Weedoo Boats: Trusted by municipalities worldwide for eco-friendly aquatic management equipment
Weedoo Boats is a global leader in the manufacturing of aquatic weed management equipment, trusted by federal agencies and municipalities alike. Operating in 41 states and 17 countries, Weedoo has established a proven reputation for innovation and environmental responsibility by … More from our cover sponsor →
Are unions a hindrance to city budgets?
Do public employee unions hurt city budgets? Do union employees receive higher pay and benefits than their nonunion counterparts in the private sector? The answers seem to depend on who you ask, as studies on the topic conflict. But for … Continue reading →
Theodore Koch: Clara City, Minn.
Theodore Koch, founder of Clara City, was born in the Netherlands in 1854. An exemplary student, he mastered four languages before his formal education was cut short for lack of funds. After that, the energetic and frugal entrepreneur schooled himself … Continue reading →
Spreading the love of peanuts
Suffolk, Va. Though the status of Suffolk as the nation’s leading producer of peanuts has waned in the last half century, the role the popular legume played in the city’s history is beyond question. Suffolk was first hailed as “The … Continue reading →
Emerson Manufacturing Corporation: Listening to the heavy-equipment customer
No job is too big for an Emerson jack. Emerson Manufacturing Corporation’s air-operated and air/hydraulic jacks feature lift capacities from 14,000 to 60,000 pounds. Find one that works for you by visiting www.emersonjacks.com.
Continue reading →Research disagrees on advantages of public vs. private sector employment
The grass is perennially greener on the other side of the fence, so it’s little wonder that much thought — and even more indignation — has arisen regarding who has it better: employees of state and local governments, or those … Continue reading →
Snowfi ghters head to Hartford 2016 APWA North American Snow Conference
“The Premier Event in Snow & Ice Management,” APWA’s North American Snow Conference, will bring its focused and relevant educational opportunities and snowfighting products to Hartford, Conn., this year. On May 22–25, plan to learn from and shop alongside others … Continue reading →
Water, sewer professionals gather at WWETT
The 36th annual Water & Wastewater Equipment, Treatment & Transport show, held Feb. 17–20 in Indianapolis, Ind., delivered all the expected opportunities and more to water utility professionals in the public sector. WWETT has emerged as the premier venue for … Continue reading →
Park program decreases juvenile delinquency
A trip to the local park is a beloved and relatively frequent outing in most children’s lives. From the slides and swings to the monkey bars and merry-go-rounds, parks departments offer youngsters both fun and the opportunity to socialize with … Continue reading →
News & Notes
APWA Announces 2016 Jennings Randolph International Fellows KANSAS CITY, MO. — Th e American Public Works Association, in association with the Eisenhower Institute at Gettysburg College, announced recently the 2016 Jennings Randolph International Fellows. APWA’s Jennings Randolph International Fellowship program … Continue reading →
Go Orange
“Ask local leaders what are the conditions of their roads, and the majority will tell you that roads in their jurisdictions, having been built back in the ‘50s or ‘60s, are in need of improvement or repair.” James Baron, director … Continue reading →
Ohio to host 2016 NWZAW kickoff
An international trade association established in 1969 and headquartered in Fredericksburg, Va., the American Traffic Safety Services Association leads the nation in work zone safety training and education. With over 1,600 members nationwide and the core purpose of advancing roadway … Continue reading →
Predicting repair staffing, maintenance needs with VEUs
In maintaining and managing a municipal fleet operation, fleet managers can take a page from the private sector’s use of vehicle equivalency units to calculate the ratio of technician-to-vehicles. Put simply, using VEUs means adding up how many sedans and … Continue reading →
Planning and benchmarking drive Durham fleet into winner’s circle
A favorite quote of Joseph Clark, fleet management director for the city of Durham, N.C., is from the French poet Antoine de Saint-Exupery: “A goal without a plan is just a wish.” With the city’s blessing, Clark puts that motivating … Continue reading →
John Maczko: CEAM Engineer of the Year
John Maczko, winner of the City Engineers Association of Minnesota Municipal Engineer of the Year Award for 2015, has labored in several different types of engineering throughout his career. He began in traffic signal timing in 1985, later working as … Continue reading →
Localization in the fire service
Two public-private partnerships in the Midwest have addressed a local fire department’s concern as well as a cultural component of one firehouse neighborhood. Joliet, Ill., is home to NASCAR-themed Fire Station No. 3, said to be one of few like … Continue reading →
Lynchburg responds to the big one
Ever since a derailment and fire that occurred in Lynchburg, Va., on April 30, 2014, Battalion Chief Robert Lipscomb has been traveling across the U.S. giving talks about what the Lynchburg Fire Department learned from the experience. In that incident, … Continue reading →
Practice preparedness for potential derailments
There’s no denying that incidents of train derailments containing hazardous materials have increased. The distinction to note, however, is between derailments of hazardous material and other derailments. According to the National Transportation Safety Board, there are on average three train … Continue reading →
Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company Where it’s OK to horse around
The volunteer fire company of Chincoteague, Va., has its share of cowboys; and the island village of nearly 3,000 is glad, as are visitors from around the globe who crowd the tiny resort area each July. After the release of … Continue reading →
