The Public Works Nerds

Latest Episodes:

Traffic Engineering for Cities with Marc and Mike Aug 08, 2023

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Marc and Mike go solo in this episode focusing on Traffic Engineering for Cities. Leveraging Mike's years of compiling data and producing reports and guides for various traffic related issues at the City level, the Public Works Nerds tackle a couple of frequent complaints such as speeding, request for stop signs and crosswalks. We also touch briefly on Complete Streets Policies, Comprehensive Plans and managing requests from elected officials. It's a conversation between two seasoned engineers at the City level!
Show Notes:
Referenced Book - The Checklist Manifesto: How to Get Things Right by Atul Gawande (blog article)
The Checklist Manifesto: Summary, Quotes, and Lessons - Checkli
Amazon Link to Book:
The Checklist Manifesto: How to Get Things Right: Gawande, Atul
Mike on Traffic"
Guide to Citizen Traffic Requests
Manual-on-Citizen-Traffic-Requests.pdf (mikeontraffic.com)
Checklist for Street Audits
Checklist-for-Street-Audits.pdf (mikeontraffic.com)
Other Resources from Mike on Traffic
Resources - Mike on Traffic
Complete Streets Policies
Complete Streets Policies | US Department of Transportation
Minnesota Department of Transportation Complete Streets Handbook
https://edocs-public.dot.state.mn.us/edocs_public/DMResultSet/download?docId=19626144
City of Rochester, MN Complete Streets Report and Policy
Street Use & Complete Streets (rochestermn.gov)

Exploring the Intersection of Drone Technology and Public Works with Brian Simmons Aug 01, 2023

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What happens when you merge the world of public works with drone technology? Our guest for today's episode, Brian Simmons, a Principal Engineer with Bolton & Menk, and tech enthusiast, shares his insights. A seasoned expert in the field, Brian provides us with an engaging primer on drones and UAVs, distinguishing between the two, and underscores the growing popularity of these devices in public works and the emerging applications.
Resources:
Gartner Hype Cycle
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gartner_hype_cycle

Bolton & Menk UAV/Drone Services
https://www.bolton-menk.com/resources/uav-services/

https://www.bolton-menk.com/resources/nextech-an-introduction-to-uav-services/

University of Minnesota LTAP Technology Exchange Article: City of Fridly, MN, Tests Drones for Public Works
http://www.mnltap.umn.edu/publications/exchange/2021/December/drones/index.html

Upping your Social Media Game with Kevin Wright from the City of Chaska, MN Jul 25, 2023

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In this episode, Kevin Wright, Communications Manager for the City of Chaska, MN, talks to us about how to use Social Media for public works events and projects. We talk about how Chaska is using Social Media, what platforms they are on and where the public is engaging with the City on social media. We also talk about the recently released "20 Tips to Up Your Agency's Social Media Game" which is a guide published by the Minnesota Local Road Research Board.
20 Tips to Up Your Agency's Social Media Game
https://mdl.mndot.gov/items/202215
Referenced Book:
Nudge: The Final Edition - Richard H. Thaler and Cass R. Sunstein
https://www.amazon.com/Nudge-Final-Richard-H-Thaler-dp-014313700X/dp/014313700X/ref=dp_ob_image_bk

Mark Maloney: A Career Spanning Three Decades in Public Works Jul 20, 2023

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On Friday, July 21st, 2023 Mark Maloney will end his public works career after almost 29 years at the City of Shoreview, MN, and over 32 total years in the engineering and public works field. We are dropping this bonus episode one day before that official retirement to celebrate his remarkable career.
Mark has been a role model for many of us in Minnesota, and beyond, dedicating time to the City Engineers Association of Minnesota and the Minnesota Chapter of APWA. In this bonus episode we pay tribute his outstanding and award winning career. We talk about how public works professionals often times end up as generalists, yet become experts in areas they least expected when they started their careers. Mark's expertise in permeable pavements is prime example of this. We hope you enjoy this career review while learning about permeable pavements, city council relationships, and professional society involvement. Mark, thank you for your years of service to Shoreview and the public works community!

American Public Works Association Update with CEO Scott Grayson Jul 18, 2023

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In this episode we talk with Scott Grayson, CEO of the American Public Works Association (APWA). Scott talks about the new strategic directions for APWA, value to public works professionals, and some challenges to the industry such as workforce and DEI initiatives. We also talk about the value of Accreditation, which is offered by APWA for public works organizations of all types.
Additional Resources:
American Public Works Association - Serving Professionals in Public Works (apwa.org)

www.apwa.org

Accreditation - American Public Works Association (apwa.org)

www.apwa.org/resources/accreditation

PWX Conference - American Public Works Association (apwa.org)

www.apwa.org/events/pwx-conference/

St Paul Regional Water Service's Water Treatment Plant Overhaul Project Using Progressive Design Build - A Conversation with Pat Shea Jul 11, 2023

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Pat Shea, General Manager of the St Paul Regional Water Service spends time with us nerds to talk about their mammoth Water Treatment Plant project including the use of Progressive Design Build to deliver the project. Pat also touches on the issue of lead service line replacement and how SPRWS's surface water source is unique in the nation.
FURTHER RESOURCES
Project Presentation
https://drive.google.com/file/d/16udJIAX4DyptRJVqQD3Ntp0LC9bIa76n/view?usp=sharing

Design Build Institute of America - Primer on Progressive Design Build Process
https://dbia.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Primer-Progressive-Design-Build.pdf

St Paul Regional Water Services website
https://www.stpaul.gov/departments/saint-paul-regional-water-services

Experiments in Neighborhood Traffic Control and Using Big Data with Deb Heiser, PE Jul 03, 2023

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In this episode, we talk about transportation systems with Deb Heiser, Engineering Director of St. Louis Park, MN. We discuss handling citizen requests,neighborhood meetings, how the city uses pilot projects to test traffic control changes in advance of street reconstruction projects, and her use of big data.
Further Resources
https://www.streetlightdata.com/
http://www.mikeontraffic.com/temporary-traffic-calming-example/

Evolving Asset Management Systems with Russ Matthys, PE and John Gorder, PE Jun 26, 2023

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Ever wondered how cities manage their assets and infrastructure? Join us as we sit down with John Gorder and Russ Matthys from the City of Egan, two award-winning engineers, who have played an instrumental role in the city's growth and management. Throughout our discussion, we'll learn about the fascinating journey of Eagan's pavement management program, which started in the 1990s, and how the city has since evolved its asset management systems beyond just pavement.
Further Resources
City of Eagan Public Works CIP, Pavement Management Program, & other info
Public Works Documents (cityofeagan.com)
Eagan Wins with Technology (cityofeagan.com)

Presentation on Eagan’s Use of Asset Management to Create Eagan Infrastructure Improvements
Microsoft PowerPoint - Mn IAM Presentation Eagan Infrastructure 13DEC2022 (theiam.org)

Metropolitan Council Environmental Services Inflow and Infiltration Grant program
Available Funding/Grants - Metropolitan Council (metrocouncil.org)
GPS Transponder for Smart Phones
https://eos-gnss.com/

Recap of Smart Cities Connect Conference - Spring 2023 Jun 19, 2023

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In this episode, we share our insights from the Smart Cities Connect conference in Denver, discussing the importance of data management for public agencies and how IoT sensors and video are revolutionizing the way we collect, analyze, and store data. We dive into the role of LiDAR in detecting pedestrians, bikes, and other objects in all light levels, and how augmented reality could simplify the process of accessing GIS systems and work orders for public works professionals. Plus, discover the potential of digital twins for virtual interaction with infrastructures, creating an immersive experience for public works professionals.
Further Resources

Smart Cities Connect Fall Conference and Expo - Washington, D.C., November 28-30, 2023
https://fall.smartcitiesconnect.org/

Smart Cities Connect Conference & Expo Spring 2024 - Raleigh, NC May 8-10, 2024
https://smartcitiesconnect.org/smart-cities-connect-conference-expo-spring-2024/

A quick article on how AI can be used in Smart Cities applications
https://aimagazine.com/top10/10-ways-ai-can-be-used-smart-cities

Colorado Smart Cities Alliance
https://coloradosmart.city/

Marc talked with Ouster about their Lidar sensor and applications for traffic control and data post-processing.
https://ouster.com/industry/smart-infrastructure/

Ubicquia
https://www.ubicquia.com/content/smart-streetlights-gateway-intelligence-led-city-management?gclid=CjwKCAjws7WkBhBFEiwAIi1680P4flnBrn8dopw-QOAvTw8kGz1N0o-J1Jjw0MS7LuhKAAhPyRh9zhoCiYsQAvD_BwE

Innovating Winter Maintenance: Reducing Salt Use and Protecting the Environment with Connie Fortin Jun 12, 2023

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What if you could reduce your reliance on salt and design better, more environmentally friendly winter maintenance strategies? Join us as we chat with Connie Fortin, the Low Salt Strategist at Bolton Mank, who shares her innovative approach to this challenge by collaborating with civil engineers, landscape architects, and planners.
Discover the advancements in winter maintenance techniques and the transition to liquid deicers, including the benefits of using pavement sensors, weather stations, and cutting-edge technology to save salt use. Connie also discusses the challenges of balancing the need for public safety with the goal of reducing salt use and the role of training staff in precision maintenance to achieve this balance.
Lastly, explore Connie's idea of designing roadway infrastructure and developments to accumulate less ice, decreasing the need for deicing naturally.
Don't miss this fascinating conversation with a true innovator in the field of winter maintenance and design.
Further Resources:
Salt Symposium
https://www.bolton-menk.com/resources/salt-symposium/
Designing a Lower Salt Future (article)
https://www.stormwater.com/home/article/33043034/designing-a-lower-salt-future
On The Road to Less Salt Use in Minnesota Cities (article)
https://www.lmc.org/news-publications/magazine/mar-apr-2023/less-road-salt/

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