APWA News Summer 2011/ Vol. 47 No. 2
In This Issue
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From the President-Elect
One
of the duties of the president-elect is to step up when needed by the
president. Our president, Mary Meloy, is recovering from a couple of
health problems and so I agreed to write the president’s column for this
issue of the chapter newsletter.
Another duty of the president-elect is to serve as the board liaison to
the chapter’s Education Committee chaired by Sam Irving. It is in this
role that I have come to appreciate the full depth and breadth of our
chapter’s education program. Our education program truly provides
something for everyone in the public works profession. It is served by a
strong cadre of dedicated volunteers, our chapter administrator, Cameo
Management Solutions, Inc., and ODOT’s T2 Center. Our education program
represents the majority of expenses and is the source of the majority of
revenue for our chapter. The program is financially sound and returns a
small profit to the chapter to fund other chapter activities. Below are
the highlights of the chapter’s education programs -
Chapter Conferences – Two conferences are held
each year. This past spring we joined with the Washington Chapter for a
very successful joint conference in Vancouver, Washington. This fall
will find us “Riding for the Brand” at Eagle Crest Resort in Redmond.
Monthly Luncheons – Bi-monthly luncheons are
held in Portland and Eugene. The luncheons provide the opportunity to
network and to learn about a new public works project or program from
our peers.
Spring and Fall Short Schools – The curricula for the schools are focused on street maintenance and collections systems. Experts working in the field from throughout Oregon share their knowledge of operations and maintenance of public works systems.
Northwest Public Works Institute - The Northwest Public Works Institute is a program of instruction for public works leaders in the Northwest who would like to attain a higher degree of proficiency as public works leaders and managers. The Institute is comprised of three classes – Developing Leader, Public Works Essentials, and Public Works Leadership.
The Education Committee continues to look for opportunities to meet the education needs of the chapter’s members. Earlier this year we partnered with the Oregon Utility Notification Center to hold a locator training class in Seaside in conjunction with the Spring Short School. Recently, we began to include trainings offered by others on the chapter’s website that may be of interest to chapter members.
During this economic downturn, participation in the chapter’s education program has increased, a testament to the value the program provides to public works professionals. I strongly encourage you to check into the education opportunities that your chapter has to offer and consider attending a conference, luncheon or class.
Hopefully, Mary will be back in the saddle in time to pen the President’s Column for the fall newsletter.
Mark Schoening
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2011
APWA Spring Joint Conference: A Madcap Recap By John Carpita, Washington State Chapter Liaison
Oregon and Washington have been states for a long time, and for some 50 plus of those years, both states have had APWA chapters. About every four years or so (depending on sunspots, climate change, whether anyone remembers, etc.), the two chapters hold a joint spring conference, just like this year’s event in Vancouver from March 29 to April 1. It is always great to meet folks from the other state and also great to experience a bit of culture shock, as the two chapters have different traditions and conference styles. This conference recap is a tad different because it is made up (almost) entirely of comments by attendees from both chapters.
Preconference Workshops
“The preconference workshop related to APWA Accreditation was outstanding and very informative. I think this should be an annual event by the chapter(s) to promote this activity. Although it is not for everyone and every agency, there is a wealth of information that can be generated about current process and practices.”
“The preconference workshop on Maintaining our Assets Today is the Foundation of Our Future was great! I learned a lot about how to contract for maintenance activities and about using interlocal agreements. Now If I could just get the council to quit cutting my budgets….”
Golf Tournament
“Can you say wet and cold? But as always, it was a beautiful course.”
“The golf tournament for the 2011 Spring Conference was an event to remember. It was fun to golf with friends and associates, but it was an event that made you regret the liquid sunshine of the Northwest. We hosted George Crombie, President of APWA, and he remarked that this was undoubtedly the wettest round of golf he has ever played. Along with some great golf shots, the small shot or whiskey helped warm us up a bit. Camas Meadows is a beautiful course and had wonderful carts that you could enter your score in as you played. The updated digital “Leaders Board” was fun to watch even though it became obvious that some, whom we shall not name or will we, Jill Marilley, entered lower and lower scores until they were hitting 18 holes in one. “
Ian Hill – Keynote Speaker
“We come to these conferences to learn of new ideas, to meet our colleges, and to recharge our energy so we can return to our daily work inspired. Ian Hill gave us many inspiring challenges and ideas to think about.”
“I was inspired by Ian Hill’s keynote presentation and the two classes he gave. Most public works agencies are going through change, due to reduced budgets and decreasing condition of our systems. His presentation on how to lead an effective organizational change was thought provoking and the 30-day follow up has helped me with our organizational change. I plan to address my entire work force tomorrow and discuss how our changes are going, the good, bad and what needs to be modified for effective change that is positive. “
First Timer Events
“The Washington State Chapter is growing and we had a great group of first-timers at the conference. The social for this group was a chance to get to know them, welcome them and get them involved in APWA so they become a regular part of our chapter team.”
“I was a first timer at this event and I had an excellent time. The first timer event (wine social) was a great way to meet the chapter presidents, elected officials, and other newbies in a non-threatening or intimidating environment. With some wine, I think everyone was able to open up a little more! I was able to talk to experienced engineers about their personal struggles to get to where they are today and the obstacles they had to overcome when they were a young engineer. I was able to look past the fancy titles and letters after their name, and connect with them on a more personal level - just like what Ian Hill had expressed during one of his speeches. Not only did I make great connections, but I gained some friendships. I would love to attend more conferences and APWA events if the opportunity arises.”
“I am a new member of APWA, and this was the first conference I have attended. I had heard the public works field includes some of the brightest and kindest people in the world, and my experience at this conference certainly confirmed that. The first timer events and recognition helped introduce me to not only others who are at the beginning of their APWA experience but also many of the very experienced who were kind enough to introduce themselves, show interest, and provide encouragement. “
“The presentations were engaging and informative, highlighting some of the best practices, projects, and theories being used. I also attended the preconference workshop with Ann Daniels, which not only helped me understand the value of the self-assessment process, but also how to kindle enthusiasm for and highlight the benefits of the process to others. “
Exhibitors
“The exhibitor booths always impress me and the people manning them are always outstanding and helpful. I always thank them for participating because I know a tough economy is harder for them to justify the cost of participation. And the exhibitors social on Wednesday night was a great chance to schmooze.”
“We exhibitors really enjoy supporting the APWA chapters. The conferences are great for us to meet folks that can use our products and services. And we really appreciate those of you who do take the time to stop and talk and pick up a brochure or two.”
National APWA Speakers
“Jill Marilley remarked on how fortunate we were to have both National President George Crombie and Brian Van Norman, Director of Chapter Relations with us and to have them share news and views from National.“
“I thought the speakers at the spring conference were very good. The Wednesday lunch speaker was particularly motivating. It was also excellent to hear from our national president.”
Technical Sessions
“Boy, you engineers are boring! JUST KIDDING!!!! But seriously, folks, the technical sessions were first rate: a great variety of topics to suit almost all interests. But, who is this Ostrowski guy? You know - the one that bills himself as a public works philosopher. Isn’t that a contradiction of terms? Gotta admit, he’s got a great sense of humor, though.”
Thursday Banquet
“I’m sure glad I didn’t get volunteered to go up on stage. Being hypnotized and doing all those crazy things is not my cup of tea, especially when YouTube makes it so easy to upload videos.”
Jill Marilley and Mary Meloy (after seeing themselves in a video): “Oh…. my….. gosh!!!”
Kirk Holmes: “What a rush!”
Lauren Behm (who was not hypnotized, but kept on stage to support others who were from falling down): “That’s what I get for being such a good sport!”
Click for more photos of the Spring 2011 Joint Conference
Mark your calendar for the Fall 2011 Oregon APWA Chapter Conference, Oct. 18-21, at Eagle Crest Resort
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Nominations for Chapter Awards
Recognize Excellence
Nominations are due by Sept. 9 for six awards to be presented at the fall 2011 APWA conference at Eagle Crest , October 18-21. Send one hard copy and an electronic copy of the nomination to the designated committee.
Application forms can be found on the Oregon APWA web site. You can also find contact names, phone numbers and emails for
committee contacts can be found on the web site.
Here are the award categories:
Julian Award for Sustainability – To recognize and encourage sustainability in public works through programs, policy, projects or people. Contact the futures committee for nominations (Jeanne Nyquist).
Bowes Award – To recognize a public works leader for their far-reaching, positive impact on public works programs, services or policies. Selection is made by last year’s award winner, Kurt Corey.
Young Leader Award – To recognize and encourage young public works employees who have demonstrated leadership abilities and show potential for future growth within the profession. The candidate must be under the age of 35. Contact
Delora Kerber for nominations.
Special Service Award – This award is intended to indicate the Oregon Chapter’s esteem, respect and regard for the candidate’s support of the chapter or the profession of public works. This can be a person who has been working behind the scenes helping the Oregon Chapter, or it can be a public figure. Contact an
APWA board member for nominations.
Project of the Year Award – To recognize excellence, innovation and cooperation with regard to management and administration of public works projects through the alliance of the managing agency, consultant and contractor. Contact the Awards Committee (Gordon Munro) for nominations and project categories. The projects must be completed between March 2010 and October 2011.
Everyday Hero – To recognize public works employees or crews who provide good customer service, are efficient and innovative, and are helpful and friendly. Contact
Delora Kerber for nominations.
Kansas City, Mo. – The public works department of the City of Bend, Oregon recently achieved a prestigious re-accreditation by the American Public Works Association. Bend is only the second city in Oregon to have achieved re-accreditation, along with the City of Eugene
(the City of Albany also is an accredited agency). First earning an APWA accreditation in May 2007, the APWA re-accreditation was awarded on June 1, 2011, during the City Council meeting within council chambers at City Hall. 