Montage Enterprises: Surpassing the expectation in mower parts
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. … More from our cover sponsor →
Science beats assumptions when judging flow
Ask any firefighter the most critical component of containing a blaze, and they’ll likely tell you getting water on it — but what happens when water isn’t doing the trick? The answer often lies in the study of hydraulics, the … Continue reading →
ASRs show potential to restore natural water systems
Beyond water storage, aquifer storage and recovery facilities have the potential to be used as part of a concerted effort to restore the condition of natural resources like the Florida Everglades. ASRs have been used in Florida and throughout the … Continue reading →
You say you want a resolution? Solving conflict in the municipal workplace
Whenever Jim Hunt offers a workshop on conflict resolution in the municipal workplace, he knows the room will be packed. It’s one of the biggest issues facing community leaders, and with more than 27 years in local government, including stints … Continue reading →
Farmington Hills sees savings in brine production
Even before rock salt prices got, well, saltier, officials in the city of Farmington Hills, Mich., looked for a way to reduce costs by starting their own municipal brine production facility. Mr. Kevin McCarthy, superintendent of the Department of Public … Continue reading →
Strategic improvements, stronger future: Huntington, W.Va., named ‘America’s Best Community’
When city leaders in Huntington, W.Va., first learned about the “America’s Best Community” competition, they thought it would provide them with the perfect opportunity to envision a stronger future for their constituents and to create the strategy that would turn … Continue reading →
Wadesboro Police Department gets new, repurposed digs
The old shingle exterior of a North Carolina doctor’s office has been replaced with tidy brick and a shiny new police badge. In fact, the building underwent surgery of sorts and is recovering nicely as it serves as the Wadesboro … Continue reading →
Huntington, W.Va., named ‘America’s Best Community’
When city leaders in Huntington, W.Va., first learned about the “America’s Best Community” competition, they thought it would provide them with the perfect opportunity to envision a stronger future for their constituents and to create the strategy that would turn … Continue reading →
White Plains, N.Y., designated Clean Energy Community
Give a big shout-out to White Plains, N.Y., for going for the gold and beyond where clean energy is concerned. Last May, White Plains — population 58,035 in 2014 — was designated a Clean Energy Community by the New York … Continue reading →
Decatur, Ga., leads Metro-Atlanta in environmental sustainability
One of the leading Metro-Atlanta communities in green energy and environmental sustainability is the just over 20,000 person city of Decatur, Ga. In recognition of this accomplishment, the city has received a number of accolades, including being one of the … Continue reading →
Solar Power: Leading the way to a brighter future
Embracing solar energy is a theme that has been building speed across various states and countries around the world. While green technology is always adapting, the most opportune time to take initiative in creating a green infrastructure is now — … Continue reading →
Using green alleyways to improve water quality
One up and coming method of improving water quality is reconstructing alleys. Cities are noticing that green alleys are not only able to help reduce flooding issues, but also remove pollutants and urban runoff from stormwater so that it enters … Continue reading →
Coon Rapids takes seat at sustainability table
What started as an effort to improve the city for its residents has led to national recognition and a way of life for members of the Coon Rapids, Minn., community. The city was awarded the American Public Works Association’s Sustainability … Continue reading →
Georgia Guidestones Elberton, Ga.
On March 22, 1980, next to a cow pasture north of Elberton, Ga., a mysterious white-haired gentlemen, who pseudonymically dubbed himself Robert C. Christian, unveiled perhaps the most enigmatic monuments ever erected in America. The granite multi-stone monolith’s origin is … Continue reading →
Whitesboro, N.Y.
When Hugh White settled the town of Whitesboro, N.Y., circa 1784, one of his first orders of business was to win the respect of the Native Americans inhabiting the area. According to the official account by the village, population 3,772, … Continue reading →
Small sweeper with a large attitude
by BRIAN GILES | product manager, Schwarze Industries Introduced late last year, Schwarze’s new A4 Storm regenerative air sweeper packs all the street sweeper features you would expect on a full-size class 7 chassis sweeper on a smaller, more maneuverable … Continue reading →
Reaching out to the next generation of fleet technicians
Dakota County, Minn., has proven its expertise in the world of fleet staffing. Since a merger in 2007, which resulted in all of the county’s vehicle and equipment maintenance and management efforts falling under one unit, the department has ranked … Continue reading →
Snow roadeos provide opportunity for training and preparation for winter
Public works departments across the country hold annual roadeo competitions where snow removal equipment operators participate in a challenging obstacle course to prepare and train them for the upcoming winter’s onslaught. Even in warm-weather states, similar competitions are held for … Continue reading →
Protecting groundwater in a karst landscape takes education and prevention
There are many factors that can make a city interesting and unique. For Bowling Green, Ky., one unique feature is its topography. The city lies on top of a karst system, which means there is soluble rock, commonly limestone, lying beneath the ground’s … Continue reading →