News & Notes August 2016
APWA applauds U.S. House formation of public works and infrastructure caucus
WASHINGTON, D.C. — In June The American Public Works Association applauded Congressman Ryan Costello (PA- 06) and Congresswoman Dina Titus (NV-01) on their formation of the U.S. House Public Works and Infrastructure Caucus. The bipartisan caucus was formed to raise awareness of the critical importance of public works and infrastructure. It will be invaluable for educating members of Congress, their staff s and the public on the important services and projects communities across the country depend on, including roads and bridges; drinking water; flood control and stormwater, recycling; solid waste removal; parks and recreation; public fleets and building; and emergency response.
APWA also commended the House Public Works and Infrastructure Caucus as a means to educate Congress and the public on the need for greater investment in critical infrastructure, which is vital to the economy.
City of Dublin obtains CLEANFleet certification
DUBLIN, OHIO — The city of Dublin has obtained Tier 5 CLEANFleet certification from the Coalition for Green Fleet Management. This, in addition to its Certified Fleet Management Operation designation, makes Dublin a Master Certified Fleet operation.
Dublin is one of only eight fleets in the U.S, and the only one in Ohio, to achieve this certification. The CFC is comprehensive as its standards require everyone involved in the operation, including senior management and/or elected officials, to support best practices and the responsible use of the funds needed to attain high standards.
The program is structured in five progressive steps, known as tiers, allowing fleet operations to be recognized for their accomplishments. Each tier requires progressively more involved standards for certification. The top tier, Tier 5, is designed for highly advanced fleet operations. All tiers are valid for one year before requiring recertification.
While the certification program recognizes fleet operations for their current accomplishments, it also clearly identifies a pathway for operations looking to improve their current processes.
Henderson Products’ Gilberts location moves
MANCHESTER, IOWA — Henderson Products, a division of Douglas Dynamics Inc., is excited to announce that its Illinois Installation & Distribution Center has moved to Huntley, Ill. The new address is 11921 Smith Drive, Huntley, IL 60142.
In 2011 Henderson Products opened its fifth installation and distribution center in Gilberts, Ill., to better serve its customer base in the Chicagoland area. Over the past few years, the company experienced incredible growth, growth that finally outpaced the capacity available at the Gilberts location. In order for Henderson to maintain a high level of customer service and support, company officials knew change was needed.
Ideal accommodations were found in the village of Huntley, just 15 minutes away from the old location. The new facility totals 28,000 square feet, has multiple drive-through installation and service bays, a wash bay and seven acres of secure paved parking. Ready for the long haul, this location will provide a first-class experience for Henderson customers and has capacity to handle future growth.
Columbus fleet renews ASE certification
COLUMBUS, OHIO — The Columbus, Ohio, Department of Fleet Management received word in late spring that its professional staff has continued to meet the Blue Seal of Excellence Recognition Program standards established by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence. A plaque was awarded for the achievement. Kelly Reagan is administrator of the Columbus fleet. The department will remain certified through April 30.
Aladtec Inc. announces move of headquarters
RIVER FALLS, WIS. — Privately held Aladtec Inc. announced in June its move to 387 Arrow Court, River Falls, Wis. After being located in Hudson, Wis., for nearly six years, with a satellite office in River Falls, the company chose a larger office space in order to be in one location and have room for future expansion plans. The move allows 30 Aladtec’s employees to work under one roof, while two staff members telecommute. “We are grateful to Aladtec for their decision to expand in River Falls, Wisconsin,” said William Rubin, executive director, St. Croix Economic Development Corporation, St. Croix County, Wis. “Aladtec could have easily drifted across the border to Minnesota, but didn’t. Aladtec has roots in River Falls, and as they continue to grow, I know they will find numerous local resources to stay on their upward track towards greater success.”
Aladtec is an online employee scheduling and workforce management company focusing on the public safety sector. From its new River Falls office the company continues to develop, market, sell and support the Aladtec online software application.
APWA collaborates with water organizations to identify areas of change to the water sector
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The American Public Works Association and leading water associations, including the American Water Works Association, Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies, National Association of Clean Water Agencies, National Association of Water Companies, Association of Clean Water Agencies, Association of State Drinking Water Administrators and the Water Environment Federation, in collaboration with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, recently released “Taking the Next Step: Findings of the Effective Utility Management Review Steering Group,” a report that identifies areas of change in the water sector since the organizations began collaborating in 2007. The report outlines changes to the “Effective Utility Management 10 Attributes of Effectively Managed Utilities,” or building blocks, of effectively managed water sector utilities, and five keys to management success.
The key areas of change in the water sector that drove the organizations’ release of the “Taking the Next Step” report include:
. Accelerated adoption of automated and smart systems, and data integration
. Growing climate variability and extremes
. Enhanced customer expectations and public awareness
. Expanded challenges associated with employee recruitment and retention
. Increased focus on resource recovery
. Continued regulatory requirements and operating condition changes
. Greater consideration of stormwater and watershed management
American Traffic Safety Services Foundation announces scholarship recipients
FREDERICKSBURG, VA. — The American Traffic Safety Services Foundation recently awarded new 2016 Roadway Worker Memorial Scholarships to five students. The scholarships are awarded to dependents of workers killed or permanently disabled in roadway work zone crashes, to assist them in continuing their academic goals. Additionally, scholarship recipients who demonstrate a strong commitment to volunteerism were eligible for a $1,000 scholarship in honor of former ATSSA member Chuck Bailey. Bailey was killed in a tragic highway accident in 2002.
The 2016 recipients are: Andrea Pair, Oklahoma, will also receive the additional volunteer scholarship. Pair’s father worked for Time Striping Inc. in Arkansas, where he was removing pavement marking from a highway when a vehicle struck and killed him.
Lyndsay Sutton, Florida, will also receive the additional volunteer scholarship. Her father, Steven, was employed by DBi Services when he was killed by a motorist who lost control of his vehicle during a work zone traffic slowdown in 2011.
Rachael Moser, District of Columbia, received a scholarship. Moser’s father was employed by the Maryland State Highway Administration when he was killed after being struck by a pickup truck in 2007.
Brionna Lizotte, Missouri, received a scholarship. Her father was transporting materials for his job with the Missouri Department of Transportation when he was hit by a vehicle, resulting in his death.
Hayden Gonyer, New Hampshire, received a scholarship. His father worked for the New Hampshire Department of Transportation, where he was placing cones as part of a lane closure. He fell from the back of a pickup truck and died from his injuries.
APWA joins 86 organizations urging Senate passage of Water Resources Development Act
WASHINGTON, D.C. — In June, The American Public Works Association joined 86 organizations, including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the American Association of Port Authorities and the American Society of Civil Engineers, in a letter to the Senate Majority Leader, Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and Senator Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) urging the Senate to consider and pass S. 2848, the Water Resources Development Act of 2016. The Act would authorize nearly $10 billion over 10 years for water-related infrastructure projects, as well as drinking and clean water infrastructure.
The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee passed the current WRDA bill in April, showing a commitment to the nation’s critical water resources infrastructure by authorizing the Army Corps of Engineers projects and making improvements to ports, inland harbors, waterways, dams and flood control systems. The bill would also provide $220 million in direct emergency assistance for drinking water crises in communities.
News releases regarding personnel changes, other non-product-related 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. 2392, or email jmarlin@the-papers.com.