Inside News - December 2022

Newsletter

September, October, November, December Issue - 2022

IN THE HEADLINES: Federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill Brings $13.9B to Texas

Inside this issue

Firm Wins

By Alex Marquez Technical Writer

President Biden’s $1.2T Infrastructure Bill was passed in 2021 with bipartisan support. The bill will allot approximately $35B to Texas over a five year span with 2023 slated to receive $13.9B. Texas officials announced in

November that roughly $10B from the federal funds would go towards improving the State’s roads and bridges, while the remaining funds will go to improving public transportation and airports, and efforts to better weatherize the State’s homes. Although funds have been allocated, State agencies still need to determine which infrastructural improvement projects will be prioritized.

Check out our 30+ wins for this quarter, including big wins from the CoSA Bond program!

Winter is Coming

Forecasters anticipate an unpredictable winter ahead. Find out how you can prepare.

PCI Happenings

See what’s happening around the firm, from BBQs to Halloween costumes to Thanksgiving!

LETTER FROM THE CEO A

s we bring 2022 to a close, we not only complete our 40th year of business, but end a year that came with many changes and some big project wins. Our biggest wins to date for 2022 have included TxDOT’s Schematic/Environmental/ PS&E contract for the Corpus Christi District, which will include the FM 624 project in Callahan, TX; CoSA’s On-Call Environmental GMA contract; the City of New Braunfel’s River Road project, as part of the Transportation IDIQ contract, and their Cost Estimating Task Order; and CoSA’s Frio City Road project as part of the 2022 General Bond. Our year also includes several wins as a subconsultant, including over 20 wins for the CoSA Bond programs alone. I thank each of you for your hard work and commitment to providing high-quality services to our clients.

Furthermore, we recognize and stand with you in light of recent staffing shortages. I want to assure you that this issue is not exclusive to PCI, but rather an on-going issue in our industry. We continue our efforts in encouraging aspiring engineers, from high school into higher education, to pursue work in civil engineering, land surveying, and the earth sciences. We have maintained active job postings on various online platforms and we strongly encourage you to reach out to friends, colleagues, and fellow alumni who may have applicable credentials to consider for employment within our firm.

As a business with strong family values, we hope you enjoy this coming holiday season with relaxation and safe travels. Take time to unplug, spend time with friends and family, and give thanks for all the blessings. As we enter the holiday season, know that we at PCI are thankful for each of your contributions and look forward to ringing in 2023 with more success! Happy Holidays and Happy New Year, PCI Family!

CEO

Upcoming PCI Birthdays

January

Mariano Arredondo — Jan. 1

Jeffrey Suarez — Jan. 14

Robert Elizondo — Jan. 14

John Garza — Jan. 20

February

Alex Marquez — Feb. 1

Hugo Tzintzun — Feb. 13

Matthew Holmes — Feb. 16

Robert Cardenas — Feb. 21

March

Fernando Camarillo — Mar. 1

Lena Camarillo — Mar. 1

Rick Arias — Mar. 2

upcoming Years of service

January *Years

Lena Camarillo — 15 years

Jose Diaz — 11 years

February

Fernando Camarillo — 21 years

Hector Delgado — 15 years

Marilu Lobato — 9 years

Jackie Lopez — 9 years

Rebecca Chavez — 5 years

Dwaine Vann — 1 year

March

John Garza — 34 years

Warren Brown — 6 years

Robert Elizondo — 1 year

firm wins

AWARD

CoSA - Frio City Road Outfall Phase 1 (FY22-27 Civil Bond)

Role: Prime

03

05 04

06 07

AWARD

Role: Prime Hemisfair - Environmental Review

AWARD

Role: Sub to AECOM

AWARD

Role: Sub to Halff

AWARD

Role: Sub to Garver

TxDOT (SAT) - CEI I-35 NEX South

TxDOT (FTW) - SE I-30

Civil Engineering Environmental Public Involvement Surveying Public Involvement

Civil Engineering Environmental Public Involvement Surveying 02 01

Civil Engineering Environmental Public Involvement

TxDOT (AUS / FW) - PS&E Statewide Environmental Surveying

AWARD

Role: Sub to Halff

AWARD

Role: Sub to Beacon

City of Bee Cave - FY23 On-Call and As-Needed Engineering Services

Civil Engineering Environmental Public Involvement Surveying

AWARD

TxDOT (DAL) - 5x5 SE Public Involvement Civil Engineering 08

Role: Sub to Lamb-Star

AWARD

Role: Sub to SEA

CoSA - N. Frio Bike/Ped Improvements (FY22-27 Civil Bond)

CoSA - Citywide Bridge Improvements (FY22-27 Civil Bond)

Civil Engineering Environmental Public Involvement 09

Civil Engineering Environmental Public Involvement Surveying

Firm Wins (con’t)

AWARD

Role: Sub to Cobb-Fendley

11

CoSA - Dist. 7 Neighborhood Sidewalk Improvements (FY22-27 Civil Bond)

AWARD

Role: Sub to KFW

CoSA - George Road Low-Water Crossing (FY22-27 Civil Bond)

Civil Engineering Environmental Surveying

Surveying

12

AWARD

Role: Sub to Garver

CoSA - Jones Maltsberger Road (FY22-27 Civil Bond)

13

AWARD

Role: Sub to BGE

CoSA - Old Hwy 90 Phase 2 (FY22-27 Civil Bond)

Civil Engineering Public Involvement Surveying 14

AWARD

Role: Sub to KCI Technologies

CoSA - Roosevelt Avenue (FY22-27 Civil Bond)

Civil Engineering Environmental Public Involvement 15

AWARD

Role: Sub to DE Corp.

AWARD

Role: Sub to Legacy Eng. Group

AWARD

Role: Sub to Quiddity

AWARD

Role: Sub to Pape-Dawson

AWARD

Role: Sub to SanchezSalazar & Assoc.

AWARD

Role: Sub to MIG, Inc.

CoSA - Covel Road (FY22-27 Civil Bond)

CoSA - Babcock Road (FY22-27 Civil Bond)

Civil Engineering Public Involvement 16

CoSA - Evans Road Improvements Phase I Street & Draiange (FY22-27 Civil Bond)

CoSA - Culebra Road (FY22-27 Civil Bond)

CoSA - Abe Lincoln SUP LF (FY22-27 Civil Bond)

CoSA - Hemisfair Blvd. Phase 3 (FY22-27 Civil Bond)

Civil Engineering

Surveying

Civil Engineering 17

Civil Engineering Environmental Public Involvement

Civil Engineering Environmental Public Involvement

Surveying

AWARD

Role: Sub to SanchezSalazar & Assoc.

AWARD

Role: Sub to Dunaway

CoSA - Pinn Road SUP LF (FY22-27 Civil Bond)

CoSA - Dist. 7 Parks (FY22-27 Landscape Architectural Bond)

Civil Engineering Environmental Public Involvement

Civil Engineering Surveying

AWARD

Role: Sub to Kimley-Horn

Role: Sub to MIG, Inc.

AWARD

Role: Sub to SWA

AWARD

CoSA - Classen-Stubing Ranch Park (FY22-27 Landscape

Architectural Bond)

CoSA - Harlandale Park (FY2227 Landscape Architectural Bond)

CoSA - Southside Lions Park (FY22-27 Landscape

Architectural Bond)

Civil Engineering Surveying

Public Involvement 25

Role: Sub to Dunaway

AWARD

Role: Sub to Dunaway

AWARD

Role: Sub to Kimley-Horn

AWARD

Role: Sub to MarmonMok

AWARD

Role: Sub to Kimley-Horn

CoSA - Pipers Meadow Park (FY22-27 Landscape

Architectural Bond)

CoSA - Timber Ridge Park (FY22-27 Landscape

Architectural Bond)

CoSA - San Pedro Springs Park (FY22-27 Landscape

Architectural Bond)

University Health System - AE Design Services for Prototype Hospital

TxDOT (SAT) - PS&E Services

Civil Engineering Surveying

Civil Engineering Surveying 27

Public Involvement

Civil Engineering Surveying

Civil Engineering Surveying

Role: Sub to Stantec

TxDOT (SAT) - PS&E Services

Civil Engineering

Role: Sub to JMT

TxDOT (SAT) - PS&E Services Surveying

Winter is coming

Tips on Winterising Your Home to Protect Pipes, Avoid Heat Loss

By Alex Marquez Technical Writer

February 13-17, 2021 brought a winter storm to the southern half of the nation not seen since the 1980s. Thousands in Texas experienced the week with several feet of snow, power outages, and business closures. In the weeks afterwards, insurance companies would see a rise in claims for interior water damage due to pipe bursts. Homes and residences wouldn’t be able to make these repairs due to pipe shortages. All in all, winter storm Uri proved that

residents in Texas were woefully unprepared for the ice and snow.

Although little can be done to ensure the Texas power grid can sustain another winter blast, there are a few things you can do to prepare your home for the months ahead.

Protect the Pipes

As Texans learned nearly two years ago, the biggest threat to your home during the winter is hidden within the walls. Protect your interior piping system by properly insulating portions that can be susceptible to freezing. Exposed pipes should be protected before the first

day of freeze, where the temperature falls below 32°F. Pool noodles and zip ties can be found for cheap at your local dollar store and used to insulate exterior and in-ground spouts, as well as indoor piping that is exposed to the cold in your attic and/or basement. Check that the condensate lines and/or drain lines of your air conditioner unit are also properly insulated and protected from the cold air.

Clean the Gutters

While it’s important to maintain your home’s gutters so water can be redirected away from the foundation

of the house in the spring, gutters should be checked for proper drainage in the winter to prevent water/ice build-up. An ice dam forms when there is a buildup of ice in your gutters that prevents water from flowing off your roof and instead causes it to pool and refreeze. If the water doesn’t refreeze, it seeps into your roof and causes water damage.

Before the first freeze of the season, be sure to remove any dirt, debris, or leaf build-up in your gutters. Flush out the gutters with water to ensure that all obstructions are removed.

Seal Up Air Leaks

The easiest way to experience heat loss in your home is through holes and cracks in the doors and windows. Inspect window and door frames for gaps or drafts. Use caulking around windows, weather stripping around doors,

and check that the flue to your home’s chimneys are closed when not in use.

Prepare the Heating System

Once you’ve checked that heat loss is minimal, it’s time to check your actual heating systems. Whether your heating system runs on gas, electricity, or firewood, it’s always best to do an inspection of your system before you hit a time in the year where you’re entirely dependent on it. Furnaces, boilers, and chimneys should be serviced once a year, especially after they’ve gone without use for an extended period of time.

In addition to that, inspect your home’s smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they have fresh batteries and are operating properly.

Clear the Yard

Preparing your home for winter also extends to the yard surrounding your house. If there are trees around the roof, have them

trimmed from any weak or dead branches. Ice or snow build-up can cause limbs to break and fall, potentially damaging your roof, car, or people.

Cover plants that can be damaged from a hard freeze, or move potted plants inside. Salt sidewalks and driveways to prevent ice build-up and/ or slips and falls. Once the exterior piping of your home has been covered, store any hoses in the garage or shed to prevent freeze damage to them.

Winterising your home doesn’t just protect the home while you cozy up inside, but also while you’re away for extended trips. Prior to travelling, be sure to shut off water and heating to prevent pipe freezes or gas leaks. Have a neighbor or friend regularly check the home for any issues while you’re away. Doing the little things now can ensure you don’t spend the holiday season more stressed than you need to be.

New to PCI

JEFF HALL, RPLS SURVEY PROJECT MANAGER

Jeff joined PCI’s Surveying Department in October as a Survey Project Manager. Jeff graduated from Hawkeye Community College in Waterloo, IA where he began his surveying career, founding his own surveying company, before transitioning to Texas. He previously worked as a Director of Government and Utilities for L.W. Survey where he supervised projects nationwide. In his free time, Jeff enjoys barbequing with friends and family and riding his Harley-Davidson out on the open road!

jhall@pozcam.com

ABRAHAM SAAVEDRA SURVEY INSTRUMENT MAN

Abraham joined PCI’s Surveying Department as an Instrument Man. He is a local San Antonian and graduated from Brackenridge High School. He joins PCI with over 10 years of surveying experience and was a Party Chief for several local surveying companies. He has continued his professional development by taking survey courses at Houston Lonestar. In his free time, Abraham enjoys traveling with his wife and three kids.

asaavedra@pozcam.com

JOHN MENDOZA ENGINEER IN TRAINING

John joined PCI’s Civil Engineering Department as a fulltime Engineer in Training. He began his career as an intern here at PCI and, after recently attaining his bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering at UTSA, has been promoted to an Engineer in Training 1. He will officially start on January 16th after taking a break to celebrate these two major accomplishments and prepare for his EIT exam. Congrats, John!

jmendoza@pozcam.com

Employee Spotlight

Congrats to Jacob Berger, PE! In October, Jacob applied for several TxDOT Pre-certification categories after recently attaining his Professional Engineering license. With one application, Jacob was able to demonstrate his experience and expertise to be approved for all work categories! The categories include:

• 3.2.1 – Route Studies & Sch. Design

• 4.2.1 – Roadway Design

• 4.4.1 – Freeway Interchanges

• 4.6.1 – 3D Visualization & Animation Svcs

• 4.5.1 – Constructability Review

• 8.1.1 – Signing, Pavement Marking and Channelization

• 11.7.1 – Construction Schedule Support – Schedule of Roadway Design

• 18.2.1 – Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE Investigations)

• 18.3.1 – Utility Adjustment Coordination

• 18.4.1 – Utility Engineering

• 18.5.1 – Utility Construction Mgt & Verification

• 18.6.1 – Utility Mgt & Coordination Oversight

On December 10, 2022, Lianna Ybarra graduated from the Alexander Briseño Leadership Program! For the past seven months, Lianna has been working with her action team: Team Urbanization to define a problem and come up with a solution to improve downtown and other areas of San Antonio. During her seven months in the program Lianna has been able to expand her leadership skills learning about Mr. Briseño’s philosophy of “gerencia con corazon”, by practicing leadership with compassion/heart. Congratulations, Lianna!

On September 22, 2022, Rebecca Chavez was featured in the Society for Marketing Professional Services (SMPS) San Antonio Chapter blog. Her and five other Certified Professional Services Marketers (CPSM) discuss how they prepared for the CPSM exam and the impacts the certification has had on their careers. Congrats, Rebecca!

Congratulations to the following employees for their recent promotions!

• Lianna Ybarra - Promoted to Public Involvement Specialist 2

• Dwaine Vann - Promoted to Survey Technician 2

• Robert Cardenas - Promoted to Survey Technician 2

• Hugo Tzintzun-Flores - Promoted to Engineer in Training 1

• Kailey Butler - Promoted to Environmental Specialist 2

• John Mendoza - Promoted to Engineer in Training 1. Congratulations on your recent graduation from UTSA, John!!

PCI Happenings

On October 29th, PCI participated in the 8th Annual UTSA BBQ Cook-off in support of the school’s College of Engineering. PCI showed up ready to enjoy some amazing BBQ and meet aspiring engineers!

PCI Happenings (con’td)

PCI Happenings (con’td)

PCI employees submitted their Halloween/Fall family photos for a chance to win a prize for the PCI Halloween Sweepstake. Hugo Tzintzun, Josie Berger, and Kailey Butler each won a $50 gift card for their submissions!

Kailey Butler

Hugo Tzintzun

Jacob and Josie Berger

PCI Happenings (con’td)

Halloween photo submissions also came from Beto Camarillo (top left), Rebeccca Chavez (top right), Dwaine Vann (bottom left), and Jackie Lopez (bottom right). PCI families welcomed the Fall season in spooky AND fun ways!

PCI Happenings (con’td)

Fernando and Lena Camarillo hosting an event for Bexar County Judge, Peter Sakai.

Hugo’s daughters, Christina and Valeria, release their new mariachi album!

Lena answering questions at the SH 16 (Bandera Road) public meeting held Oct. 26, 2022.

PCI Happenings (con’td)

Fernando and Lena celebrated their daughter, Claudia’s White Coat Ceremony at Texas A&M Dental School in Dallas. She is pictured with her parents (left) and her proud grandparents, Alicia and Beto Camarillo, Sr. (right).

Hugo following the Camarillo recipe and cooking his first Thanksgiving brisket!

Alex’s first Christmas tree in her first house!

PCI Happenings (con’td)

Marilu’s Thanksgiving feast with the family!

PCI Happenings (con’td)

Isaiah DeLeon’s Christmas 2022 Family Photo!

Will and his fiancé, Feliza, at the SEA Anniversary Event.

Will celebrates his birthday at the office. Happy Belated Birthday, Will!