In May’s Top 10 “Best states to raise a family” column, WalletHub analyst Cassandra Happe’s last name was incorrectly noted as Hope. The Municipal regrets this mistake and any confusion it might have caused.
18 Focus on Public Works: The Hamilton, Ohio, Public Works Department recognized with accolades
22 Focus on Public Works: Newport News simulator helping with new hires and maintaining equipment
26 Focus on Public Works: Advancing quality of life for all: Communities commemorate National Public Works Week 2024
Focus on Public Works: Shrewsbury, Mass., concludes Toblin Hill Bridge project
Focus on Public Works: New real-time systems manage drainage and flooding in Edinburg
42 Public Safety: Police Proximity Project connects officers to the community
48 Parks & Environmental Services: New Bedford parks boast impressive programming, access to recreational space
52 Building & Construction: Old and new construction coexist in Bowling Green public services building
56 Municipal Management: Reflections on the total eclipse in Russellville, Ark.
60 Parks & Environmental Services: Eyes, ears and light cut crime in Columbus parks
62 Building & Construction: State community housing program makes Statesboro’s horizon brighter
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Meet our Staff
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Jennifer Barton, Beth Anne Brink-Cox, Lauren Caggiano, Nicholette Carlson, Denise Fedorow, Danielle, Lund, Janet G. Patterson, Julie Young
Tipping our hats to public works
Public works departments can go under the radar. The services they ensure run smoothly are often taken for granted. Thankfully, National Public Works Week shines a light on the varied work these professionals do from day to day, while hopefully drawing future generations to this essential profession. Public works positions offer so many opportunities and variations it really can be a profession for almost everyone. Prefer working outdoors, check. Not a fan of the outdoors? There’s still work for you in public works. No matter what skills you hold, there is likely a position in public works that is right up your alley.
During the week of May 19, cities pulled out the stops to celebrate their public works departments. One only has to search for #PublicWorksWeek to discover a host of photos, videos, employee spotlights and more. I highly recommend doing that
search since it is fascinating to peek into cities’ public works departments, as it were. Plus, some videos are very entertaining and creative!
In this issue of The Municipal, writer Julie Young shares Santa Ana’s Public Works Week celebration, which saw the city take a threepillar approach. The result? What looks like a lot of fun all while connecting residents with the people who work to advance their quality of life. There were also free tacos, which are always a plus! With an entire year to plan for the next National Public Works Week, Santa Ana’s efforts might spark some ideas to pursue in your own municipality.
This public works issue also features public works departments across the country’s achievements or innovative approaches. For instance, Newport News, Va., has implemented a new simulator training program for four of its public works divisions, which will help employees stay up to date on heavy equipment. Writer Denise Fedorow shares that the same system helps hirers determine potential job candidates’ abilities with heavy equipment in a safe environment. As technology and artificial intelligence continue to develop, more municipalities will probably bring simulations and virtual reality on board for training. With the pace AI is pushing
forward, I imagine we will be amazed by its offerings in under a decade.
Speaking of technology, The Municipal writer Nicholette Carlson spoke with Edinburg, Texas’s, public works department, which is using sensors in its ditch system to manage flooding proactively. While the system hasn’t had a powerful storm to fully test it yet, it looks to be a sound investment for the city.
The Municipal will also spotlight Hamilton, Ohio’s, public works department and its many achievements, including recently receiving the System Operational Achievement Recognition from the American Public Gas Association for its commitment to excellence in the areas of system integrity, system improvements, safety, and workforce development. We’ll also visit Shrewsbury, Mass., and its Toblin Hill Bridge project.
Happy Fourth of July, everyone! And be sure to tip your hats to your public works staff members for all they do. M
Sarah Wright | Editor
Montage Enterprises:
Surpassing the expectation in mower parts
By JODI MARLIN | The Municipal
If there is a constant during the spring and summer, it’s the wave of never-ending mowing. Highways, ditches, right-of-ways, parks and other municipal and DOT properties all require routine trimming to improve motorists’ visibility and the quality of public property.
Finding parts to keep all those mowers running can be a challenge a challenge no one has time for, which is why parts supply became a specialty of Montage Enterprises some 40 years ago.
Montage Enterprises was started by the management team of the East Coast Distributor for Mott® brand mowers. The distributorship created a manufacturing company that built and delivered to Mott® the first over-the-guard-rail boom mowers sold in the United States and was the first to introduce hydraulically operated wing mowers in their marketing area.
This innovation evolved into Montage Enterprises, which is, to this day, the leading supplier of factory-direct roadside mower replacement parts.
The parts replacement leader
While most mower dealers offer parts for the machines they sell, replacement parts are less expensive from Montage. No matter the brand of mower, Montage’s 30,000-square-foot warehouse has the parts you need in stock. And if your location is in the Northeast, the part will arrive tomorrow! Other locations take just three to five days days to arrive.
But having the exact manufacturer’s part available, on demand, is not enough for Montage. In order to be the superior choice in commercial mower replacement parts, the company dedicates itself to offering parts that are even better than the original equipment manufacturer.
“Often we can make it better,” said Vice President Dave Montanya. “If we can craft it with a better grade of material, we do. We want to sell a better product.”
“We guide ourselves by the questions, ‘Does this product meet or exceed our expectations? Will it meet or exceed yours?’ That’s what drives us. It’s why we’re here.”
That dedication to customer satisfaction may also be the reason Montage Enterprises’ business has tripled in the last six years.
Montage Enterprises’ guiding principle has been to provide innovative products of the highest quality at the lowest possible prices. Backing the smart engineering is top-of-line customer service: Calls are always answered by a live representative, parts in their catalog are always in stock, and they ship the same day with no minimums.
Ninety-nine percent of the time, Montage is a good fit for smaller departments. Montage also offers quantity discounts and free freight
Pictures of demos from 1970 to current. (Photo provided by Montage Enterprises).
Blades are always in stock. Hundreds of thousands are shipped to customers every season. (Photos provided by Montage Enterprises).
on qualified orders, which is part of why the company is part of more state buying programs and more co-ops than most of its competitors.
Flail mowers: Power, safety and durability
Organizations need a mower that can handle the jobs before them safely and efficiently. To achieve this, most DOTs prefer flail mowers over rotary mowers.
Montage prides itself in its American-built products, and Montanya noted, “We have equipment to suit everyone’s need.” The company’s customers are varied, comprising DOTs, towns, counties, municipalities and contractors.
In addition to offering parts for the most popular brands of municipal mowers Alamo, Tiger, Diamond, Bomford, John Deere and McConnel in 2014, Montage chose to expand its product depth by becoming a manufacturer of its own flail mower line known as KUT-MOR Flail Mowers.
Montage’s KUT-MOR flail mower is intelligently engineered to solve customers’ day-to-day challenges. The result is a proactive mowing solution that improves performance and durability, with lighter but strong high-grade steel, precision alignment, a thicker protective hood, thicker heavy-duty cuttershaft and heavy-duty all-edge knives. It is a mower deck designed to last many mowing seasons when properly maintained while requiring fewer parts replacements in its lifetime. Its reinforced deck still maintains a sleek design.
For those working in rugged conditions, the KUT-MOR’s high-grade steel construction sets it apart from competitors that lean on heavier materials, which add extra weight without increasing durability. KUTMOR’s higher-grade steel is both lighter and twice as strong, containing fewer impurities. Durability is further added into the KUT-MOR flail mower through its cuttershaft, which features an enlarged diameter and expanded wall that’s almost twice the thickness of competitor’s products. Not only does this provide more mass and cutting power, but it also allows the cutter shaft to “jump” over roadside hazards without bending the shaft.
The gearbox’s assembly is uniquely paired with a precisely aligned pinion gear that engages the spiral ring gear with greater contact surface, providing a more efficient transfer of power and torque to the cuttershaft with minimal vibration. Excessive vibration leads to poor performance and eventual mower malfunction, not to mention discomfort for the driver.
Montanya noted that Montage as well as KUT-MOR Flail Mowers is a part of multiple state contracts and purchasing programs. “There are plenty of ways for customers to purchase our equipment.” He added, “We also attend several industry trade shows across the country and are available for demonstrations. Just call us to set one up.”
Get to know Montage Enterprises
Montage attends the American Public Works Association Conference yearly and displays at other industry events as well, such as the New England Public Works Expo, and the NYS Highway & Public Works Expo. Contact Montage Enterprises regarding a replacement part for your mower by visiting montageent.com or calling 866-4FLAILS. Or tell them you would like to see the KUT-MOR flail mower in action they will schedule a demo at your site.
“We love seeing current and prospective customers,” Montanya said. “Plus, we are always giving out free merch and swag, so if you are in the area, please stop in to see us!”
Workers assemble bearings by hand for various mowers. (Photo provided by Montage Enterprises).
Mowers being checked for quality assurance before shipping to customers. (Photos provided by Montage Enterprises).
Edisto Island:
Hidden gem of the South Carolina Lowcountry
By JULIE YOUNG | The Municipal
ABOVE: Edisto Island Beach State Park in South Carolina is a scenic place to spend the day away from the cares of the world. (Photo by See1,Do1,Teach1 via Wikimedia Commons; creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)
TOP PHOTO: Edisto Island’s Botany Bay Trail is a coastal wildlife refuge that offers a breathtaking mix of natural beauty, historical charm and ecological diversity. (Photo by G2Absolem via Wikimedia Commons; creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)
Located approximately 45 minutes south of Charleston at the end of US 174, Edisto Island, S.C., is not only one of the state’s largest barrier islands, but also the kind of place where time stands still. Rich in Native American history and noted for its lack of commercialization, Edisto Island offers a Lowcountry lifestyle and a treasure trove of unique experiences for residents and visitors alike.
“Edisto is … a wonderful place — so peaceful, beautiful, laid back, and everyone is so nice,” Jackie Sinclair said in a Facebook review of the island.
Historic roots run deep
Although shell midden evidence suggests that archaic cultures lived on South Carolina islands as early as 2000 B.C., Edisto Island is most commonly associated with the historic Edistow people, a subtribe of the Cusabo people who harvested and grew crops in the area from 1550 to 1750. The first English settlers arrived in the late 1600s and, together with the indigenous population, helped export a record amount of rice to European and Caribbean merchants.
During the American Revolution, many planters fled the island for the mainland, leaving Edisto, or “Locke Island” as it was known in England, vulnerable to the British, who destroyed property and sold many slaves to the West Indies.
After the war, sea island cotton became the primary crop and brought a wave of prosperity to wealthy Edisto Island landowners, who relied on the unpaid labor of enslaved Africans for their largess. These men and women developed the creole Gullah language and a culture in the Lowcountry that is not only distinctive for its African traditions but also remains prevalent in South Carolina today.
Edisto Island Museum is a haven for history buffs who want to learn more about this fascinating area of the South Carolina Lowcountry. (Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons)
During the Civil War, General Lee saw the coastal islands as virtually indefensible and ordered all landowners to evacuate. The slaves that were left behind were essentially freed until the Battle of Little Edisto established Union troops on the island, forcing the remaining slaves to St. Helena Island, about 18 miles away. When the war was over the slaves returned, hoping to claim property from the Freedmen’s Bureau as President Abraham Lincoln had promised: President Andrew Johnson reversed that decision, however, and returned the land to the original owners.
While some of the former slaves continued to work on the plantations as free men, others organized cooperatives to purchase land and continue making significant contributions to the island culture.
Relax and unwind
Folks who have traveled to Edisto Island tout it as a hidden gem of the South Carolina coast and the perfect place to relax and unwind. There are no traffic lights, no high-rise buildings and no large commercial chains to disrupt the local ambiance. Even the speed limit tops out at 35 miles per hour.
Despite the slow pace, there is something for everyone, even the most active members of the family. Craving outdoor recreation? Be sure to visit Edisto Island Beach State Park or Botany Bay Plantation. Looking to play a round of golf? The Plantation Course offers a wellmaintained scenic course with multiple teeing areas according to skill level. Want to take a peek into the past? Head out on the Indian Mound Trail or check into the Edisto Island Museum and don’t forget to stop in the Edisto Island Serpentarium to get up close and personal with the local wildlife.
With a population of 2,000 residents, Edisto Island is awash in talented artists and crafters whose work is carried in a number of locally owned and operated galleries and gift shops. Dining out is also a
Folks looking for fresh produce can stop by King’s Farm Market on Edisto Island. The community is known for its small businesses and its lack of commercialization. (Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons)
memorable experience, with oysters available in the fall and winter months, crab in the summer and shrimp year-round. Edisto Island is known for its beach casual and upscale dining options such as SeaCow Eatery, The Waterfront Restaurant and McConkey’s Jungle Shack.
“McConkey’s Jungle Shack is a great place to eat. It has wonderful food, good service and the atmosphere is amazing,” said visitor Shane Kannamacher. “Kids love to play eye spy of things on the walls.”
With indulgences for the body, mind and spirit, every day on Edisto Island feels like a vacation for residents and visitors alike. M
The Edisto Island National Scenic Byway offers a moss draped canopy of oak trees that welcome residents home and guests to their laid back vacation destination. (Photo by G2Absolem via Wikimedia Commons; creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)
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Santa Ana, Calif., has 330 employees within its public works department. The city joined others across the U.S. and Canada in celebrating National Public Works Week with a celebration that raised awareness of what those employees do to benefit the entire community.
50
Edinburg, Texas, has more than 50 ditches in its community, which are connected to county ditches. This interconnectivity can lead to floods in Edinburg, following massive storms. The city has installed meters to detect when the ditches are filling enabling it to proactively put flooding measures in place.
See how Edinburg is using technology to improve safety on page 34.
45%
Savings realized by Kalamazoo, Mich., last year when the city took a main thoroughfare from 12-foot to 11-foot-wide asphalt lanes. Reductions in lane size are also proving to reduce vehicle speed and crashes and decrease the amount of resources needed to maintain the roadway.
For more information, see https://apwa.partica. online/reporter/may-2024/flipbook/58/.
2
On April 19, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency released a final rule designating two substances, perfluorooctanoic acid and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid, as hazardous substances under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compen sation, and Liability Act. The rule could have significant financial implications for local public works agencies.
PUBLIC WORKSfocus on
23,000 meters
With two direct interstate pipeline connections to its suppliers — Texas Gas Transmission LLC and Texas Eastern Transmission LP — Hamilton, Ohio, can serve approximately 23,000 meters through 275 miles of pipeline. In June 2023, the public works team was awarded the System Operational Achievement Recognition — or SOAR — from the American Public Gas Association for its commitment to excellence in the areas of system integrity, system improvements, safety and workforce development.
$1.7-$1.9 billion
Estimates of how much it will cost to repair the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, Md., are coalescing at around $1.7-1.9 billion. The Maryland Department of Transportation is working with the federal government to replace the bridge after it was hit by a cargo ship in March.
Learn more about the conversation surrounding the federal funding proposal at https://www.wmar2news.com/keybridgecollapse/ md-asked-government-to-reclassify-key-bridge-to-qualify-for-more-federal-funding.
23,000
Approximate number of potholes filled by the Louisville, Ky., Metro Public Works department as of May 13. Later that month, the depart ment conducted its annual pothole blitz, during which employees worked extended shifts to fill as many potholes as possible at one time.
Read more at https://www.wave3.com/2024/05/13/ city-crews-mobilize-annual-pot-hole-blitz/.
Read more about Hamilton’s public works departments successes on page 18.
Read more about Santa Ana’s Public Works Week celebration on page 26.
The Hamilton, Ohio, Public Works Department recognized with accolades
By JULIE YOUNG | The Municipal
Located 20 miles north of Cincinnati along the Great Miami River, Hamilton, Ohio, may be a small city of 63,000, but its public works department is doing really big things — and reaping some well-earned recognition for its efforts.
“Our whole goal is to make things better than they were when we found them,” said Jim Williams, former public works director for the city of Hamilton. “We are very prideful about our accomplishments, and we know there are more good things to come.”
Meaningful recognition
Besides being the only municipality in Ohio that owns and operates all four of its major utilities, Hamilton also runs the largest municipally owned natural gas system in the Buckeye State. With two direct interstate pipeline connections to its suppliers Texas Gas Transmission LLC
and Texas Eastern Transmission LP the city can serve approximately 23,000 meters through 275 miles of pipeline.
In June 2023, the public works team was awarded the System Operational Achievement Recognition or SOAR from the American Public Gas Association for its commitment to excellence in the areas of system integrity, system improvements, safety, and workforce development. The city was among 25 public works departments and utilities across the nation to earn Silver status from the 750-member organization, and because the distinction is voted on by peers on the APGA Operations
ABOVE: The Hamilton, Ohio, Public Works department poses for a photo after being awarded a SOAR Silver distinction by the APGA for the second time in 2023. Its first recognition was in 2019.
and Safety Committee, Williams said it makes achievement even more meaningful.
“This is the second time that we have earned this recognition, and I couldn’t be more proud of what our personnel does for the community in terms of safety and reliability,” he said. “They respond 24/7 to gas odor and carbon monoxide calls ,and because they have an app that allows them to respond so quickly, they often beat the fire department to the location, clear the building, confirm the presence of underground utilities and grade the leak.”
In addition to the SOAR distinction, the city also received one of Government Fleet Magazine’s Leading Fleets Awards. Co-produced
(Photos provided by Hamilton, Ohio)
by the American Public Works Association and sponsored by Ford Pro, the award recognizes those operations that are performing at a high level in fleet leadership, competitiveness, planning for the future and overcoming challenges. With over 800 assets managed by Hamilton’s public works department, including police cruisers, fire engines, ambulances, utility vehicles, mowers, sweepers and more, it is important that the fleet management team be among the best of the best.
“This is the second award that our fleet management department has received, and I am pleased that their efforts continue to be recognized. I have five world-class technicians under one roof, which is unheard of, and each of them has over 22 certifications, which they have completed on their own. This is the kind of team we have. They want to better themselves because they want to strive for excellence in their work.”
Intentionally different
The city itself received a redevelopment award from the Ohio City and County Management Association for its Spooky Nook project, a $165 million transformation of the former Champion Paper Mill into one of the largest indoor-outdoor sports complexes in the United States. The site also includes a fitness center, convention center hotel and other amenities. Prior to its 2022 opening, the development served as a stimulus for reinvestment in the community and led to a number of new and expanded businesses in the Hamilton area.
Williams said that the development has been a game changer for the city and he is proud of the role that his department played in making sure that all of the utilities were connected and the groundwork was in place to bring the facility to life.
“For years it was nothing more than a brownfield, and now it is this incredible, beautiful sports facility,” he said. “It’s amazing what the department of infrastructure has been able to do.”
Hamilton’s public works department oversees more than 800 assets, including police cruisers, fire engines, ambulances, mowers and specialty vehicles, so the team must be well-versed in a variety of makes and models.
Hamilton’s public works and utilities department merged in 2017 to become the Department of Infrastructure. In addition to taking care of the streets, the department oversees utility distribution including water, stormwater and electricity and gas.
Hamilton’s street sweeper is just one of the vehicles a world-class team of technicians and operators work with throughout the year.
RIGHT:
Maddie Watkins, public communications specialist for the city of Hamilton, said she moved to Hamilton from Toledo less than a year ago and has been “blown away” by what the city has been able to accomplish in such a short period of time. She said the men and women who work for the city are constantly striving to make it the best it can be for everyone who call Hamilton home.
“Hamilton is intentionally different, and it shows,” she said. “People work here, live here, and play here and they have a lot of pride in their community. You see that pride everywhere you look. The people who work to keep our city running are focused on excellence, not awards, but it is nice to see them recognized for all of that hard work and we are so proud of them.” M
RIGHT: Life is never dull for the Hamilton’s public works team. This crew is working to put things in place below the street level so that the traffic above can run smoothly.
• System Operational Achievement Recognition (SOAR) – American Public Gas Association
• Reliable Public Power Provider (Diamond) – American Public Power Association • Certificate of Excellence in Reliability – American Public Power Association • Best Taste Test – American Water Works Association
(Ohio)
Newport News simulator helping with new hires and maintaining equipment
By DENISE FEDOROW | The Municipal
The city of Newport News, Va., like many others, experienced trouble hiring new employees post-COVID. So, because of staff shortages, department heads and city officials realized something needed to change. The idea of using a simulator to aid with training came from that realization.
Stormwater Division Operations Superintendent Edmund Wayne Forrest Jr., who goes by his middle name Wayne, explained, “The idea came up in the director’s office as we were thinking about how we can hire and train (employees) and maintain equipment better than we had previously, and a simulator was one option for training equipment operators on different pieces of equipment as well as pre-trip inspections.”
For new hires, he said Newport News is using the simulator as a skills assessment tool. After the questionnaire portion of the
interview, the city usually had some type of skills assessment, so now it is using the simulator.
“This allows us to do it in a controlled environment where they can’t damage anything while giving the skills assessor the ability to run the equipment, particularly multiple pieces of equipment,” he said, adding the assessments can occur “rain or shine.”
He said the last time assessors ran the skills assessment tests several months ago, it was raining. Despite that, they could still do it.
The city acquired the Caterpillar Simulator last summer, and Forrest reported it has
A BOVE: Newport News is part of the Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News metropolitan area, and this aerial photo shows a waterfront view of downtown. (Photo provided by Newport News)
several attachments, allowing assessors to swap the attachments for four pieces of heavy equipment. Newport News’ simulator has the capability to train people on an excavator, backhoe, bulldozer and front-end loader.
“It’s really versatile,” he said.
In terms of investment, Forrest noted, “The cost was well into the six figures a couple of hundred thousand dollars.”
The city appreciates that the simulator is made by the same company as the heavy equipment. Forrest said the company was “super supportive, real quick to respond anytime we had issues.”
According to Forrest, Newport News’ former training specialist, himself and his wastewater counterpart all received training
Newport News City Manager Alan K. Archer seems to enjoy using the new simulator the city purchased for the public works department as a means to hire new employees and better train current employees. (Photos provided by Newport News)
from a company representative when they first got the simulator and learned about the SimScholars online course and administrative functions on the simulator.
For new hires, Forrest said, “Normally if they’ve not been on a piece of equipment, we can tell right away once they get on the simulator. Selection is not solely based on that, but it’s taken into consideration. And it depends on what level they’re applying for. If it’s an entry-level position, we’re willing to train, but if it’s for a higher specialty operator (position), we’d expect to see better performance.”
Training seasoned employees
As for how often seasoned employees are training on the simulator, Forrest said they have classes, and he helps facilitate the small wheel load classes on Tuesdays while his wastewater counterpart facilitates the class on the excavator on Thursdays.
They utilize the SimScholars curriculum, and it takes two to three months, meeting once a week, to get through the course on one piece of equipment, including the exam. He said they have eight employees at a time training on the simulator. One from each of the four public works divisions stormwater, streets, solid waste and water.
Newport News has 265 employees in the public works division: 65 of those in the stormwater division.
According to the World Population Review, Newport News has a projected population of 182,579, down from the 2020 census population of 186,033. It is located in the southeastern peninsula of Virginia, along the shores of the James River and is part of the Virginia BeachNorfolk-Newport News metropolitan area. It is the fifth largest city in Virginia.
The cost of the simulator has been “well worth it.” Forrest said, “Even some of our more seasoned equipment operators are learning
Newport News, Va., Mayor Phillip Jones tries his hand at the simulator that the city invested in to attract new recruits and maintain current employees as well as the public works department’s equipment. (Photos provided by Newport News)
more.” He explained it is particularly helpful for pre-trip inspections because it goes through “every little part on the machine.”
It also helps operators take better care of the equipment. “It outlines things that they’re doing wrong that they didn’t think they were doing wrong things like slamming the bucket down or snapping the bucket closed and highlights that, letting the operators know they’re damaging the equipment so it helps them be more aware of what they’re doing when they’re actually operating the machines.”
He said that part of the simulator training also helps increase productivity as it lessens down time from the equipment going into the shop.
Forrest was asked about a female operator who was quoted in another article stating that as a little girl she wanted to operate heavy equipment and was asked if she was the only heavy equipment operator. He replied she wasn’t and mentioned another woman in an excavator class. “There are several female operators in solid waste women play a big role in our public works department,” Forrest said.
Officials support
City officials were supportive “right off the jump.” Forrest said, “Obviously, that kind of price takes the approval of the parties that be. With the staff shortages, they saw the need to invest in training our employees.”
City officials check in with them from time to time. “Our first class graduated a couple of months ago, and they were in attendance to support them.”
When asked if having the simulator has helped recruitment efforts, he responded, “I think having the simulator has helped recruiting efforts it’s a cool machine. The fact that we have it shows we’re willing to invest in our employees. Overall, it’s improved morale, also.
“For those with some hesitancy to get on a piece of heavy equipment, it gives them confidence before they get on the real thing. It’s made a positive impact on our recruiting.”
If other municipalities are looking to hire, train and better maintain equipment, Forrest said, “It’s well worth the investment. If your goal is to hire and train on multiple pieces of equipment. It’s also a benefit to more seasoned operators, too.
“It’s been really beneficial training new hires who may have some experience but are not as versatile on multiple pieces of equipment,” he said, adding that getting the training “only equips them to promote themselves within public works’ different divisions and gives them more confidence.” M
The Newport News Victory Arch was built as a memorial to those who served in the American Armed Forces. It was first built in 1919 and rebuilt in 1962. It is located on 25th Street and West Avenue in downtown Newport News. (Photo provided by Newport News)
Advancing quality of life for all: Communities commemorate National Public Works Week 2024
The city of Santa Ana commemorated National Public Works Week with a free community kickoff event that included free tacos, free pet adoptions, vehicular displays and more.
(Photo provided by Santa Ana)
By JULIE YOUNG | The Municipal
Since 1960, National Public Works Week has celebrated the people who plan, build, manage and operate the necessary services that enhance our everyday lives. From May 19-25, municipal leaders across the U.S. and Canada highlighted their public works department with mayoral proclamations, staff recognition celebrations and community-wide events that allowed residents to meet the men and women behind their local departments, inspect their equipment and learn more about what they do.
A three-pillar approach
The city of Santa Ana, Calif., kicked off National Public Works Week with a community-wide event on May 18 that included free tacos, free animal adoptions (subsidized by the department of public works), musical performances, demonstrations and interactive exhibits for the whole family. According to Nabil Saba, executive director of Santa Ana’s public works agency, the event is part of the city’s three-pillar approach to Public Works Week that connects residents with the people who work to advance their quality of life.
“We take a multifaceted approach to Public Works Week, and we try to improve on it year after year,” he said. “It is a great opportunity to demonstrate what we do and how big the effort is to keep the city clean and functional. It is a huge effort, and there is a huge amount of people working to make sure those services are there.”
Santa Ana has 330 employees in its public works department, and besides the community celebration, the city also held a staff retreat on May 22 to honor the accomplishments of the past 12 months and set goals for the year ahead. Saba said the retreat serves as a teambuilding event and helps employees who may not work together get to know one another and bond over friendly competitions and games.
“We also held an ice cream social with everyone who works in city hall so that they could mingle with the public works department and thank them for all that they do,” he said.
According to Saba, National Public Works Week offers cities the chance to bring awareness to an often-overlooked aspect of a community’s infrastructure. While they may not be as visible as the public safety departments, the men and women of public works are constantly working behind the scenes to ensure that the city runs smoothly.
“We may not be fighting crimes, but we are in the background replacing lights, making sure the sewer line is safe and that the pipe isn’t clogged,” he said.
The department also takes the opportunity to expand upon the public outreach throughout the year to visit schools and inspire young people to consider a future career within public works.
Demonstrations are among the festivities during Santa Ana, Calif.’s, National Public Works Week celebration, which gave residents a chance to see what public works department employees do and why they are a vital part of the community. (Photo provided by Santa Ana)
Kids got to participate in a mini-dig, during which they hunted for gold coins that could be exchanged for a book at the 2024 Santa Ana Public Works Week kickoff community event. (Photo provided by Santa Ana)
“Everyone knows what a police officer does or what a firefighter does, but there are so many opportunities in public works, and we want them to know what those job opportunities are,” said Santa Ana community liaison Michelle Micallef.
Illuminating the contributions
In Maryland, the Montgomery County Department of Transportation held a family-friendly Truck Day on May 18, which allowed residents to touch, see, climb and explore the various vehicles that keep
the county running. As part of the event, MCDOT also showcased entries in its annual “Paint the Plow” contest and allowed attendees to vote for their favorite. First, second and third place winners receive cash prizes for their schools, which makes it a win-win for everyone involved and showcases how all aspects of a community are reliant upon one another.
“It’s always inspiring to see how public works agencies celebrate,” said American Public Works Association President Gary Losier in a press release. “Whether they open their wastewater facility for a public tour or host a touch-a-truck event for children and their families, they do a fantastic job of illuminating how public works makes our communities better, safer and more enjoyable places to call home.”
Community events like the ones held during Public Works Week are the first step to creating a relationship with the residents of a city or county, but it’s not the last. Once that connection is created, it must be maintained and respected.
“Once you let them know what we do, how it is valuable and why the services are there, you are inviting them to get engaged with the department and hold it to account,” he said. “We have an app residents can download and report any issue that they have so that we can get on it right away. Better communication leads to better service, a more beautiful community and the highest quality of life that we can provide.” M
Santa Ana’s 2024 Public Works Week event featured booths and games from a variety of departments to showcase public works. (Photo provided by Santa Ana)
Shrewsbury, Mass., concludes Toblin Hill Bridge project
The city of Shrewsbury took the majority of 2022 to work on design and conceptualization coordination so that all engineers and contractors working on the Toblin Hill Bridge project would be on the same page. This helped the project go smoothly with an end goal to prevent any failures in the future. (Photo provided by the city of Shrewsbury, Mass.)
The closing and later demolition of the Toblin Hill Bridge was thankfully not a hindrance to the residents of Shrewsbury. This bridge was one of two routes into the subdivision so an alternate route was readily available. (Photo provided by the city of Shrewsbury, Mass.)
By NICHOLETTE CARLSON | The Municipal
The Toblin Hill Bridge in Shrewsbury, Mass., has been reconstructed and reopened after the original had to be demolished following the discovery of a sinkhole.
Originally built as part of the Toblin Hill Estates subdivision in 1998, a private developer was in charge of the bridge’s design and build. After the discovery of a sinkhole in 2015, it was finally decided the bridge needed to be demolished. After sitting for a few years, the town of Shrewsbury was able to gather the funds necessary to begin the process of designing and eventually building a new bridge in its stead. This new bridge was completed and reopened in the fall of 2023.
A sinkhole was discovered on the north side of the bridge on a sidewalk in 2015. The highway department attempted to fix it by throwing gravel in, but the situation continued to worsen. That summer the town’s consultant, GZA Geoenvironmental, visited the original Toblin Hill bridge site to check the sinkhole and review the damage, leading to the closure of the bridge. It was discovered that the damage from the sinkhole, as well as numerous structural failures, made the bridge unable to be repaired. The concrete arches had begun to bow out and could not be fixed. The engineer and developer had also gone out of business.
sinkhole and other defects made it vital to replace the bridge.
provided by the city of Shrewsbury, Mass.)
This engineering review led to the conclusion that the bridge was failing and needed to be demolished. The best guess for the failure was lack of coordination between engineering for the arches, T walls and earthwork. In December 2017, a bid was put out by the town
A
(Photo
Besides the sinkhole that continued to worsen despite multiple attempts by the street department to fix it, there were also multiple structural failures with the bridge. The concrete arches had even begun to bow out. (Photo provided by the city of Shrewsbury, Mass.)
for partial demolition and the demolition was completed in 2018. The town decided the best course of action was to tear the bridge down before it fell down. Since the bridge was only one of two routes into that subdivision and spans an existing wetland, it did not cause a bother for the residents.
Following the demolition of the bridge, the town hired their consultant GZA in 2019 to design and review multiple design options to rebuild the bridge. The estimated cost of bridge replacement was over $1 million. This led to the demolished bridge site staying that way until the proper funds could be budgeted.
“We had rough estimates but no funds to move forward,” Andy Truman, PE, Shrewsbury town engineer and engineering and conservation division manager, explained. Once funds became available in 2021, the town put the preferred replacement bridge option to bid. These funds came from the cash proceeds the town received from the sale of land. That bid was awarded in spring 2022.
In order to prevent a similar situation occurring with the new bridge, the town spent most of 2022 working with GZA and the contractor coordinating the various details, design elements and drawings for the new bridge.
“We took the time ahead of construction to make sure everything worked with everything else,” Truman described. Structural steel, abutments and T walls were all analyzed and coordinated to ensure they would work well together and that all engineers on the project were on the same page. By fall 2022, all necessary reviews for the plans were completed, but the town thought it best to wait until the spring to begin construction.
After demolition, a gantry had to be hung and insulated for a sewer line that was part of the original bridge. The new bridge needed a new conduit for street lights as well. (Photo provided by the city of Shrewsbury, Mass.)
Spanning 40 feet between abutments, the new Toblin Hill Bridge has finally opened to the public after being shut down and then demolished. The bridge spans a wetland. (Photo provided by the city of Shrewsbury, Mass.)
The Toblin Hill Bridge has a 40-foot span between abutments, and the town could salvage many of the original abutments. Almost all the T wall sections could be kept as well. However, this created one of the biggest issues of building the new bridge, which was finding a T wall manufacturer that could make new ones similar to the original ones. The steel arch needed completely replaced. Since the original bridge had an existing sewer line going across it, a gantry had to be put in so that the sewer line could be hung and insulated after the original bridge was demolished. A new conduit for streetlights also had to be put in.
Construction on the new Toblin Hill Bridge began in spring 2023 and was completed by the fall. Overall, primarily due to the time taken ahead of time to ensure everything would work well together, the building of the new bridge went very smoothly. The project’s final cost was approximately $1.2 million. It is now open to the public and has received a strong positive response from the community. M
After receiving the matching grant for two real-time hydrological systems from Research Applied Technology Education and Services, the nonprofit came and installed each of the systems in two ditches known to have a high risk of flooding. These systems measure volume, temperature and more to determine what the water is doing and where it’s going. (Photo provided by the city of Edinburg Public Works Department)
In recognition of Edinburg’s proactivity in flood management, the city was nominated for the Exceptional Performance Award for Safety by the Texas chapter of the American Public Works Association. At the conference in Waco in June 2023, the city won this award. (Photo provided by the city of Edinburg Public Works Department)
New real-time systems manage drainage and flooding in Edinburg
By NICHOLETTE CARLSON | The Municipal
Edinburg, Texas, has a little over 50 ditches throughout the city with all subdivisions connecting into the ditches for drainage and a link to the county ditches. The drainage water from four nearby cities also runs through the city ditches, so all their drainage must flow through Edinburg before going out to the bay.
As Robert Valenzuela, Edinburg Public Works right-of-way and drainage manager, described, “All their water comes to us and drains to our ditches and then leads over to the bay. Our water heads out once their water is done.” This can create a serious flooding problem in periods of heavy rain.
“In the past, with a certain amount of downpour, many subdivisions were getting flooded,” Valenzuela explained. “Once county ditches received so much rain, their ditches were full and city ditches were full, and the water receded back into the subdivisions.” One issue the city faced with this flooding was the inability to be proactive
in where to send crews for sandbags or dewatering efforts.
To better monitor where flooding is occurring and send in assistance once it has occurred, the city invested in two real-time hydrological systems. These systems were placed in two ditches that are known to be at high risk of flooding. Data is sent to the public works drainage department every five minutes and monitored for risk of flooding. Once the water in a ditch reaches a certain height, it is considered to be at danger of flooding or ponding, and the department can prepare crews for sandbags and de-watering operations as needed.
While the city has not received a major rain event yet to fully test out the systems, they are providing continuous accurate information. Data is sent every five minutes to the department to review and monitor. (Photo provided by the city of Edinburg Public Works Department)
“We haven’t had a major rain event to see if these new systems do work 100% yet,” Valenzuela admitted. “We have had rain events, so we know the updating of data has continued to work. We get accurate information but have not fully tested it out. We would need a heavy downpour of about one hour in order to test the flooding proactivity for the systems.”
These systems give the city the height level of the ditch, temperature, volume of water in the ditch and air direction. “It’s all to let us know what the water is doing and where it’s going.”
A stormwater task force affiliated with the city, International Boundary and Water Commission, which also is in charge of the release of water from Mexico, helped the city apply for the grant to purchase these hydrological systems. The task force asked the city what type of funding would be most beneficial for them. Each system cost approximately $15,000, and it was a matching grant. Therefore, the city purchased one hydrological system and then the grant money purchased the second system. The process took approximately eight months. The city wrote a letter of support in order to receive the grant money and purchased one system. Man hours for maintenance systems were also donated from the city as part of the grant process. After it was approved and purchased, installation of the systems took approximately one week.
System installation involved removing all the water from each of the two drainage ditches and putting a probe in the middle of the ditch closest to the outfall. All the components, such as Wi-Fi antennas, necessary to send information from the probe to city computers are outside, 20 to 30 feet up on the top of the ditch.
These hydrological systems came from a nonprofit, which has previously focused on water sampling and testing the Hudson River in New York. This nonprofit, Research Applied Technology Education and Services, opened a branch in Texas and works with the stormwater task force. RATES gives students the opportunity to work with
While the probe in the ditch monitors the water and conditions in the ditch, all the necessary equipment for sending and storing data is kept above ground at the top of the ditch with an attached Wi-Fi antenna. (Photo provided by the city of Edinburg Public Works Department)
different components to create systems, such as the hydrological system, that will work when applied to real city problems.
In June 2023, the city of Edinburg was recognized at the Texas chapter of the American Public Works Association conference in Waco. The city was nominated to recognize its efforts to be proactive in its flood management practices. Valenzuela stated it was an honor to win while going up against so many municipalities throughout the state.
The goal is to continue to add more of these real-time hydrological systems into each of the ditches throughout the city as it and the department’s budgets allow.
“Procedure-wise we have city standards with the engineering department on new subdivisions coming in with how much runoff must be kept on a property and in retention ponds before getting discharged into the system,” Valenzuela commented. “When we receive a lot of rain, it floods throughout the whole valley. There are many instances to mitigate or prepare for flooding, and it helps to be prepared, especially during the heavy rainfall seasons of June and July and hurricane season.”
Besides engineering policies, these new systems are the only flood management currently in place in Edinburg. M
Providing: Signs Trailers Data
Business flourishes in small-town Utah
By DANIELLE LUND | The Municipal
According to a recent WalletHub article, “Best & Worst Small Cities to Start a Business (2024),” Cedar City, Utah, is the best city in the United States to start a business. Analysts studied various cities and compared 18 different key metrics to determine which small cities were the best places to begin a new business: In addition to gaining the No. 1 spot on the best business list, Cedar City has history that is celebrated throughout the year with various events that bring the community together.
In order to receive the No. 1 ranking, Cedar City had to be evaluated against over 1,300 other small cities in the United States. The notable metrics used to calculate the overall score included business environment, access to resources and business costs.
According to writer Adam McCann, Cedar City has one of the highest rates of startups per capita, “as well as the fourth-highest growth in the number of small businesses between 2015 and 2021, at over 33%. This growth is significant because it shows that the city has the conditions to keep small businesses afloat even during this period of economic difficulty.”
Because of its smaller size, one of the biggest strengths of Cedar City is its ample
resources available to support entrepreneurs. It has multiple programs and resources available within the county, and it offers entrepreneurs the ability to work one-onone with professionals whose mission is to see them succeed, said Community Relations and Public Information Officer Gabbie Costello.
Costello discussed additional business opportunities that have helped to contribute to the city’s success.
“We have a wide variety of businesses in Cedar City and throughout the country, many who have expanded here from different parts of the U.S. or were started here. Recently, American Packaging Corporation expanded to Cedar City from the Midwest
ABOVE: Historic downtown Cedar City, Utah, welcomes visitors and residents with scenic beauty and a variety of businesses to browse. (Photo provided by Cedar City, Utah)
and chose Cedar City based on proximity to the southwestern United States and the family-friendly atmosphere in the community for their employees,” she noted.
“Another noteworthy business is RCS Rocket Motor Components, who has had a part in recent NASA rocket projects with their products. We have all types of businesses in the city, with plenty of industrial areas to expand to. We are currently working with the Utah Inland Port Authority, providing the first rural Inland Port in Utah. Innovative businesses like BZI and Savage are working to create a rail hub in this area to assist businesses in transloading across the U.S.”
In addition to its standing with WalletHub, Cedar City has also been named the fastest-growing college town in America by BrokeScholar.com, which notes its unique opportunities to start or grow businesses based on other economic vitality within the area. Overall, there are some significant factors that influence this success, Costello said,
People gather for the annual Utah Shakespeare Festival in Cedar City. The Utah Shakespeare Festival presents Shakespeare, musicals and plays from other playwrights every June through October in three theatres at the Beverley Taylor Sorenson Center for the Arts. (Photo provided by Cedar City, Utah)
with some of it also coming from the larger historical celebrations and community events the city holds throughout the year.
Historically, Cedar City has a rich background, rooted in its agricultural origins and its pivotal role in the development of Utah’s tourism industry. With the arrival of the railroad in 1923, the city became able to host the first film shown in Utah outside of Hollywood theaters, and attracted President Warren G. Harding, the only sitting president to visit the city and acknowledge its natural beauty and strategic importance.
Cedar City celebrates its history annually on Nov. 11, marking its founding and reflecting on its journey from an agricultural hub to a thriving modern city.
Not only is Cedar City the best place to start a business, but it is also home to large festivals and events that draw people from near and far. One of the most notable events is the Tony-Award Winning Utah Shakespeare Festival celebrated every year, which gave the city the title of “Festival City USA.”
Every year during the summer months, it hosts the festival to celebrate classic and contemporary plays, musicals and interactive experiences.
While the Shakespeare festival alone drives thousands of individuals to Cedar City in the summer, there are other interesting events going on as well. According to Costello, “There is always a fun event happening in Cedar City or the surrounding area. We are home to Southern Utah University, known as the University of the Parks due to the close driving proximity to Bryce Canyon National Park, Zion National Park, Grand Canyon National Park and Cedar Breaks National Monument. These parks alone draw millions of visitors every year, in addition to the nearby Brian Head Ski Resort. Our city is full of bike trails, natural wonders and historical landmarks.”
For those interested in visiting Cedar City soon, Costello mentioned, “Some other noteworthy annual events include: The Cedar Livestock and Heritage Festival Sheep Parade, Utah Summer Games, the Rotary Club July Jamboree Car Show on Main Street, Midsummer Renaissance Fair, and Simon Fest.” These events not only attract visitors but also celebrate the city’s heritage and vibrant community spirit.
Cedar City’s flourishing business environment and vibrant cultural scene make it a model for small cities aiming to boost economic growth and community engagement as a whole. M
Southern Utah University calls Cedar City home.
has more than 1,800 graduates each year.
The annual Cedar Livestock and Heritage Festival kicks off with a sheep parade. This event celebrates the agricultural roots of the area with tractor pulls, a rodeo and a parade as the sheep take the easiest path to their winter homes and is held the last weekend of October in Cedar City. (Photo provided by Cedar City, Utah)
The
SUU
(Photo by Alex Santiago)
Centro Pizzeria is one restaurant visitors can enjoy in Cedar City. (Photo provided by Cedar City, Utah)
Police Proximity Project connects officers to the community
By JENNIFER BARTON | The Municipal
Among the hardest jobs in the world is law enforcement. It is dangerous work, and those who do it are sometimes viewed with suspicion by the public. The hours are challenging, and, as of late, police departments are too often understaffed.
Wisconsin hit a record low number of police officers in 2022. In the capital city of Madison, many members of the current police force are new to the department and to the city itself. That is why Alex Ricketts, community engagement specialist for the Madison Police Department, came up with the Proximity Project a way to acclimate officers with the city through interactions with its residents.
“That was my goal, that was the reason we started the project to get the community connected with the officers,” Ricketts said.
Aside from standard encounters such as traffic stops, some citizens don’t interact with police officers in their day-to-day lives. Ricketts wanted a way to bridge the gap between officers and the public.
After listening to a podcast that discussed bringing police officers into the community to meet the people therein, the seeds of the Proximity Project were planted in his mind.
Ricketts spent many years on the police force in Greensboro, N.C., so he knows that it becomes harder for both officers and civilians to hurt the other person in an altercation if a relationship exists between the two parties. He realized that since “the police aren’t going anywhere you have to learn to develop a relationship with people.”
To begin the Proximity Project, he found several community members willing to host police officers for the day. In January, the first group of officers spent a day shadowing those men and women at their various businesses and nonprofit organizations around town. This allowed the officers to get to know some of the people who make up the heart of the city, and vice versa. Then the process flipped, with the community members riding along with the officers on a different day.
After a local news station covered the Proximity Project, Ricketts said more residents contacted him, expressing interest in participating.
One of the first participants, Michelle McKoy, became director of Bridge Lake Waunona Neighborhood Center last September. Officer Tyrone Cratic Williams spent his day shadowing her at the center, cooking and serving food and winterizing windows in the youth building.
The community center hosts both youth and adult programming, along with a weekly community meal and other activities, all free to
local community members. The center was a logical choice for the first cohort, McKoy said, because so many people come there throughout the day. Additionally, McKoy believes in community policing. “I do believe that somebody has to be that bridge to let the community get to know officers … to see them as people.”
In September, Cratic Williams will mark 10 years on the Madison Police Department. He began studying art in college, but interactions with police officers “resonated with what I wanted to accomplish.” Changing course, he became one himself.
He approaches policing through mindfulness. “The first question I ask 90% of the time is ‘How can I best support you?’ Then I stop talking and I wait to hear what that person gives me, and I work with that.” He
Officer Tyrone Cratic Williams, left, shadowed Director of Bridge Lake Waunona Neighborhood Center Michelle McKoy as part of the Madison, Wis.’s, Proximity Project. (Photo provided by Madison, Wis.)
Officer Williams provides a helping hand with the spaghetti at Bridge Lake Waunona Neighborhood Center. (Photo provided by Madison, Wis.)
stated that he grew up in neighborhood centers, so he was ready to work hard on his shadowing day. He considered it a success, commenting: “We had great conversations; everyone enjoyed my presence, I enjoyed their presence. And there was a lot that was gained from it, just in terms of connecting and checking in with everyday community folks who might not have that opportunity to have contact with a police officer outside of calling 911.”
Another success story that came from his shadowing day is a new program called “Coffee with a Cop,” a monthly event where officers enjoy fellowship with anyone who comes into the center. In May, the center also made one of their Friday meals into a “Lunch with a Cop” event.
“This really opened up a way for us to have a better relationship with the police department,” McKoy stated.
Her relationship with the police force evolved when the tables turned and McKoy shadowed Williams, seeing through his eyes for the day.
“I learned a lot from him,” she admitted. She explained how they began early, at 6:20 a.m., with an inspection of his vehicle and a briefing on safety protocol and what she might expect. He drove her around his usual rounds, showing her areas of particular interest and explaining “what we do and why we do it.”
She admired the professionality and compassion he and other officers displayed when handling difficult situations even on what he considered a slow day.
“There’s a lot of responsibilities that I don’t think people understand that police officers have, like having to be 110% at every call; there’s just not room for error.” She also noted how when they went to lunch, “either people were really appreciative when they saw him, or they avoided him.”
Now she realizes that “It takes a really special person to do that type of work.”
Officers rarely have the opportunity to see the good side of humanity. Ricketts compared his officer participants to Green Berets in that they’re “going out on the ground” and “not so much fighting as building
The department has also partnered with Operation Fresh Start, which empowers emerging adults on a path to self-sufficiency through education, mentoring and employment training. (Photo provided by Madison, Wis.)
Madison, Wis.)
the relationship first,” which is why he appreciated that the Proximity Project helps officers to see people at their best and in their environment.
An important part of building relationships involves reaching the minority communities in mostly white Madison. Most of the police force is also white, and Ricketts sees the program as a way to intermingle the two groups.
He noted that a patrol car can be a barrier between the officer and the citizens, so bringing the officer into places that serve people from all walks of life helps to build bridges.
Even as he prepares to return to his home in North Carolina, after two years of developing his position, he hopes the program will continue.
“This Proximity Project helps the officers see people at their best, in their environment, where everyone in Madison is not a criminal. They are human beings, too: They have children, they have goals. It kind of helps you level your thinking.” M
Patrol officer Sydney Hanick shadowed Brittney Kuster, the youth program coordinator for the Kennedy Heights Community Center. (Photo provided by
Ergonomic Safety Ladders Prevent Accidents and Increase Productivity
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Above: This is one of two bridges supplied to a water and sewage provider in Scotland, UK, used for reservoir valve access. These bridges replaced steel footbridges which, due to the challenging environment of Scotland, were experiencing unwarranted aesthetic and safety concerns. The water and sewage provider wanted a cost e ective and durable structural alternative to steel. Both bridges were built to ensure corrosion resistance and structural durability using EXTREN® structural tubes, angles, and plates. SAFPLANK® fiberglass planking with an epoxy, anti-skid surface was used as a long-lasting pedestrian flooring solution. Switch to corrosion
New Bedford parks boast impressive programming, access to recreational space
By NICHOLETTE CARLSON | The Municipal
With over 800 acres of park space in New Bedford, Mass., the parks, recreation and beaches department plans an extraordinary amount of programming and improvements each year.
The park space is widely spread throughout the city, so 90% of the community has access to recreational open spaces within a 15-minute walk. There are over 50 parks, including playgrounds, and the city boasts three miles of shoreline, a public golf course and three nature trails.
“We really enjoy what we’re doing because our work is impactful,” Mary Rapoza, New Bedford director of parks, recreation and beaches, stated.
Since the 1960s, New Bedford has held a full-day Kennedy Summer Day Camp at Fort Tabor Park, which provides youth ages five to 14 with a camp-like experience that includes swimming,
ABOVE: One of the department’s main goals is to eliminate barriers to park programming. Most of their programs are free or at the lowest cost possible. Programming is also spread across various parks in the city so that everyone has a chance to participate in some program within walking distance. (Photo provided by the New Bedford Parks, Recreation and Beaches Department)
activities, and arts and crafts. The program normally serves between 200 and 300 people.
Free lunches are part of the department’s programming. Lunch is offered at various sites from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. with fun, supervised activities for children. Activities can include board games, soccer and more and are specific to the site based on what the children there most want to do. Three free dinner sites have also been designated, with activities available from 4-7 p.m.
The lunches and dinners are available at a total of 15 sites. Last year, a new “rec and relaxation” van was added to the programming as well: It is packed with outdoor activities and visits 10 different parks throughout the week.
Recently the bathhouse at West Beach has been renovated along with brand-new changing rooms, restrooms and lifeguard stations. It is one of two primary beaches manned with a lifeguard along the city’s 3 miles of beachfront. (Photo provided by the New Bedford Parks, Recreation and Beaches Department)
During the pandemic, Brooklawn Park became home to a nature center specializing in nature programming and featuring Ricketson’s Natural Trail. The department partners with the local Audubon Society to do special programming, and there is also a partnership with the local art museum for an art in the park experience where participants are able to go out and observe nature, discuss a specific topic and then return to do an art project about it.
In 2021, the department also did a social media push called Hop a Park Day to encourage the community to get out and enjoy the parks in the wake of COVID-19.
There is a great deal of sports programming in New Bedford. Pre-K soccer, flag football, swim lessons and tennis lessons all see strong signups.
Lifeguards are hired for the main beaches, West Beach and East Beach, along the 3 miles of beachfront. At West Beach, the bathhouse has been renovated. The changing rooms, lifeguard station and restrooms are all new. The Blue Lane consists of paved walking paths that follow the shoreline so that residents and visitors can walk the whole length of the peninsula.
The Andrea McCoy Recreation Center provides the community with the opportunity to play basketball and volleyball and features a multipurpose room that can be rented for parties and conferences, a messy room for art projects, and a public computer lab. The department partners with local organizations to provide karate and a local theater and performing arts center to present a program called 360 Degrees, which involves interactive activities for kids, such as trick bikes. An organization called Third Eye uses the space to create a hip-hop atmosphere that empowers and mentors youth through dance, graffiti art and recording.
One thing the department strives to do is eliminate or reduce any barriers families may have in making the most out of the parks and programming. Programming is distributed across the many park systems throughout the city so that families who would experience a transportation barrier still have some type of programming
Parks are spaced widely throughout New Bedford so that 90% of the residents have access to park space within a 15-minute walk from their home. There are over 50 parks throughout the city, including playgrounds. (Photo provided by the New Bedford Parks, Recreation and Beaches Department)
they are able to access. The department ensures programming is either free or at the lowest price point possible, and scholarships are available for programs like the Kennedy Summer Day Program to help all youth be able to participate.
Partnerships with local community organizations help to supplement the department’s programming and offset costs.
“More than 50% of the programs are free through a lot of grant writing,” Rapoza detailed. “We want to make sure kids who don’t have other options have something safe and productive to do when not in school.”
For the employees hired to help run summer programming, one of the qualifications is that they must be a New Bedford resident. Rapoza said the department tries to hire individuals from the neighborhood being served by a particular program.
“We try to hire those tied into the culture of the neighborhood so that many people already know the staff who are working,” she explained. “We have a very diverse community, and for some, English is not the first language. Having someone from that neighborhood involved makes it easier for parents to send children to programs.”
Stormwater improvements are important aspects of managing parks. The New Bedford department is using nature-based solutions to assist with flooding and erosion surrounding a duck pond in Brooklawn Park. Pond construction with a wetland-type solution began this spring at Buttonwood Park.
Installing shade structures is also a goal of the department. It is hoped that they will help work against the heat effect in urban centers. As a long-term solution, the department is planting many trees so that in 20 years the city should see a large change in the heat effect.
Recently, a new park was created with help from the local historical society. The homes on two lots in the city were considered historic homes before they were tragically lost in a fire years ago, so the lots were used to create Abolition Row Park.
As a prominent abolitionist stop in the past, New Bedford was frequented by slaves seeking freedom by the sea. “We had a
really robust abolitionist movement in the city,” Rapoza noted. There was a freedom bell that would be rung when someone came to town trying to round up those formerly enslaved.
As a young man, Frederick Douglass even lived in the city and started his first job earning his own wages. There is a sculpture of Douglass as a young man in Abolition Row Park.
“Parks can tell the history of the city,” she said. “Abolition Row Park is a clear example of that.”
In another area of the city, a new skate park is currently in the design phase. The city has an active skater population, so the department teamed up with the skaters to find the design team that would design the skate park. The local skater population is very knowledgeable and knows what they want in a skate park, Rapoza found out.
Following recent landscape improvements to a space called Ashley Park, the department is now focusing on what playground improvements need to be done. The landscaping was completed using community development block grants.
At Ashley, there used to be a softball diamond near a busy intersection. A new diamond was built at a different location so stray balls no longer threaten to hit passing cars, and at the same time the department got to design a new entrance, a big lawn space and walking paths. “With those improvements, we thought it was a good time to look at the playground and splash pad and start improving those as well,” Rapoza added. M
Nature-based solutions to flooding, erosion and other potential stormwater issues are being used at a Brooklawn Park duck pond. Pond construction utilizing a similar solution will begin this spring at Buttonwood Park. (Photo provided by the New Bedford Parks, Recreation and Beaches Department)
Old and new construction coexist in Bowling Green public services building
By JANET G. PATTERSON | The Municipal
According to Mike Aspacher, mayor of Bowling Green, Ohio, the city’s recent nod to the past signals progress into the future.
The original sandstone façade of the Bowling Green post office that was constructed in the early 1900s now proudly stands as the façade for the new Bowling Green Administrative Services building that opened in 2023.
“Many newer buildings just don’t seem to have the character that these earlier buildings had,” Aspacher noted. “It didn’t make sense to destroy something so historically significant, so we preserved the façade and created a footprint of the building as our starting point.”
The $14.5 million, 31,000-square-foot building houses the departments of public utilities, income tax, city planning and zoning and economic development, as well as the mayor’s office and the city council chambers. “Everything is centrally located in this building and accessible to our citizens right here in the heart of our downtown on Main Street,” Aspacher said.
The project is funded by 30-year municipal bonds.
Also housed inside was the Wood County Senior Center that served the community of 35,000 for many decades. Generations of residents went to the city building for daily meals, activities and services. It also served as the hub for the local Meals on Wheels program. But all the years of service to the community took their toll on the building, so when Bowling Green State University donated land for a new state-funded senior center, the plan for a city administrative services building began to take shape.
At that moment, several decades of conversations about a new government center came into focus. “It provided the opportunity for the city to have a discussion about a new building,” Aspacher said. “We believed it was our responsibility to recognize the historical nature of the former building; therefore, we considered how to incorporate it into the new building.”
Design and engineering consultants evaluated both the post office/former senior
ABOVE: The pillared sandstone section of the east wall of the new Bowling Green Administrative Services Building in Ohio once stood on the same spot as the front façade of the Bowling Green Post Office.
Mike Aspacher, Mayor of Bowling Green, Ohio
center and the current administrative services building for integrity and feasibility of remodeling.
The administrative services building had started its life as an elementary school.
“That building served as an elementary school until it was condemned for use as an elementary school. Then it was a Bowling Green library until it was condemned for use as a library, and the city said, well, we’ll make this the administration building,” Aspacher explained. The city purchased the facility in 1974, spent $500,000 to renovate the space and dedicated it as the City Administrative Services Building on Dec. 19, 1976. It was determined to now be at the end of its life.
While the preliminary conversations and planning took decades, the actual construction of the new building was completed in about 18 months, according to Aspacher. After all the departments had moved into their new home last summer, the old administration building, which sat just west of the new one, was demolished for parking to serve the 45 employees who work in the new building and city residents who visit to take care of business.
The new building includes city council chambers that have the inside of the historic façade as the backdrop of its council meetings. But modernity has captured a spot in the updated room, which has seating for about 150 — more than twice the amount of the old chamber — and modern technology displays graphics and design plans during meetings.
The city has also embraced energy-savings as part of the updated structure. “That was part of our primary design focus,” Aspacher continued.
In addition to having energy-efficient heating and cooling, other innovations include an ice storage system to help reduce electrical usage during the heat of long summer days. Aspacher said that during the hottest part of the day, the chillers can be turned off and air from fans will capture the chill from the ice.
The building also has a 74,000-gallon underground stormwater detention basin that reduces the amount of stormwater entering the sewer system during heavy rains. This helps to reduce the possibility of combined sewer overflows. Additionally, the site includes a shared grass area with the library, reducing rain runoff from impervious surfaces such as concrete.
The mayor sees the progress in Bowling Green’s downtown buildings as a reflection of its trajectory as a growing city. Abbott Labs recently selected Bowling Green for its newest manufacturing site, besting about 75 other communities that submitted bids for the project.
“Abbott has not done this kind of construction in the United States in more than 30 years,” Aspacher said. “And this is the first Fortune 500 company to come to Bowling Green, ever.”
Additionally, he said, the city has started construction on a new $72 million high school. Housing starts are up and a growing number of diverse businesses including retail and restaurants are opening in Bowling Green. Aspacher also noted that for the second year in a row, Bowling Green State University will welcome its largest freshman class in the school’s history.
The mayor’s sense of pride in his city dates to his childhood, when he remembers running errands with his father on Saturdays and climbing the steps of the post office that is now part of the Administrative Services building. “I’ve lived here all my life,” he reminisced.
Before running for mayor, Aspacher was a plumber and pipefitter who worked in the northwest Ohio counties where the city sits. He has an appreciation for the skills of local tradespeople.
He said he relishes standing at his office window in the new building and looking in awe at the intricate masonry work as well as appreciating the craftsmanship it took to construct the early buildings in the city.
As a lifelong union tradesman, he expressed the value of hiring local businesses to build the new structure.
“It is important to me that we used a northwest Ohio contractor, general trades, masons, drywallers, plumbers and pipe fitters — all from the area — to do this work.”
“We’re very proud of our accomplishment. We have a building that is more accessible to our citizens and an improved working environment for city employees.” M
The spacious main hall entrance to the new building replaces the warren of narrow hallways that were a part of the old building, which lies to the west of the new building and was once a school.
The windowed front wall of the new Bowling Green City Council Chambers was originally the front wall of the U.S. Post Office that was built at that location in the early 1900s.
Reflections on the total eclipse in Russellville, Ark.
By BETH ANNE BRINK-COX
We all heard so much about the eclipse this year, and for good reason. While not the only eclipse we would see in 2024, it was a major event, with totality (defined as being ‘the whole of something’) predicted to last twice as long as it had in 2017. And it was the longest totality on land for more than a decade, so there were plans made everywhere to observe and, yes, celebrate.
Russellville, Ark., was definitely the place to be. By the day before Sunday, April 7 visitors from 48 states and 12 countries had already arrived, with many more expected the next day. And the planning that went into it all started nearly two years prior.
Mayor Fred Teague is proud of the careful work his community produced. “We’ve been planning for 15 months. We anticipated at most 100,000 people in our area, and we wanted to figure what that would look like. We don’t have all the final information, but we estimate between 40,000 and 60,000 people were here. Now, 60,000 wasn’t all entirely in our town; this was in multiple locations. Parks, shopping centers, church parking lots … people were parking and walking everywhere, setting chairs out, RVs and campers people were grilling hot dogs in the Walgreens parking lot. It was a party that lasted for days!”
Teague recalled cornhole boards were set up, and children received little Frisbees. Of course, live music filled the air. The eclipse took center stage, of course, with science presentations, tethered hot-air balloon rides,
telescope viewings all kinds of familyfriendly activities, all free.
Teague said, “We shut down the area for food vendors and trucks. This was a three-day event. And all 50 states, as well as 40 countries, could look at the map at central locations, and mark their presence with pins. It was mind blowing!”
With so many components, it’s not surprising it took 15 months to plan.
He said, “We had a comprehensive group; we worked with traffic officials, fire and emergency services, and we considered everything from cyber-generated threats or AI threats to lost animals. Because in 2017, AI and cyber generated were not that big a thing, but now we were dealing with social media. What about an AI-generated shooter somewhere in the crowds? Could that happen? It didn’t, but we had to think about that. You have to think of security. You have to plan for everything. You bring in that many more people than the usual population, and there is the possibility of cardiac incidents and car accidents, and we wanted to plan for those, too.
ABOVE: NASA covered all the bases when it chose Russellville as the ideal location to broadcast the historic eclipse. Pictured, from left, is the crew who made the day successful: Judge Ben Cross; David Weigel, U.S. Space and Rocket Center; David Ewing, chief of police Russellville; Sheriff Shane Jones, Pope County; Russellville Mayor Fred Teague; Christie Graham, director of tourism; astronaut Mike Massimino; Russ Jones, president of Atu; Joseph Pelfrey, NASA Marshall Space Flight Center; John Bailey, Stennis Space Center Director NASA; Patrick Koehn, NASA; and Bob Loper, NASA.
“Now, I can tell you by the time we finished all the planning, we had a book, a 279-page emergency action plan. The department of public works had to stage all the road closures and so on, and in some areas, it was not so bad. We planned traffic routes for after the event, directing in certain ways to minimize jams. And even so, IS-40 was backed up a two-and-a-half-hour traffic jam that backed up for miles. We added extra landing zones for emergencies, like if we would need helicopters. We planned how to manipulate, manually, the stoplights, which was done in tandem with the department of transportation. We had traffic routes in place, and we were flying drones; we could see what was happening all over the place. And we watched traffic cams, seeing how everything went as it was happening. Our guys did a great job.”
| The Municipal
real-life
master’s and a PhD in mechanical engineering from
is currently a professor of engineering at Columbia University.
The planning was essential since NASA chose to broadcast from Russellville. Teague said it was amazing that NASA chose the town; they could have selected any place in the state. This heightened the experience for everyone on every level. Even after the event, people could still go to a special website, eclipserussellville.com filled with every imaginable detail and resource they could need and see how much care and work the city and all those working together contributed to the experience for everyone.
Most people will never see more than one total eclipse. The next one in the U.S. won’t happen until 2044.
When asked about the experience through the eyes of his own family, Teague said, “My wife and daughter were here a few days prior. We had anticipated being on top of the fire station to watch everything, but I had to tell my wife I couldn’t be anywhere but in the middle of it all. Right before totality, I was waiting to go live in an interview, and you could see it going darker, then a little bit darker, like in increments. They were amazed, though. It was captivating! With all the anticipation, for sure you think you’re ready, but when you actually experience it, well, it’s mind blowing for sure! Leaves you speechless. And we were lucky with the weather, too. Even NASA was saying it was an incredible eclipse. They were blown away by it, too. It was such a neat experience the skies so perfect.”
More than 100 schools in Arkansas closed for the event how better to study science than to witness such an event? It also meant that teachers and other staff could experience everything, as well. More than 13,000 libraries across the country distributed 5 million pairs of free eclipse glasses, which were essential for safe viewing.
And, Teague said, “We had a mass wedding! Almost 400 couples got married in the park, taking their vows as the moon blotted out the sun.”
Additionally of the experience Teague said, “There are temperature drops when the sun is covered, and if you’re in the country with animals, the crickets start to chirp and the roosters go into roost. Bats came out because they thought it was nighttime.”
Teague’s enthusiasm and energy are still fresh and vivid, even months later. When asked if there was anything he would have done differently, or wished he had thought to do, he laughed and said, “Well, it might sound silly, but I wish we’d thought to put out water bowls for the dogs.”
simino was quite the draw during the days of the eclipse, with fans of all ages.
Visitors to Russellville’s eclipse celebration could place a pin to show how far they traveled.
A moon buggy added atmosphere to the eclipse festivities in Russellville, Ark
Anyone who loved watching “The Big Bang Theory” would recognize Mike Massimino. A
astronaut, Massimino has a
M.I.T. He
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Families turned out to Russellville, Ark., to create memories during what may be a once-in-a-lifetime event. There were so many activities and programs for everyone to enjoy.
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Eyes, ears and light cut crime in Columbus parks
By BETH ANNE BRINK-COX | The Municipal
After what they called a “violent” spring in 2022, city officials in Columbus, Ohio, took steps toward ensuring a safe, more peaceful summer. First, they beefed up the number of officers patrolling the parks. They followed that with a $500,000 contract for 25 portable surveillance and lighting systems at some of the parks.
While no solution is perfect, this two-fold plan proved successful enough to extend the lighting contract for a second year.
The Columbus Recreation and Parks Department and Columbus Department of Public Safety agreed that during the pandemic, there was an increase in violence across the country, and Columbus experienced the same trends.
While the city’s parks are places of joy, and a place to seek respite, there were a few isolated, high-profile incidents in parks, both departments admitted. While the parks are relatively safe, adding the extra layer of security is a way to deter those who may be considering engaging in illegal activities in the parks and give residents an extra sense of security when they visit.
ABOVE: At a casual glance, park visitors only see solar panels and the effective lighting they provide; however, they also contain surveillance cameras for the protection of visitors to the city parks of Columbus, Ohio. (Photos provided by city of Columbus, Ohio)
A CDPS representative said the department is currently renting portable camera trailers from Street Smart Rentals LLC. The first contract ran from May 25, 2022, through May 31, 2023, and was authorized by ordinance 1504-2022 for $500,000 and covered the rental of 20 units at $1,300 each per rolling 28-day rental period. The second and current contract runs from May 30, 2023, through May 31, 2024, and was authorized by ordinance 1352-2023. It is for $550,000 and covers the rental of 25 units at $1,250 per month each for a 12-month rental period and seven solar light towers at $1,300 per month each for a 12-month rental period.
Much thought went into the decision as to providers. According to a statement from CDPS, “The contract was awarded to Street Smart
after an informal evaluation determined that they were the only provider capable of deploying the equipment to meet the time constraints. This evaluation process included soliciting quotes from 3 vendors, of which Street Smart was the lowest cost. The ordinances noted above authorized the waiver of competitive bidding requirements.”
As expected, was a considerable investment in the city. But how was it funded? The statement elaborated: “Both contracts were funded by the General Fund budget. And the department plans to purchase portable camera trailers, rather than continuing to rent them, as purchasing will be more cost-effective.”
The department issued RFQ026042 in 2023 and received four bids. The contract was awarded to LRG Technologies LLC, dba Mobile Pro Systems. It was a Universal Term Contract authorized by ordinance 0181-2024. The department plans to purchase up to 20 units, and the purchase will likely take place later this year. In the meantime, they plan to renew the rental contract for a partial year to ensure coverage until the purchased trailers can be delivered. The purchase of the trailers will be capital-funded.
Concurrently with the contracts, the Columbus Division of Police took steps to increase its presence in parks. In addition to increasing the presence of uniformed officers in cruisers, bike patrol officers became present because when officers are on bikes, research has shown that they are more approachable. It’s also easier for police to interact with residents, strengthening relationships between law enforcement and residents.
In addition to officers being on site, the efforts prevented crime by increasing the perception that those who engage in illegal activity in parks would be caught. Thus, it was important to promote the effort broadly. Messaging focused on CDP having eyes and ears in parks and pointed out the fact that, while residents may not see officers, they are there. This reassured residents, deterred crime and increased the perception that, if a person decided to engage in criminal activity in a park, there is a strong likelihood he or she would be caught. Several press releases, media pitches and press conferences promoted the Parks Patrol, resulting in widespread coverage.
CDP also promoted the safety of parks through a PSA that featured interviews from CDP officers, department staff and community members who regularly visit Columbus parks. It reiterated that parks are safely enjoyed by many, and that police are actively patrolling parks. The PSA was pushed out through CDP and CRPD social media channels.
The results have been positive, according to the CDP. The parks remain safe, and officers have noticed a good general cross-section who felt comfortable enough to return to the parks: young families with children, seniors and others who hadn’t been coming out but have now started to do so again.
A CRPD representative noted that, “In Columbus, the Columbus Division of Police is responsible for safety in our parks. It has been critical for public safety and Columbus Recreation and Parks to work together closely to respond to this issue, and adjust strategies based on trends. There is a strong relationship between the departments, which makes this effective.”
The manner in which cameras were deployed was particularly effective. The location of the cameras was not publicized, and they are mobile and can be moved based on the assessments of crime trends and needs in consultation between Columbus Police and Columbus
This lovely park, one of 415 in the area, offers wonderful fun for young families and their children, especially now that they can feel safer playing there.
Recreation and Parks. It is hoped that would-be assailants will assume every park has surveillance equipment.
Spring is here again, and Columbus wants everyone to be safe and able to enjoy the beautiful city parks.
On the web
See Columbus’s efforts to protect its parks in action at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NkyvzsSmnqw&t=10s.
These topiaries in the Deaf School Park are breathtaking. Look closer and see the various people! It was inspired by the beautiful painting “A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte,” by Georges Seurat.
State community housing program makes Statesboro’s horizon brighter
By LAUREN CAGGIANO | The Municipal
department has made meaningful changes to update housing in the Georgia city in a short time.
Like many areas around the country, Statesboro, Ga., is facing a critical shortage of housing stock.
In response to this reality, the city enrolled in the Georgia Initiative for Community Housing in October 2019. The aim is to help communities create and launch a locally based plan to meet their housing needs.
The commitment was a three-year term with facilitation provided by the Department of Community Affairs. The city graduated from the program in 2022 and became a certified alumnus in 2023.
Statesboro Planning and Housing Administrator Justin Williams is the point of contact on the subject. From his perspective and experience, a host of intersecting factors previously contributed to poor outcomes regarding housing in the area.
“Our housing stock is really, really low compared to what it needs to be,” he admitted. “We also have a lot of poverty here. Per the last census, the median
ABOVE: A win for Statesboro, the first townhouse subdivision was constructed thanks to the city’s participation with the Georgia Initiative for Community Housing. (Photo provided by city of Statesboro, Ga.)
household income was $32,000. That’s a huge issue, and it creates other pressures in terms of affordable housing. If rent or a mortgage is eating up 50% of your monthly income, you are house-poor.”
According to Williams, economic opportunity in Statesboro is lacking. Georgia Southern University is a major employer, and a Walmart distribution center is located there. There are some manufacturing operations. However, most employers currently do not pay enough to provide for a family.
Williams said the community is in growth mode, though, and cited a forthcoming Hyundai EV plant that’s expected to employ 8,500 workers.
“We’re a growing city, and the amount of new housing that we’ve already approved should increase that
Statesboro’s Justin Williams said his
(Photo provided by city of Statesboro, Ga.)
number,” he said. “So I think we’re going to be pretty large in the next couple of years.”
Statesboro has been committed to addressing the quality-of-life housing issue for some time.
“Even before announcement of the program, we realized that we had some significant issues related to our policies that were really stopping affordable housing,” he explained. “We weren’t sure at the time how to fix those issues. So that was a huge part of us really getting involved with the initiative. We wanted to figure out the best practices we can use to help deal with these issues and determine what funding sources are available.”
The city is now in the implementation phase, having introduced programs and funding strategies to revitalize existing properties and expand low-income housing options. Bolstered by participation in the Senior Year Program from the Department of Community Affairs, these efforts are set to enhance Statesboro’s housing landscape significantly. Specifically, he noted that the Senior Year Program provides a direct pipeline to the funding necessary to advance local initiatives.
One of the cornerstone initiatives is the housing rehabilitation program, which aims to maintain affordable housing by ensuring existing homes remain safe and sanitary. This program, funded partly through the federal American Rescue Plan Act, is designed to help the city secure additional competitive funding sources such as low-income housing tax credits.
“We took a portion of the funds and devoted them strictly to housing rehabilitation,” he said. “That’s really what kicked us off, because funds from the state are extremely competitive.”
Per Williams, the Senior Year Program provides a comprehensive support package, including technical assistance for grant applications, which is vital for smaller cities like Statesboro. Unlike larger entitlement cities that receive direct funding allocations, Statesboro must compete with other communities for the critical funds. This win means it can confidently move forward, knowing support is in place to apply for and manage the grants successfully.
But these moves might be only the beginning. Over the next two years, Statesboro plans to intensify its efforts to advance the housing rehabilitation program. For instance,
he said the city intends to invest in significant reconstruction projects, build new affordable housing and expand low-income housing tax credit projects, including ongoing senior housing developments.
“We’re looking at the development of another low-income housing tax credit project,” he said. “We currently have one under development — a senior housing development. The way the program is structured, we want to expand what we’re building. I know senior housing is kind of an easy one for a lot
of communities to do. But we want to make sure we’re building our capacity for future development, too.”
Taking an intentional approach to development, Williams said they plan to look at another market study in the near future to understand current needs better. In the longer term, he hopes to make meaningful progress around diversifying the housing stock. In the meantime, he is optimistic about what the 3,000 units in various stages of approval might mean for the community.
Bryant’s Landing is a senior housing project funded through Georgia’s Housing Tax Credit. (Photo provided by city of Statesboro, Ga.)
The Charme at George Southern University is a new apartment building, soon to be one of the tallest buildings in the city. (Photo provided by city of Statesboro, Ga.)
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“And I’m proud to be an American, where at least I know I’m free. And I won’t forget the men who died, who gave that right to me.”
FARMINGTON HILLS, MICH. NTEA —The Work Truck Association will welcome commercial vehicle industry leaders at its 2024 Executive Leadership Summit with a full-day program Sept. 24, 2024, and an evening reception Sept. 23 at Saint John’s Resort in Plymouth, Mich.
This annual conference addresses marketplace dynamics currently impacting work truck industry companies. During this event, chassis OEMs, economists, data analysts and industry leaders will share targeted information, including key trends, forecasts and insights. Content is designed to further commercial vehicle industry knowledge, growth and profitability.
“Executive Leadership Summit provides a forum for industry leaders to come together for strategic discussions on a number of topics related to the commercial vehicle space and learn how to apply insights to their business and operations,” said Jennifer Mitchell, NTEA senior director of content development.
Program lineup
• AI in the Work Truck Industry: Navigating Opportunities and Challenges for Your Company.
• Engineering the Future: Considerations in Chassis Design for Upfitters and Manufacturers.
• State of Emissions Regulations in the Work Truck Industry.
• Strategic Insights into Commercial Vehicle Data and Trends.
• Work Truck Industry Economic Overview and Market Forecast.
NRPA recognizes excellence in parks and recreation with the Innovation and Spotlight Awards
ASHBURN, VA The National Recreation and Park Association announced the recipients of this year’s NRPA Innovation Awards, Spotlight Awards, and Scholarships and Fellowships. The awards will be presented during the 2024 NRPA Annual Conference in October when NRPA will announce the winner of its Best in Innovation Award, which recognizes the best of the best in park and recreation innovation.
NRPA Innovation Awards recognize park and recreation agencies nationwide that have improved and strengthened their communities through innovative practices in park design, health and wellness, conservation and equity.
The recipients of this year’s awards are as follows:
Innovation in Health Award
• SwimSmart Initiative, Waukegan Park District, Waukegan, Ill.
Innovation in Equity Award
• Signs of Belonging, Ramsey County Parks and Recreation, Maplewood, Minn.
Innovation in Conservation Award
• Ford Fair Lane Estate Fishway, Wayne County Parks and Recreation, Westland, Mich.
Innovation in Park Design Award
• Glass City Metropark, Metroparks Toledo, Toledo, Ohio.
NRPA Spotlight Awards are presented to individuals to honor their efforts both professional and personal in the field of parks and recreation.
The following individuals are recognized with NRPA Spotlight Awards:
National Distinguished Professional Award
• Michael McCarty, CPRP, Executive Director, Glenview Park District, Glenview, Ill.
Dirk Richwine Professional Mentoring Award
• Ryan Davis, CPRE, Director of Parks and Recreation, city of Miamisburg, Ohio.
Robert W. Crawford Young Professional Award
• Javier Martinez, CPRP, Manager of Fitness and Aquatics, Waukegan Park District, Waukegan, Ill.
Robert M. Artz Advocate Award
• Mary Behling, Former Chairperson, Cambridge Community Activities Program, Cambridge, Wis.
Theodore and Franklin Roosevelt Award for Excellence in Recreation and Park Research
• Dr. Clement Lau, Departmental Facilities Planner, Los Angeles County Parks and Recreation, Los Angeles, Calif.
NRPA Scholarships and Fellowships provide recipients with the opportunity to attend and explore the operation of the field at the NRPA Annual Conference.
NRPA’s awardees in the following categories were:
Young Professional Fellowships
• Christopher Harrison, CPRP, Hillsborough County Parks and Recreation (Florida)
• Miranda Maloy, CPRP, Lewisville Parks and Recreation (Texas)
• Cassandra Paddock, CPRP, Schertz Parks, Recreation and Community Services (Texas)
• Rachel Smith, CPRP, James City County Parks and Recreation (Virginia)
Diversity Scholarships
• Gaby Bridges, CPRP, Layton City Parks and Recreation (Utah)
• Nancy Xiong, Three Rivers Parks District (Minnesota) Student Scholarships
• Ezekiel Adesawe, Clemson University (South Carolina)
• Athena Sexton, Appalachian State University (North Carolina)
“We are thrilled to celebrate this year’s winners who have demonstrated their commitment to the future of parks and recreation,” said Kristine Stratton, NRPA president and CEO. “NRPA is proud to recognize the innovative and transformative work that they, as community impact leaders, provide to their communities. We look forward to celebrating each of you in Atlanta at the 2024 NRPA Annual Conference!”
“The NRPA National Awards and Scholarship Committee is excited to recognize park and recreation agencies, professionals and students’ profound impact throughout our communities,” said Jeanette Aiello, chair of NRPA’s National Awards and Scholarship Committee and project and operations supervisor for Canton, Mich. “With more than 200 applications, our committee was overly impressed by the outstanding achievements of each award winner.”
Registration now open for 12th annual 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at Lambeau Field in Green Bay
APPLETON, WIS. Pierce Manufacturing Inc. announced registration is open for the 12th annual 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at
Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. Co-sponsored by Pierce and the Green Bay Metro Fire Department, this year’s climb will occur on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024. The event is open to everyone who wishes to honor the 343 firefighters who lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2001. All proceeds will benefit the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. Participants are encouraged to register in advance at piercemfg.com/climb.
The 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at Lambeau Field continues to be one of the largest events of its kind in the nation. Last year, it attracted over 2,000 participants from the fire service community, their families, friends and other supporters, who collectively raised more than $140,000 for the NFFF.
“More than two decades have passed since the tragic events of 9/11, yet the memories remain vivid in our hearts and minds,” said
Chief Matthew Knott of the Green Bay Metro Fire Department. “Our annual stair climb is a heartfelt tribute to the brave firefighters who sacrificed their lives. We are grateful for this opportunity to honor these heroes and to raise funds to support the critical work of the NFFF.”
Participants will climb the equivalent of 110 stories the height of the World Trade Center towers on the iconic steps of Lambeau Field. Each climber will carry an honor badge bearing the name and photo of one of the fallen firefighters, symbolically completing the journey those heroes began. Upon reaching the equivalent of the 78th floor, the highest point reached by firefighters on 9/11, climbers will ring a fire bell in solemn tribute.
Event details are as follows:
• Registration Fees: $35 per climber through July 6, $40 from July 7 to Aug. 10 and $45 per person from Aug. 11 until the day of the climb.
• Event T-shirts: Available for those who register by Aug. 10, and all participants will receive an honor badge.
• Check-in: Participants can preregister and check in on the evening before the climb on Friday, Sept. 6, from 3-6:00 p.m. near the Kwik Trip Gate at Lambeau Field.
• Opening Ceremony: Begins at 9 a.m. on Sept. 7, featuring the Presentation of the Colors, National Anthem, remarks from the NFFF and a prayer. Climbing safety guidelines and instructions will be shared before the bagpiper procession.
• Climbing Start Times: Organized in 10-minute waves of 343 climbers each, assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Entertainment: Live performances will be staged near the Kwik Trip Gate for those awaiting their climb.
For additional information, preregistration details and FAQs, visit the event’s Facebook page or piercemfg.com/climb.
News releases regarding personnel changes, other non-productrelated company changes, association news and awards are printed as space allows. Priority will be given to advertisers and affiliates. Releases not printed in the magazine can be found online at www.themunicipal.com. Call (800) 733–4111, ext. 2307, or email swright@the-papers.com
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VMAC: Revolutionizing Mobile Compressed Air and Multi-Power Solutions
VMAC is at the forefront of mobile compressed air innovation, delivering powerful, lightweight and compact solutions that revolutionize how municipalities operate. VMAC prides itself on manufacturing top-tier air compressors and multi-power systems in-house at its 44,000-square-foot facility in North America.
Known for its rigorous quality standards, VMAC’s products cater to a diverse range of demanding environments, from construction sites and road maintenance to heavy machine repairs and utility services.
Innovation at its core
At VMAC, innovation is not just a buzzword it’s the core of every product developed. As The Leader In Compressed Air Innovation®, VMAC is committed to engineering air compressors that revolutionize how people work with some of the market’s lightest, smallest, most reliable and most powerful systems.
VMAC’s product lineup includes UNDERHOOD® air compressors, hydraulic, diesel and gas powered air compressors, direct-transmission mounted systems, and the innovative Multifunction Power Systems. These solutions are designed to maximize air power while reducing operational costs and environmental impact, allowing mobile workers to do more with less.
Fleets are switching to VMAC
With a system for virtually every municipal application, it’s no surprise fleets are switching to VMAC.
“The market is shifting, and fleets are intentionally moving to VMAC systems,” explained Gordon Duval, VP of sales and marketing at VMAC. “The superior performance and reliability of our systems, combined with unparalleled technical support, set VMAC apart from other options on the market today.”
VMAC’s G30 gas powered air compressors and H40/H60 hydraulic driven air compressors are the two most popular options for fleets, while VMAC’s Multifunction systems are a notable asset for remote job sites and unpredictable work.
“Municipal clients love the G30 and hydraulic driven air compressor systems because they always get the job done. These systems are reliable, powerful and easy to integrate into any truck build. The G30 is fully turnkey, while our hydraulic systems are quick to install. They are ordered by fleets across North America as quickly as we build them.”
“For larger jobs, the 6-in-1 diesel Multifunction systems and 5-in-1 gas Multifunction systems are versatile workhorses ready for any challenge. By combining an air compressor, generator, welder, battery booster and charger, plus a PTO port on the diesel systems, your team can tackle any repair thrown at them. It doesn’t matter what surprises await your service truck fleet.”
Recognized excellence and quality assurance
VMAC’s commitment to excellence has not gone unnoticed. The company has received numerous awards for its innovation, manufacturing excellence and business management, including the Best Managed Companies and Occupational Safety Standard of Excellence recognitions.
VMAC also holds an ISO 14001:2015 certification for its environmental management systems and an ISO 9001:2015 certification for its quality management systems, reflecting the company’s outstanding attention to sustainability, quality management, standardization and continuous improvement.
By MELISSA VASEY | VMAC
Photos provided by VMAC
“Continuous improvement is an essential part of VMAC’s culture and guides the way we approach work at VMAC,” said Brent Johnston, CEO. “We’ve invested in state-of-the-art quality control systems and our products are among the most reliable, but our team never stops in our pursuit of total excellence.”
Meeting rapid growth demands
At present, VMAC’s continuous improvement efforts are focused on meeting rapidly increasing order volumes, created by a steady influx of new fleet customers. The plan is to exponentially ramp up production capabilities to meet fleet demand and align lead times with customer expectations.
“When manufacturing companies like ours experience this type of rapid growth, the first instinct is to hire aggressively and quickly expand facilities, but we approach it differently,” explained Johnston. “We still look at those options, but we also challenge ourselves to analyze our current processes and identify meaningful opportunities for improvement in flow, throughput and velocity in our plant.”
VMAC understands that its strength lies in its people. The company fosters a culture of teamwork, innovation and continuous improvement, involving coworkers at every level to drive innovation.
“We go straight to our people when considering improvements because they are the experts. We ask those who do the work how they think it can be done better, then we empower them to make those changes. It doesn’t matter if you’re an assembler, an engineer, a foundry tech, or an office worker—you’re the expert in your space and you have improvement ideas we want to explore.”
This continuous improvement is never ending and has become a part of everyday life at VMAC.
“An important facet of continuous improvement is that it is, in fact, continuous. VMAC’s teams will never be satisfied with the status quo, whatever that looks like, and are always looking for new opportunities to improve and innovate products and processes.”
But VMAC’s approach to growth is more than a feel-good story, it’s also a highly effective one. VMAC’s shipments to large fleets doubled again over the past two years, while warranty claims have plummeted.
Looking ahead
As VMAC continues to grow and evolve, the company remains focused on its principles: innovation, efficiency and quality. For fleet managers and industry professionals looking for reliable, cost-effective mobile power solutions, VMAC stands out by offering substantially more value in terms of total cost of ownership.
With a track record of pushing the boundaries of air compressor technology and a clear vision for the future, VMAC is not just a manufacturer but a true partner in every fleet’s success.
To learn more about why fleets are making the switch to VMAC, visit www.vmacair.com.
VMAC diesel 6-in-1 Multifunction Power System with Cat engine.
VMAC 60 CFM Hydraulic Driven Air Compressor on a service truck.
Best beach towns for retirement
Does a desire to feel the sun, sand and water ever go away in those who love the beach lifestyle? It doesn’t seem so. Cities that offer options for coastal retirement continue to draw new, mature residents year upon year.
A secluded cottage right on the beach is not always a well-thought-out choice for retirees, though. Older residents, in particular, need housing that’s affordable and as well as easy access to amenities including health care, transportation and food.
This spring, U.S. News and World Report investigated which coastal areas were drawing the most retirees and compared those cities to one another. All offered a community full of peers and a variety of leisure activities in addition to beautiful beaches, warm sunshine and cool breezes: Several were also pet-friendly, and they cool down just enough in the winter to evoke memories of the fall and winter seasons new residents might have experienced in their home states.
As might be expected, most of the cities that ranked the highest are in Florida. After all, the Sunshine State has a long history of welcoming and accommodating retirees!
The 10 best U.S. beach towns in which to retire are:
Liquid deicing solutions from VSI by BOSS Snowplow are the easiest way to get back to bare pavement. Starting at $30,000 our Legacy Brine Maker is the right price to bring high-performance brine making to your municipality’s snow and ice capabilities. Plus, it can be easily installed, and its compact size takes up less space in your facility. The Legacy Brine Maker, with its high production capability, makes it easy for your crew to be more productive and efficient in restoring order. It’s one more way BOSS BACKS YOU UP.
Eliminate waste and focus on your sustainability initiatives by installing Landmark’s waste and recycling bins throughout your municipality. Perfect for any park, street, or corner, our waste solutions are:
Environmentally Friendly
Our EasyCare™ products are made from tangent sustainable lumber and BPA-free HDPE recycled plastic.
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The same materials that make our bins so sustainable help reinforce them against the elements, from rain to snow to humidity.
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