What’s eating away at your vehicle
De-icing chemicals: A growing threat Motor vehicles face a constant battle against the elements, with one of the most insidious threats being corrosion. In colder climates where snow and ice are prevalent, it’s not uncommon to see traditional road salt … More from our cover sponsor →
This land is your land: National parks feel the pinch as sequestration slashes budgets
Since 1916, the national park system has been the treasure of the American landscape. With over 400 locations covering 84 million acres across the United States and its territories, national parks attract nearly 279 million visitors, employ 22,000 full-time, part-time … Continue reading →
The Vacation Differential
Legislators took a nice, long vacation over the summer. Haven’t you always wished you could do that? Imagine leaving behind all of the consequential decision-making and headache-provoking conversations for a three-month change of pace. Pretend, for a minute, that you … Continue reading →
10 things to know about new NFPA standards affecting SCBAs
The National Fire Protection Association’s 2013 standards affecting self-contained breathing apparatus have departments across the country deciding whether now is the time upgrade their respiratory protective equipment or to purchase new. Considerations for both small and large departments were shared … Continue reading →
IMSA safety conference
The 118th annual International Municipal Signal Association public safety conference brought traffic engineers from across a broad region to the mountains of Arizona for education, networking and to attend the 36th annual public safety school. Reducing congestion and increasing first … Continue reading →
DEQ delivers hurricane resource manual to parishes
The Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality has distributed an updated Hurricane Resource Manual to all of the 64 parishes in the state. The manual contains information pertaining to hurricane/emergency recovery assistance as it relates to permitting, debris collection and environmental … Continue reading →
Not your grandmother’s parking meter
By BARB SIEMINSKI | The Municipal Here comes the sun, hopes Chattanooga, Tenn. In February, Chattanooga, Tenn., installed solar-powered parking meters. Jim Bowen, director of special projects with the Chattanooga Parking Authority, said officials approved the investment of more than … Continue reading →
Placemaking: getting to the heart of community
Placemaking continues to grow nationwide, in municipalities like Oviedo, Fla.; Raleigh, N.C.; and Savannah, Ga. — and even on an international scale, from South Korea to Canada and the United Arab Emirates. While not a new concept, placemaking encourages municipal … Continue reading →
Police adapting to everchanging technologies
Technology continually evolves, posing a challenge to law enforcement as detectives tackle an increasing number of cybercrimes like cyberbullying and cyberstalking. Annually, more than 2,000 victims of cyberharassment approach Working to Halt Online Abuse seeking help — approximately 50-75 cases … Continue reading →
Waste not, want not: solid waste management and environmental responsibility
When officials in Lee County, Fla., first announced plans to construct an energy-from-waste facility as part of a solid waste management program, the concept was met with considerable opposition from environmentally-conscious residents. “There’s this idea that comes from a very … Continue reading →
Profitable, in-house ‘green’ disposal
It doesn’t happen every time, but occasionally, going green can also mean saving money. The State Electronics Challenge was designed by the Northeast Recycling Council in Brattleboro, Vt., as a way to teach municipal leaders green electronic disposal techniques. Since … Continue reading →
Repurposing only goes so far
In each issue of The Municipal, our staff strives to present a sampling of issues, projects and personalities from various spokes of the municipal management wheel. We think that consistent diversity is important, because every department we cover depends on … Continue reading →
Bonnell holds customer appreciation day
On June 19 and 20 Bonnell Industries, manufacturer of truck and road equipment, hosted its 2013 open house. This event welcomed over 600 people, including The Municipal’s Christi Sausaman, through the doors of its Dixon, Ill., facility and treated them … Continue reading →
Placemaking: getting to the heart of community
Seven years ago the state of Michigan embraced placemaking — not as a buzzword, but to develop a dialogue. “Our board (Michigan Municipal League) challenged us to be more proactive with what was going on economically,” said Arnold Weinfield, director … Continue reading →
Most expensive public works projects in U.S. history
Big Dig (1992–2006), Boston, Mass. $14.6 billion San Francisco – Oakland Bay Bridge East Span Replacement (2002–13) San Francisco/Oakland, Calif. $6.3 billion Mon-Fayette Expressway (1993–2013) southwest Pennsylvania/northern West Virginia $5 billion Ohio River Bridges Project (2005–20) Louisville, Ky./southern Indiana $4.1 … Continue reading →
Bridge project encourages conflict resolution
The first new bridge connecting St. Louis, Mo., and Illinois in over 40 years is nearing completion. Currently, one bridge carries traffic for I-64, I-70 and I-55 across the Mississippi River: The new corridor will reroute I-70 off of the … Continue reading →
A sinking feeling
On April 18, south side Chicago resident Ola Oni was heading to work when she saw something that looked like it came straight out of a Stephen King thriller. A large sinkhole had opened in the 9600 block of South … Continue reading →
DESIGN-BUILD SOLUTIONS WITH CLEARSPAN FABRIC STRUCTURES
ClearSpan Fabric Structures is the industry-leading manufacturer of tension fabric buildings, offering American-made structures with in-house engineering, manufacturing, financing and installation. These structures provide energy-efficient, economical solutions for municipal needs, including waste management, equipment and materials storage, warehousing and more. … Continue reading →
