, vibrant beaches
Maintain diverse, resilient ecosystems
Protect and support human health, safety, water quality, and quality of life
FY 2023 Project
1.5 million cubic yards of sand restored to the county’s beaches (sand volume would fill 161 Jupiter Lighthouses!)
57,781 environmental volunteer hours (this includes beach, park and natural area cleanups)
1,605 miles of street sweeping to avoid stormwater blockages/flooding
Ensure positive environmental experiences for residents and visitors
Promote sustainable, resilient practices and principles
Preserve and enhance our thriving agriculture
Community environmental outreach – 1,050 events offered by Parks & Rec, 78 programs offered by Library System, 10,292 youth participants in Mounts Botanical Garden programs and over 7,500 participants attended ERM’s LagoonFest & Natural Areas Festival
Energy efficiency – 2,363 streetlights converted to LED and 288 light fixtures at parks upgraded to LED
Urban horticulture outreach – 239 educational events with 5,597 participants
EPW
Vision
Engineering Infrastructure for the Future
Ensuring Palm Beach County Residents Enjoy Safe, Efficient, and Reliable Infrastructure Mission
Values
TEAMWORK
We work together to solve problems.
ACCOUNTABILITY
We always step up to the plate to get the job done. We take ownership and give credit where credit is due.
QUALITY
We take pride in what we do. We strive to be professional, thorough, careful and courteous.
INNOVATION
Explore when a better way presents itself.
POSITIVITY
It’s an attitude! We enjoy what we do and take the time to celebrate with our team.
INTEGRITY
We conduct ourselves in an ethical, moral, honest and honorable way.
Strategic Plan 2022-2027
In 2017, EPW began the journey of reorganization through the creation of a strategic plan to enhance performance, create a culture in which all employees can flourish and deliver exception service to the residents of Palm Beach County. Strategic priorities were developed to capture the voices of the department by incorporating multiple stakeholder groups to actively determine the path forward for EPW. In order to achieve our mission, EPW established three strategic teams during FY 2023 to oversee each of the guiding principles: safety, efficiency and reliability. Each strategic team carefully crafted objectives and performance measures in order to meet these three areas of focus and also incorporated the department’s enterprise key performance indicators (eKPI) metrics. Moving forward the teams are working the process through EPW’s current strategic plan for the next five years until 2027.
STRATEGIC TEAMS
Efficiency Safety
Team Leader: Scott Cantor
The efficiency team focuses on particular department objectives such as employee appreciation, operating procedures, professional development and best practices prioritizing recognition, streamlining operations, fostering growth and implementing industry-leading methods to drive success. Through these strategic initiatives, the team not only strengthens cohesion and morale but also cultivates a high-performing culture.
Team Leader: Wildad Salomon
The safety-focused strategic team is dedicated to departmental training, certification, maintenance and promoting a healthy workspace to ensure a comprehensive approach to safeguarding personnel and property. Through these objectives, the team mitigates risks and cultivates a workplace conducive to productivity and well-being.
Reliability
Team Leader: Matthew King
The reliability strategic team prioritizes information systems, mobile applications, cross-training and reliable maintenance to enhance operational dependability. By optimizing information systems, the team ensures seamless data management and communication channels. Cross-training initiatives mitigate risk by fostering versatile skill sets among team members.
Capital Improvement & Five-Year Road Program History
Since the inception of the Five-Year Road Program in 1985, Palm Beach County has focused on building the network, but we are now also obligated to maintain what has been built. The Five-Year Road Program was established by ordinance 85-40 to set forth the road projects to be funded, designed and constructed by the county within the next five years. Funding sources for these projects include gas taxes, impact fees, infrastructure sales tax, proportionate share fees, grants and interest earnings. Recent direction from the BCC approved the required ordinance change of the Five-Year Road Program to be combined with the overall Capital Improvement Program as of August 2023. The department’s major capital project is the Five-Year Road Program. In FY 2023, we allocated $72,195,000 to the Five-Year Road Program based on approved capital projects.
Five-Year Road Program FY 2023 Funding Sources
1.8%
$18,387,000 $1,328,000
Total = $72,195,000
$72,195,000
$52,480,000
The county’s annual budget provides a comprehensive overview of its financial plans and priorities for the upcoming fiscal year. It outlines projected revenues, expenditures, and allocations across 30 departments and programs. The review and adoption of the annual budget is one of the BCC’s most important policy-making responsibilities. The County Administrator balanced a nearly $6.7 billion budget in FY 2023. Through careful planning and strategic investment, the county aims to enhance public services, promote economic growth, and improve its citizens’ overall quality of life.
In FY 2023, EPW exhibited fiscal stewardship with a budget exceeding $68 million, reflecting its unwavering dedication to advancing its mission and serving its constituents in Palm Beach County. EPW’s budget fund relationship consists of general funding, special revenue funding and capital funding. Through financial planning and reporting, EPW’s budget for the year exemplified a balance between fiscal responsibility and investment in critical initiatives.
7:00 am 6:00 am
Streetscape Section staff inspect pump stations and review daily Irrigation Hydro Report.
EPW professional engineers meet to review railroad maintenance agreements with contractors. 11:00 am
8:00 am
Onsite EPW construction coordinators meet contractors on the bridge deck for a rebar inspection prior to concrete pouring.
pump stations 9:00 am
Motor equipment operator goes on his weekly ditch maintenance route.
PLANNING & DESIGN
EPW professional engineers meet with consultants to review 96% roadway design plan submittals.
Land Development staff reviews and signs off on zoning approvals zoning approvals
COUNTY ENGINEER AND DEPUTY COUNTY ENGINEER
Motor equipment operator goes on his weekly route to maintain ditches.
Bridgetender starts their night shift. 8:00 pm
1:00 pm
The Bridge Section staff performs scheduled inspection and maintenance on drawbridge. Maintenance requires coordination with the Traffic Division to close down lanes in order to mobilize equipment.
Overnight traffic construction team responds to traffic signal cabinet knockdown.
pm 3:00 am
EPW surveyors out in the field verifying elevations for a road construction project. 24/7
Project coordinators on site monitoring the mix accuracy and asphalt temperature, spread rate and cross slopes for compliance with specifications.
CONSTRUCTION & MAINTENANCE
EPW fiscal team reviews, logs and approves budget availability statements for an upcoming project.
Traffic striping team striping the roads after paving.
CREWS
The overnight traffic construction team responds to a work order to fix a broken traffic
CHART OF EPW
2555 Vista Parkway Vista Parkway
EPW Operates Out of Three Main Offices:
Number of EPW Staff:
580 State Market Road
2300 North Jog Road
469
EPW Has Staff On:
24 Hours a Day 7 Days a Week
7,913 Trees maintained which sequester 100 tons of carbon per year and reduce heat from roadways Miles of
25 Milling Roadways
Lane Miles of Paved Road
Miles of Asphalt Pathways
THE NUMBERS
1
1,320
8 Swing Bridge Bascule Bridges Acres of Mowing miles
291
2,200 Fixed Bridge Structures
180 CCTV Installations of Sidewalk
1,307
40 Miles of Shell Rock Roads miles of fiber optic communications network for the county’s Intelligent Transportation System Streetlights Maintained
470
11,574 Traffic Signals & Flashers
Administrative Services serves as the essential connecting piece for our organization.
The Administrative Services Division of EPW plays a pivotal role in facilitating the department’s mission and operational efficiency. As a cornerstone of support, this division oversees a spectrum of crucial functions essential to the smooth functioning of EPW’s daily operations. Its responsibilities encompass a wide array of tasks, including human resources management, financial administration, procurement and public information services. The division is also responsible for the departmentwide policies and procedures and coordinates information technology and facility needs. The Fiscal Section manages financial resources, overseeing budgetary allocations, expense tracking, and financial reporting to ensure fiscal accountability and transparency. Through strategic financial planning and management, the Fiscal Section contributes to EPW’s financial stability and facilitates the efficient utilization of resources to support organizational objectives year-round.
On the other hand, the Public Information Services Section serves as the primary interface between EPW and the community it serves. This section is responsible for sharing information about EPW’s initiatives, projects, and services with the public through various communication channels. From crafting press releases to managing EPW’s social media platforms and organizing public outreach opportunities, the Public Information Services Section plays an integral part in fostering transparency, engagement and community trust. By effectively communicating EPW’s mission, accomplishments and opportunities for involvement, this section enhances public awareness and support for EPW’s endeavors.
Together, the Fiscal Section and the Public Information Services Section within the Administrative Services Division synergize efforts to help ensure financial integrity and promote meaningful engagement with stakeholders, contributing to EPW’s overall success and impact within the county.
Kenny Rampersad
DIVISIONS Streetscape
Transforming mere streets into vibrant community canvases, the Streetscape Section of EPW brings urban dreams to life. The Streetscape Section stands at the forefront of enhancing the aesthetic appeal, functionality and safety of public spaces within our community. With a dedicated focus on providing well-designed, safe and sustainable beautification in the medians of 150 miles of unincorporated area thoroughfare roadways in order to supplement the urban forest and enhance our environment. Through diligent planning, design and implementation, the streetscape team strives to enhance the driving experience for those traveling the beautiful roads in our county in a cost-effective and responsible way.
Carl Bengtson has served on the Board of Directors of Keep Palm Beach County Beautiful, Inc. (KPBCB) for over a decade and is responsible for producing the annual report. He helps guide this certified non-profit affiliate of Keep America Beautiful in serving Palm Beach County. The organization is dedicated to enhancing the community’s appearance and sustainability through various initiatives and programs. These include litter prevention, waste reduction, recycling, community beautification and environmental education.
KPBCB encourages community involvement through cleanups, neighborhood beautification, volunteering and educational programs. They host two major environmental cleanup events: The Great American Cleanup in the spring and the International Coastal Cleanup in the fall. In the last fiscal year, the Coastal Cleanup covered an area of over 164 miles in 21 separate events at 84 different locations and collected over 10.5 tons of litter!
Other programs the organization promotes include: “Adopt-a-Highway” (State), “Adopt-a-Road” (County), “Adopt-a-Park” (County), “Adopt-a-Street” (Municipal), and “Adopt-a-Spot” (Solid Waste Authority). KPBCB assists Palm Beach County schools through grants for gardens, recycling programs, or other assistance within its focus areas, among other programs.
7,913
15O MILES trees, sod and irrigation system BEAUTIFICATION = OF MEDIAN
72 PUMP STATIONS MAINTAINED DAILY
CARL BENGTSON Section Manager
Construction Coordination
CONSTRUCTION COORDINATION MANAGED
26 ROADWAY PROJECTS TOTALING
The Construction Coordination Division of EPW serves as the cornerstone for the successful implementation of infrastructure projects essential to our county’s growth and development. With a focus on overseeing construction activities, managing project timelines, and ensuring adherence to quality standards, this division plays a vital role in bringing EPW’s vision to fruition. The Construction Coordination Division ensures that EPW construction projects are completed safely, efficiently, and within budget through meticulous planning, effective communication, and close collaboration with contractors and other stakeholders. The division oversees a diverse portfolio of projects that enhance our county’s infrastructure, from thoroughfare roads and bridges to minor street improvements and Department of Housing and Economic Development projects. In the past fiscal year, the Construction Coordination Division has successfully navigated challenges, mitigated risks, delivered impactful projects that meet our community’s evolving needs, and continued executing major improvement projects that are still in the works into the following year.
COMPLETED PROJECTS:
FL Mango Road from Edgewater Drive to Barbados Road
2015520 Project Number:
The project consists of the removal and replacement of the FL Mango Bridge over the Lake Worth Drainage District L-8 Canal and road widening of FL Mango Road from Edgewater Drive to Barbados Road.
Work Began: February 22, 2022
Project Completion: November 2023
$2,944,204.48
Lyons Road to Lake Worth Drainage District L-14 Canal
Project Number:
2010504B & 2007500A
This project included the construction and widening of Lyons Road to a multilane divided roadway north of LWDD L-14 Canal to L-11 Canal. This project also consisted of new sidewalks, curbs, medians and stormwater management system installations.
Work Began: December 7, 2020
Project Completion: May 2023
Original Contract Agreement Sum : $7,135,789.08
Land Development
Within EPW, the Land Development Division stands as a driving force behind our community’s transformation and sustainable growth. Tasked with coordinating EPW’s review of land use applications, zoning regulations, and development projects, this division plays an essential role in shaping the physical landscape of our county. From residential and commercial developments to public infrastructure projects, the division facilitates responsible growth that enhances the overall quality of life for our residents.
Over 1,400 Permits Issued (Right-of-Way, Utility and Landscape)
194 BASE BUILDING LINE WAIVERS
39 PLAT APPROVALS
212 LEGAL LOT REVIEWS
Days to generate first comments letters to utility applications
Improved process efficiency by
Despite representing only 4% of EPW’s workforce, this division covers a wide range of responsibilities comprised within four sections: Zoning, Platting, Right-of-Way Permitting and Special Projects. The Zoning Section reviews applications submitted through Palm Beach County’s Planning and Zoning Divisions, which include site plans, subdivision plans, master plan approvals, annexations and land use, and map and text amendments. The Platting Section oversees the subdivision of land and land development permit issuance. Processes of right-of-way permit applications for construction within county-maintained rights-of-way are processed through the Permitting Section of Land Development. Meanwhile, the Special Projects Section processes plat waivers, lot combinations, assists the other sections as needed, and processes items that go to the Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners. Land Development’s involvement starts at the early planning phases of private developments, through construction and to the close out of development projects.
Scott Cantor
Road and Bridge
Adam Faustini Division Director
Road and Bridge, one of EPW’s larger divisions, oversees the monumental responsibility of maintaining all county-owned roads and bridges within Palm Beach County. This division is a cornerstone of our efforts to ensure safe, reliable and efficient movement for residents and visitors alike. Organized into four specialized sections, Road, Bridge, Stormwater, and Construction, the division addresses a comprehensive
range of infrastructure needs, each of which contributes uniquely to the division’s overall mission. Their routine operations and maintenance tasks expand beyond just road resurfacing and operating bascule bridges. They also involve maintaining storm drain systems and drainage ditches and operating our area’s north and south inlet sand transfer pumping stations.
ROAD SECTION
The Road Section is responsible for the construction, repair, and maintenance of both local and arterial county-owned roadways. This team ensures that the county’s roads are safe and smooth and that they are capable of handling the daily traffic demands. Over the past fiscal year, the Road Section has successfully completed several key projects, including resurfacing major thoroughfares and cleaning drainage ditches with our fleet of specialized equipment in order to prevent significant flooding along our roadways. These efforts have not only improved travel conditions but also enhanced the overall safety for motorists and pedestrians.
STORMWATER SECTION
The Stormwater Section plays a crucial role in operating and managing the county’s stormwater road conveyances, swales, ditches and supporting infrastructure. This team designs and implements drainage solutions to prevent flooding, protect water quality and mitigate the impacts of heavy rainfall. Key accomplishments this year include the installation of advanced stormwater management systems in flood-prone areas and the regular maintenance of existing infrastructure. This section helps safeguard public and environmental health by effectively managing stormwater systems.
81,090 ft
185 REMILLED lane miles in FY 2023 drainage structures cleaned
3,094
LINEAR FEET OF DRAINAGE PIPES CLEANED
BRIDGE SECTION
The Bridge Section focuses on inspecting, maintaining and rehabilitating the county-owned bridges – eight bascule bridges and one moveable swing bridge. Ensuring structural integrity and safety is paramount, and this team works diligently to perform regular inspections and necessary repairs. In the past fiscal year, the Bridge Section has undertaken significant projects such as installing Closed-Circuit (CCTV) cameras on the Cato Bridge (CR-707) in Jupiter, the first bridge to feature the new systems. These cutting-edge cameras serve as an additional monitoring tool to oversee site conditions above and below the bridges, including pedestrians, cyclists, motored vehicles, and marine vessels, triggering alerts for immediate action when any presence is detected. Improvements like this should help improve our bridge safety efforts from all perspectives, from the roadways to the waterways within Palm Beach County. These projects are essential to maintaining uninterrupted connectivity and ensuring the long-term durability of the county’s bridge network.
CONSTRUCTION SECTION
The Construction Section oversees the execution of various infrastructure projects, ensuring they are completed on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards. This team coordinates with contractors, manages project timelines, and ensures compliance with all regulatory requirements. Key year-round projects include the annual resurfacing program, construction of new asphalt pathways, and the enhancement of road safety by installing traffic calming devices such as speed bumps and roundabouts. The section has made significant progress in incorporating ADA ramps on our sidewalks in an effort to achieve countywide ADA compliance. The Construction Section’s meticulous project management has been instrumental in delivering impactful projects that meet Palm Beach County’s evolving needs.
Federally mandated annual bridge inspections completed
YEAR-ROUND RESURFACING PROJECTS
ADA COMPLIANCE EFFORTS
Looking ahead, the division is committed to continuing its work with a focus on sustainability, innovation, and community engagement. Future goals include expanding the use of green infrastructure in stormwater management, incorporating new materials and technologies in road and bridge construction, and enhancing public outreach to better understand and address community needs. Through strategic planning, diligent execution, and a steadfast commitment to public service, the Road and Bridge Division continues to play a pivotal role in shaping a resilient and thriving urban landscape. The division’s achievements over the past year highlight the importance of its work and set the stage for continued success in the years to come.
By integrating advanced technology, strategic planning, and hands-on management, the Traffic Division works tirelessly to improve traffic flow, enhance safety and support the county’s growing mobility needs. In order to keep travelways flowing within Palm Beach County, this division is divided into two primary sections: Traffic Engineering and Traffic Operations, each playing a crucial role in managing and enhancing our transportation infrastructure.
TRAFFIC ENGINEERING SECTION
The Traffic Engineering Section is responsible for the planning, design, and implementation of traffic control measures and infrastructure improvements. As well as overseeing the design of new and upgraded/modified traffic signals and flashers. This team conducts detailed traffic studies, analyzes data, and develops solutions to address congestion, enhance safety, and improve overall traffic efficiency. Key initiatives over the past year have included the redesign of high-traffic intersections to reduce congestion and the implementation of new traffic signal timing plans to optimize flow. The traffic engineering team also collaborates with urban planners and developers to ensure new projects meet the county’s traffic management standards. Innovative projects spearheaded by this section include the introduction of smart traffic signals that adapt to real-time traffic conditions, the development of comprehensive bike lane networks, and pedestrian safety enhancements at key crosswalks. The Traffic Engineering Section plays a pivotal role in shaping a safe, efficient, and sustainable urban transportation network by employing cutting-edge technologies and data-driven strategies.
TRAFFIC OPERATIONS SECTION
The Traffic Operations Section handles the practical aspects of maintaining and improving the county’s traffic control infrastructure, which isn’t a small feat as they are responsible for maintaining more than 1,200 streetlights and more than 2,500 intersection lights. This section oversees the management of our sign shop, the installation and repair of traffic signals, and the maintenance of all traffic control devices. The sign shop is dedicated to producing and installing high-quality traffic signs that are essential for safe and efficient road usage. Traffic signal repairs and installations are another critical component of the traffic operations section. The team is responsible for ensuring all traffic signals function correctly and efficiently. This involves routine maintenance, emergency repairs, and the installation of new traffic signals at key intersections to improve traffic flow and safety. As well as being responsible for the installation and maintenance of the pavement making, including striping, flexible delineator and raised pavement markers. The operations team has successfully upgraded several intersections with advanced signal systems, reducing wait times and enhancing coordination across the network.
Mo Al-Turk Division Director
ADOPT-A-ROAD
The Adopt-A-Road (AAR) Program allows interested groups to “adopt” a county roadway section through an agreement. When a group adopts a road, they are expected to perform at least four litter removals along their roadway segment per year throughout the two-year agreement. The county recognizes these groups by installing two AAR signs acknowledging them and providing them with the necessary supplies. The Traffic Division oversees the AAR program and in 2023, they oversaw the activity of 41 adopted road segments. There were 52 litter removal events, and approximately four tons of litter were collected from the adopted roadway segments. After each event, the groups leave the collected trash by their AAR signs, and our Road and Bridge Division is contacted to dispose of the collected litter.
GROWTH MANAGEMENT
The Traffic Division coordinates the implementation of the county’s Traffic Concurrency Ordinance and the enforcement of the County Traffic Performance Standards. Traffic concurrency is intended to ensure that the county’s major roadway system is upgraded as needed to accommodate the growing traffic impact due to new large developments, including residential, commercial, and industrial land uses. The Traffic Division provides recommendations for future capital projects to be programmed into the department’s Five-Year Road Program to build new roads and/or upgrade/expand existing roads.
The Traffic Division’s comprehensive approach, combining both engineering expertise and hands-on operational management, is essential to EPW’s mission of maintaining a safe, efficient, and reliable transportation network. By continually improving traffic control measures and infrastructure, the division not only addresses current challenges but also prepares for future growth and demands within Palm Beach County. Ensuring that our transportation systems are capable of supporting a vibrant and dynamic urban environment.
13 corridor retiming projects conducted & 5 signals upgraded of total incorporated area traffic studies reviewed within 30 working days of receipt
Roadway Production
Morton Rose Division Director
At the heart of EPW’s mission to ensure the safety, efficiency, and connectivity of our road network lies the Roadway Production Division, a dedicated force initiating the planning and design phases essential for successfully executing roadway projects within the county. By leveraging technology and best practices, the division administers, coordinates, schedules, and monitors the design, right-of-way acquisition, and preparation of contract documents, bidding, and construction of the county’s Five-Year Road Program.
Serving as the nucleus of EPW’s transportation infrastructure efforts, this division is meticulously organized into several key sections, each with a specialized focus. The Local Roads Section has a wide variety of responsibilities but is primarily focused on maintaining and improving the network of residential and lower-volume roads, ensuring safe and smooth travel for everyday commuters. Meanwhile, the Thoroughfare Roads Section focuses on major arterial routes that facilitate high traffic volumes, enhance connectivity, and reduce congestion across the county. The Special Projects Section handles unique and complex initiatives that often require innovative approaches and customized solutions when reviewing different roadway improvement projects and studies. The Contracts Section manages the procurement and oversight of external contractors, ensuring that projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards. Lastly, the Right-of-Way Section oversees the acquisition and management of land necessary for public infrastructure projects, ensuring legal compliance and smooth project progression. Together, these sections of the Roadway Production Division work in unison to uphold EPW’s commitment to building and maintaining a robust and reliable transportation network.
92.5% 94.25%
Craig Pusey Division Director
Within FY 2023, EPW welcomed the newly added Survey Division to the department, thanks to County Administration, to help address the need to maintain the highest quality surveying products and compliant review services with an emphasis on high-quality service to the public. The establishment of this new division represents a strategic enhancement to our county’s infrastructure planning and development capabilities. This division is tasked with conducting precise land surveys and geospatial analysis essential for informed decision-making in all EPW projects. However, the Survey Division provides a full range of surveying services for other PBC Departments and outside agencies as well, such as for parks, county airports, Environmental Resource Management,
FEMA, county real estate acquisitions, Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, and infrastructure projects throughout Palm Beach County.
130 Survey
Maintains over 5,500 Control Markers
By utilizing advanced surveying technology and methodologies, the Survey Division provides accurate data that underpins the design, construction, and maintenance of
Right-of-Way
Easement Compliance Reviews Performed
235 New Development Compliance Reviews
27
public works. From mapping out new construction sites to verifying property boundaries and assessing topographical features, the division ensures that all projects are grounded in reliable and detailed spatial information. They also maintain and coordinate a countywide network of horizontal and vertical control monuments that is utilized by both the public and private sectors for projects throughout the county. This control network helps surveyors maintain consistency along historical boundary lines and for future design considerations and is one of the largest networks in the State of Florida. In its inaugural year, the Survey Division has significantly contributed to the efficiency and accuracy of EPW’s operations, fostering better project outcomes and supporting the overall mission to improve community infrastructure. As detailed in this annual report, the establishment of the Survey Division marks a pivotal step forward in our commitment to excellence and precision in public works.
Department Awards
COUNTY ENGINEER DAVID RICKS,P.E. SERVES AS SECRETARY FOR THE FACERS ASSOCIATION
Florida Association of County Engineers & Road Superintendents (FACERS) is a not-for-profit organization affiliated with NACE (National Association of County Engineers) and FAC (Florida Association of Counties). The mission of FACERS is to provide instructive and entertaining programs of interest to its members and to provide an organization through which the public works programs may be coordinated among Florida’s counties, municipalities, and other governmental agencies. David Ricks has had the honor of serving as the organization’s Secretary since April 2023.
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF LAND DEVELOPMENT OLIVE BAILEY,P.E.
AWARDED ENGINEER OF THE YEAR BY THE FLORIDA
ENGINEERING SOCIETY
Olive Bailey, P.E., Assistant Director of the Land Development Division at EPW, was honored as the 2023 Florida Engineering Society Palm Beach Chapter Engineer of the Year. At the awards banquet on September 21, 2023, Bailey was celebrated for her extensive contributions to both the Florida Engineering Society and the community at large. Notably, during her tenure as Chapter President in 2011-2012, she revolutionized the organization’s culture by introducing the “Each One, Bring One” initiative, aimed at encouraging seasoned engineers to involve young professionals in the society. Bailey’s dedication extended to establishing a mentorship program at Florida Atlantic University, facilitating connections between students and industry professionals to support their career development. Additionally,
she has played key roles on various committees, notably the Scholarship Committee, which has awarded $15,000 to local students under her guidance. Remarkably, Bailey’s passion for such initiatives stems from her own experience benefiting from similar programs, fueling her commitment to nurturing the next generation of engineers.
Pictured left to right: George Beck, Scott Cantor, Fattoush Jafar, Olive Bailey, Joanne Keller, Patrick Lear.
and Recognitions
EPW RECOGNIZED AT THE 26TH ANNUAL SAFETY AWARDS LUNCHEON
On April 14, 2023, Palm Beach County EPW staff attended the 26th Annual Safety Awards Luncheon hosted by the Safety Council of Palm Beach County, Inc. EPW received a Special Recognition Award for the creation of our Safety Committee. Our team is dedicated to ensuring safe workspaces for both our residents and employees. Through the collaboration of our Safety Committee and Strategic Safety Team, we have been able to achieve our safety goals successfully. Among the notable achievements of the Safety Committee are the organization of quarterly meetings with emergency coordinators to review protocols, the development of a data-tracking system for monitoring injuries and accident reports, and the creation of a comprehensive database to track safety training for all department staff members.
MOBILITY WEEK IN PBC PROCLAMATION
On October 3, 2023, Mayor Gregg K. Weiss presented a proclamation declaring October 27 to November 4, 2023, as Mobility Week in Palm Beach County. Mobility Week is an ideal time to highlight achievements, introduce new initiatives and implement new policies promoting sustainable transportation. EPW has been diligently working on multiple projects to provide a safe and reliant infrastructure for the safety of all commuters and pedestrians in Palm Beach County.
NATIONAL PUBLIC WORKS WEEK PROCLAMATION
In the spirit of honoring the unsung heroes behind the scenes, Commissioner Maria Marino presented a proclamation declaring May 21-27, 2023 as National Public Works Week in Palm Beach County, marking the 63rd annual commemoration of this important week. This proclamation aims to shed light on the vital role played by public works professionals in safeguarding the public health, safety and welfare of our community.
Golden Palm Awards Department Awards
EPW Secures $13.4 Million FDEP Grant for Australian Avenue Project
After EPW reviewed design alternatives along the Australian Avenue corridor project, it was determined that the actual need of the corridor was not additional travel lanes for capacity improvements as initially planned but to alleviate longstanding drainage issues along the corridor. The Australian Avenue project was earmarked for Infrastructure Sales Tax (IST) funding; however, at a cost of over $28 million to construct, EPW needed to find additional funding sources for this project to come to fruition. Through the Office of Resilience’s assistance and the outstanding efforts of our Roadway Production team, a successful application for a $13.4 million grant from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection was secured. This grant was crucial to supplement the funds needed to bring the project to fruition. Hui Shi, Holly Knight, Kathleen Farrell and Megan Houston were key contributors to this significant win for Team PBC!
Restoration of Ballpark Drainage Ditch Conditions
Charlesworth Jarvis, Josue Lozada, Michael Thomas, Michael Popple, and Dan McDiarmid re-established the drainage ditch along the north perimeter of the Ballpark of the Palm Beaches site, which was completely overgrown with trees and other vegetation. The adjacent housing complex contributed to the neglect by throwing bags of household trash and waste over the fence and filling the ditch. The Road Section mobilized a piece of equipment known as the Menzi Muck, operated by Charlesworth Jarvis, and initially cleared access through the overgrown vegetation, removing the cuttings and excessive garbage. However, the site conditions only allowed access for loading and hauling of material from the west end of the ditch. This challenge made the project more labor and time-intensive. Over a two-month period, Josue Lozada, Michael Thomas, and Michael Popple removed and hauled 22 loads of debris and trash weighing 157.41 tons for proper disposal. Dan McDiarmid completed the project by cleaning the adjacent walking path and removing any remaining debris. Ultimately, this project restored the proper drainage flow and corrected a potentially serious health issue for the local residents, as well as patrons and employees of the Ballpark facility.
and Recognitions
Jog Road at Beeline Highway Rough Railroad Crossing
County Railroad Coordinator Kristine Frazell-Smith and Technical Aide Daqaree Bartels-Gremling were notified of a resident’s complaint regarding a rough railroad crossing at Jog Road owned by CSX. After two years of pushing CSX and FDOT to find a solution, Kristine and Daqaree persuaded FDOT to address the railroad crossing issue at Jog Road. After much deliberation, FDOT agreed to include the crossing in their ongoing Beeline project, which involved resurfacing and implementing new safety Dynamic Pavement Markings, thereby correcting and updating the rough crossing in question. The county’s Road and Bridge Division had initially estimated the internal cost of fixing these issues to be around $30,000 for construction, an additional $3,300 for staff costs, and approximately $8,000 for County Attorney review fees for required agreements. Thanks to Kristine’s and Daqaree’s determination, the problem was resolved in the most cost-effective manner, ensuring optimal conditions for public safety. Daqaree and Kristine were recognized for their persistence and for ensuring FDOT included the improvements to the CSX railroad crossing at Jog Road in the most efficient and economical way by including the work in their current Beeline project.
Creation of Stormwater Management Team
Santiago (Jimmy) Valdez, Stephen Bickhardt and Cody Hayes from Road and Bridge received the 2022 Golden Palm Award for their efforts in the development of a Stormwater Management Section. The goals of this section are to better serve the community through stormwater maintenance, enhanced environmental management, and maintained compliance with the Florida (DEP) NPDES mandate. The new section required a maintenance team and the acquisition of industry standard equipment: a CCTV van and accessories (unfamiliar to the Road and Bridge staff). Current employees, Jimmy Valdez and Stephen Bickhardt, were selected as equipment operators for the new Stormwater Section, while Cody Hayes was interviewed and selected as the new Stormwater Supervisor. Although these three employees had very little collective experience in the complex procedures required to manage and operate the brand new stormwater program, they took the initiative to field-shadow Water Utilities Department staff and with their own passion and willingness to learn the new skills, they built an operation from the ground up. Their significant efforts and passion are being recognized with this incredible Palm Beach County honor!
Employee of the Quarter EPW EMPLOYEE
Based on Our Core Values:
Celebration Culture
At EPW, we pride ourselves on fostering a celebration culture! Central to this culture is our Employee of the Quarter Awards, in which we all come together to celebrate and recognize those who have made exceptional contributions to the department. These awards not only acknowledge outstanding work performance but also inspire others to strive for excellence. Recipients are not only recognized in front of their peers but are also rewarded with meaningful incentives, further motivating them and their colleagues to continue pushing the boundaries of success.
All employees are encouraged to nominate any coworker that they believe deserves this recognition!
Team members recognized receive a commemorative plaque, one-day incentive leave slip and a VIP parking spot for the quarter!
The nominations are based on our EPW Core Values. Each nomination is meticulously sifted through, carefully considering how well the nominee embodies these values in their everyday work. The Employee of the Quarter Awards symbolizes the organization’s commitment to valuing its employees while reinforcing the sense of community and pride permeating throughout the department.
Annual Employee Appreciation Event
Every year, EPW sets up a committee that plans and recruits volunteers to help make the event as memorable as possible.
The event has evolved over time to hold a theme. This year’s theme was “I love EPW!”
EPW’s highlight of the year, EXCELERATE, is the ultimate celebration for all its hardworking employees. Once a year, the department organizes this memorable event to give its team a well-deserved break from their daily grind. With good food, awesome tunes to groove to, and an energetic atmosphere, Excelerate isn’t just about saying thanks – it’s about strengthening those bonds and having a blast together. It’s the kind of appreciation event where work titles take a backseat and everyone comes together as one big EPW family. Excelerate 2023 brought together more than 275 attendees to the county-owned and operated Okeeheelee Park on February 14, embracing the theme of “I Love EPW!”
Employee of the Year EXCEL ERATE 2023
At each Excelerate, we take the opportunity to shine a spotlight and reveal the Employee of the Year winner, who has been carefully selected from our Employee of the Quarter roster for the year.
This segment is a thrilling part of the event, in which we celebrate this significant recognition among all our colleagues. This year, the honor went to Daniel Doucette. Beyond his exceptional work ethic, Daniel demonstrated extraordinary bravery by rescuing someone trapped in a burning car.
Department of Engineering and Public Works
Palm Beach County
Board of County Commissioners
Maria Sachs, Mayor
Maria G. Marino, Vice Mayor
Gregg K. Weiss
Michael A. Barnett
Marci Woodward
Sara Baxter
Mack Bernard
County Administrator
Verdenia C. Baker
Deputy County Administrator
Patrick Rutter
Engineering and Public Works Department
David Ricks, P.E., County Engineer
Joanne Keller, P.E., Deputy County Engineer
Steve Carrier, P.E., Assistant County Engineer
