Wednesday, October 4, 2023
Government Updates
Legislative and Funding Updates – Wednesday, 9:00 am – 10:30 am
We will review the various workgroups that were set up by the 2023 Legislature and the impact those have on Public Works.
Committees - What’s in it for me?
Committees – What’s in it for me?
Session Overview:
Are you looking for ways to get more involved in APWA? Join us and learn all about how committees operate and what they work on, including highlights of the new mentorship program, developed by the Mentorship Committee. Learn how APWA can help you succeed.
Session Objectives:
- List opportunities to participate in APWA committees
- Discuss APWA committee member and committee chair roles
- Discuss committee work and new programs
Karissa Witthuhn, PE
Senior Project Manager
KPG Psomas
Karissa is a civil engineer who manages design and construction projects for public agencies, with a focus on transportation infrastructure. She enjoys building meaningful relationships with others through mentorship, and is excited to participate in the new APWA Washington Chapter Mentorship Program.
Brenna Harrington
Transportation Engineer
Parametrix
Brenna Harrington is a licensed civil engineer at Parametrix, where she focuses on transportation design. Brenna’s experience includes design of stormwater, utility, roadway, and trail projects, as well as project management and interdisciplinary collaboration. She has served as the APWA Washington Chapter Emerging Professionals committee chair since 2017.
Track 1 - Transportation
Wednesday, October 4, 2023, 1:15PM – 2:15PM
Collaborating on Complete Streets for State Highways
Session Overview:
As part of Move Ahead Washington, the legislature directed WSDOT to deliver Complete Streets when building state transportation projects. Come learn the latest on the Complete Streets development process, partnership opportunities, and how you can plan for Complete Street improvements in your community as part of future state transportation projects.
Session Objectives:
- Identify opportunities to improve the safety, health, and well-being of members of your community when they travel along state highways.
- Develop strategies to be ready to have WSDOT construct Complete Streets improvements as part of state transportation projects.
- Discuss partnership opportunities and strategies to bring more improvements to your community sooner.
Celeste Gilman
Strategic Policy Administrator
Washington State Department of Transportation, Active Transportation Division
Celeste is the Strategic Policy Administrator with the WSDOT Active Transportation Division. She leads the agency’s efforts on complete streets and VMT reduction and works with partners across the state to utilize land use as a tool to manage transportation demand. She has two decades of experience in sustainable transportation and transportation demand management and has shared her expertise locally, nationally, and internationally.
Wednesday, October 4, 2023, 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Expand Your Options: Collector Roadway Traffic Calming
Session Overview:
Many local agencies struggle to enforce speed limits on higher-volume roadways. Learn about the pilot project City of Bellevue used to expand the use of a traffic calming tool—speed cushions—to successfully control speeds on a collector arterial with support from the community, fire department, and maintenance staff.
Session Objectives:
- Identify preferable traffic calming tools for different street classifications.
- Evaluate situations to expand the use of traffic calming tools on collector arterial roadways.
- Review the success of City of Bellevue’s recent speed cushion pilot program.
Rohit Ammanamanchi
Senior Transportation Planner
City of Bellevue
Rohit Ammanamanchi is a Senior Transportation Planner for the City of Bellevue, WA in their Neighborhood Traffic Safety Services group. He primarily works on project management of traffic calming projects, handling general resident concerns, and school traffic congestion.
Brent Powell, PE, PTOE
Sr. Engineer/Project Manager
Perteet
Brent is a senior engineer and project manager with Perteet, where he leads the traffic calming, traffic operations, and safety analysis practice areas. Brent brings creative solutions to the table to move transportation projects through planning, design, and construction.
Wednesday, October 4, 2023, 4:10 AM – 5:10 PM
Traffic Team Assemble! Responding to Community Concerns
Session Overview:
The City of Tumwater Traffic Team is a super group that facilitates collaboration and coordination between departments (communications, engineering, community development, police, fire) to solve resident-submitted concerns about the transportation system. Learn about the benefits of collaborating across departments to solve community concerns.
Session Objectives:
- Collaborate and coordinate between disciplines/departments
- Solve community concerns
- Improve customer service/satisfaction outcomes
Bernie Gertje
Transportation Engineer
City of Tumwater Transportation Engineering Department
Bernie has a range of experience in transportation engineering, including road maintenance, long-range planning, and traffic engineering. He began his career with Pierce County and recently joined the City of Tumwater, where he grew up. He is thrilled to solve problems and plan the transportation system for his community.
Ann Cook
Communications Manager
City of Tumwater Executive Department
Ann manages the strategic communications and the brand of the City of Tumwater. She has a range of experience in communications and public relations at various school districts, museums, and other organizations across Washington State.
Track 2
Wednesday, October 4, 2023, 1:15 PM – 2:15 PM
The Great Retirement – Crisis and Opportunity
Session Overview:
Seventy-five million Boomers are expected to retire by 2030. In Public Works agencies, many of these workers hold higher level positions, creating huge gaps in the workforce and threatening the ability to deliver vital services. This session provides a realistic view of the staffing challenges and opportunities facing public agencies.
Session Objectives:
- Define the magnitude of the retirement wave in the public works profession.
- Develop creative strategies for maintaining a strong organization through the change in the workforce.
- Discuss how we in the profession can contribute to increasing the overall pool of talent that all our organizations draw from.
Sonja Prothman
Owner/CEO
Prothman Company
Sonja and her company specialize in helping public agencies of all sizes in Washington fill staff positions. She has first-hand experience on what it takes to replace retiring staff, and unique perspectives on the current labor market.
Jay Drye
Director of Local Programs
WSDOT
Jay is the Director of WSDOT Local Programs. He has been with WSDOT for over 30 years in a variety of positions and roles. He is well versed on the staffing challenges facing this large State agency.
Letticia Neal
Transportation Improvement Section Manager
Pierce County Planning and Public Works
Letticia leads a large section within a large County public works department. She has also been a Public Works Director at a small city and a consultant. She has experience building teams in several different types of organizations, and is currently leading her team through its own wave of retirements.
Diane Lenius
Public Works Director
City of Poulsbo
As a Public Works Director at a smaller city, both Diane and her team have to be versatile and creative to cover the whole gamut of services provided at the City. She enjoys providing opportunities for young leaders to ramp up quickly and investing in all levels of talent to fill the void.
Dan McReynolds (Facilitator)
Senior Consultant
Parametrix
Dan is a transportation project manager who has served public agencies at the State, County, and City levels over his 40-year career. He is also one data point in the Great Retirement.
Wednesday, October 4, 2023, 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
The Performer’s Process
Session Overview:
The difficulty of getting someone ‘ramped-up’ and effective in a new position, organization, or industry is the chief complaint of leaders across every industry. Not only must we learn faster to stay competitive, the ability to quickly and effectively learn, unlearn, and relearn skills is today’s most valuable competitive advantage.
Session Objectives:
This session provides attendees with a deep understanding of the four-step framework, along with hands-on experience so that they leave empowered to share it with others and put it into practice within their own organizations. We’ve come far in the last 100 years, but the Performers Process will enable you to go so much farther in the next 100 days! Attendees Gain: A practical understanding of the four steps in the Performer’s Process.
- Develop the ability to shorten ramp-up time, and boost retention in competitive fields / jobs by accelerating learning and development.
- Review a new perspective on the psychology of a beginners mindset
- Discuss strategies for implementing the Performer’s Process in their existing learning & development programs.
Gregory Offner
Founder and CEO
Global Performance Institute
Gregory Offner is a globally recognized expert on performance, the Founder and CEO of the Global Performance Institute, and award-winning international keynote speaker. His Tip Jar CultureTM framework helps organizations around the world diminish disengagement while amplifying the performance of the people they employ. This session is led by a master entertainer and award winning facilitator, Gregory Offner. Gregory has spent a lifetime working and performing with artists in theater, film, and even 15 years spent as a professional dueling pianist. Coupled with his academic training in behavioral psychology he demystifies the four-step process used by artists to learn, unlearn and relearn and has helped organizations apply this same process to their business with transformative results.
Wednesday, October 4, 2023, 4:10 PM – 5:10 PM
Prevailing Wage Requirements: Present and Future
Session Overview:
Changes to Washington’s prevailing wage laws were considered by the Legislature this year and are expected to reappear in 2024. Join us to review the current requirements for determining prevailing wages, discuss how potential changes will impact your work, and discover how you can shape the direction of future legislation.
Session Objectives:
- Review current requirements for contracts.
- Discuss future requirements from potential legislation.
- Develop strategies to prepare for potential changes to requirements.
Josh Klika
Procurement & Contracting Consultant
The Municipal Research and Services Center (MRSC)
Josh joined MRSC in October 2021 as a Procurement and Contracting Consultant. Josh has a broad public procurement background with over 20 years in state and local governments. In addition to holding several professional accreditations, throughout his career, he has served as a recurring panelist, facilitator, and presenter on numerous topics relating to procurement.
Brandy DeLange
Government Relations Advocate
Association of Washington Cities (AWC)
Brandy DeLange is a Government Relations Advocate with the Association of Washington Cities (AWC). Her portfolio includes: transportation, infrastructure, broadband, and energy/utilities related issues. Prior to joining AWC in 2021, she worked in Colorado, advocating on behalf of city and county governments at the Colorado General Assembly.
Track 3
Wednesday, October 4, 2023, 1:15 PM – 2:15 PM
GIS Helps Public Works Agencies Lead Smart Communities
Session Overview:
Public works organizations are making smart communities a reality by adopting smart technologies with geographic information systems (GIS). From location-enabled devices, drones, augmented reality, and machine learning, public works professionals are using location as the standard analytical approach to achieving new insight and improved performance. This session will showcase examples of organizations using Esri solutions to optimize infrastructure management.
Session Objectives:
- Educate public works professionals on emerging technology trends and how to apply them.
- Introduce industry leaders and subject-matter experts who can provide transferable techniques.
- Provide meaningful strategies that can be deployed within their organizations.
Shane Clarke
Solution Engineer
Esri
Shane Clarke is a Solution Engineer on the State and Local Government sales team for the Esri Olympia regional office. Shane has been working in GIS for more than 30 years, during which time he has focused on a variety of areas including GIS projects, technical support, product release, and product management for mobile GIS apps. His current focus is helping cities and counties in the Pacific Northwest to use GIS to both meet the many challenges being faced as well as to build thriving communities.
Heather Glock
Account Manager
Esri
Heather is an account manager for Esri, where she helps local governments in Washington state apply GIS technologies to improve a wide variety of business functions and challenges. She holds a master’s degree in Public Administration from The Evergreen State College.
Wednesday, October 4, 2023, 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Prioritizing Your Assets – To Cover Your Assets
Session Overview:
In 2015, Walla Walla utilized a significant amount of pipe condition data to develop an asset management plan for their aging sewer collection system. This presentation will evaluate the implementation of this plan over the past eight years and discuss lessons learned.
Session Objectives:
- Review approach that City of Walla Wall took in development of sewer asset management plan in 2015.
- Evaluate results from implementation of the plan over the past 8 years.
- Discuss lessons learned.
Ki Bealey, P.E.
Public Works Director
City of Walla Walla
): Ki has 26 years of municipal engineering experience in the pacific northwest – 13 years as a consulting engineer and 13 years in the public sector as the City of Walla Walla’s Public Works Director. Ki’s professional achievements include an APWA Project of the Year Award for the SR 14 Pedestrian Tunnel project in the City of Washougal, Washington and an APWA National Project of the Year Award for the City of Oregon City’s Beavercreek Road improvement project.
Alex Fazzari, P.E.
Area Manager, Vice President
J-U-B Engineers, Inc.
Alex started with J-U-B Engineers in 2001 as a new graduate and now manages the Kennewick Office and is the newest member of the Board of Directors. Alex specializes in project management and utility support for various water resources projects – potable water, sanitary sewer, industrial wastewater, irrigation, and stormwater. His experience includes planning, funding, permitting, and design review for a number of communities, agencies, and private companies throughout Eastern Washington and Oregon.
Wednesday, October 4, 2023, 4:10 PM – 5:10 PM
The Show Must Go On
Session Overview:
Local Govt. operations do not stop even in a pandemic or during natural calamities, emergencies, disruptions, and staff turnovers. This class covers normal disruptive events, deals with bigger showstoppers, and helps strategize dealing with workforce turnover. We will discuss business continuity, emergency response, and succession planning in depth.
Session Objectives:
- How to plan business continuity
- How to plan succession planning
- How to plan emergency response
Arnab Bhowmick
Founder and CEO
Aktivov Asset Management
Arnab has more than 23+ years of technical & managerial experience in business & operations, asset management, GIS, emergency management, IT security, strategic planning etc. He is the Chair of American Public Works Association APWAWA Asset Management Committee, and has been advising the both private & public sector executives, managers, department heads for a couple decades on asset management, GIS/IT, business continuity, technology trends, and e-governance. He has worked for many multinational firms including Weston, ESRI, Autodesk, Tata Group, and founded Aktivov Asset Management.
Track 4 - Maintenance
Wednesday, October 4, 2023, 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM
Asset Management in Maintenance Resource Allocation
Session Overview:
Asset management is used to great effect as a tool for developing a effective capital program. It is underutilized as a resource allocation tool for maintenance leaders and staff. This session will highlight how to make data driven decisions maintenance and operations tasks.
Session Objectives:
- Review the basics of a successful asset work management approach.
- Evaluate using power BI to make resource allocation decisions.
- Discuss goal setting using asset management data.
Glenn Akramoff
Founder/CEO
Akramoff LLC
Glenn spent the greater part of his 25-year municipal career in the Maintenance and Operations field. He spent the first 15 years of that career in the field as a maintenance worker. He has long been an advocate for the maintenance profession in every role he has undertaken.
Chris Lynch
Consultant
Akramoff LLC
Chris Lynch is a public sector consultant with over 10 years of experience with local government agencies. He specializes in Public Works operations, with an emphasis on financial and business intelligence of both capital delivery programs and maintenance labor operations. Chris’ educational background is in Accounting & Finance, working as a public finance professional alongside many levels of management including department directors and elected representatives.
Wednesday, October 4, 2023, 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM
Chip Seal Inspection
Session Overview:
This presentation is designed to follow the FHWA pavement preservation check list for chip seal inspection
Session Objectives:
- Identify the multiple processes in a chip seal.
- Discuss the desirable aspects of construction of a chip seal
- Evaluate the desired results of the chip seal process
Bert Perisho
Field Representative
Albina Asphalt
Worked 22 years with Oregon Department of Transportation, 12 years as the transportation maintenance manager leading the chip seal program in region 4 ODOT. 2 years as a field representative with Albina asphalt.
Allan Eaton
Field Representative
Albina Asphalt
Worked 22 years with Oregon Department of Transportation, 12 years as the transportation maintenance manager leading the chip seal program in region 4 ODOT. 2 years as a field representative with Albina asphalt.
Wednesday, October 4, 2023, 10:10 AM – 11:10 AM
Leadership at all Levels
Session Overview:
Leadership tips and examples of leadership from front-line positions through to supervisor and beyond. Define the difference and benefits of being a mentor vs. being a coach. This presentation is geared towards front-line operation and maintenance personnel but is applicable to anyone interested in showing leadership in their current role.
Session Objectives:
- Discuss how to exemplify and show leadership from any position within an organization.
- Define the differences between a mentor and a coach
- Identify real life examples from members of the O&M committee on how to show leadership and why it is beneficial to both you and your organization.
Erik Martin, PE
Director Of South Sound Services
Perteet Inc
Erik Martin has been working in Public Works and Engineering for 25 years in both the public and private sectors. He has been a business owner, County Traffic Engineer, County Engineer, and a County Manager. He has recently assumed a leadership role for Perteet Inc, building the company’s presence in the South Sound area and Southwest Washington.
Wednesday, October 4, 2023, 1:15 PM – 2:15 PM
Cost Benefits of In-House Full Depth Reclamation
Session Overview:
Public works departments are responsible for timely, cost effective, and long-lasting road repairs. This presentation compares the difference between contractor repairs, mill and fill, and full-depth reclamation and evaluates cost benefits and repair durability of each method. Municipalities utilize this information to evaluate best road repair methods for their municipality.
Session Objectives:
- Evaluate stretching public works budget dollars with in-house road repairs vs contractor repairs.
- Differentiate between mill and fill and full depth reclamation road repairs.
- Identify when to use mill and fill vs full depth reclamation for the greatest maintenance budget benefits.
Ken Follett
Western Region Sales Support
Asphalt Zipper, Inc.
Ken works with the Western Region Sales team for Asphalt Zipper. For the last 5 years he has helped municipalities save money while making long-term road repairs using full-depth reclamation and asphalt recycling. Prior to Asphalt Zipper, he provided municipalities with software to improve the life of their equipment.
Patrick Zellner
Street Maintenance Services Manager
City of Renton
Patrick is in his 37th year with the City of Renton where he currently works as the Street Maintenance Services Manager. Passionate about the benefits of in-house road repair, he has a wealth of knowledge to share about full-depth reclamation and asphalt recycling.
Wednesday, October 4, 2023, 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Moving Forward in Your Maintenance Career
Session Overview:
Finding time to prepare for the next steps in a maintenance career can be difficult. Fitting in learning equipment operation, work processes and increasing skills can be impossible in a fast-paced maintenance schedule. Attendees will be able to define their hiring packet and in person presentation in the promotional process.
Session Objectives:
- Discuss the vital steps to securing the next level in the maintenance career.
- Review the key techniques to successfully navigate the promotional process.
- Utilizing mentors, supervisors, and training to be prepared.
Glenn Akramoff
Founder/CEO
Akramoff LLC
Glenn spent the greater part of his 25-year municipal career in the Maintenance and Operations field. He spent the first 15 years of that career in the field as a maintenance worker. He has long been an advocate for the maintenance profession in every role he has undertaken.
Nathen Hardebeck
Owner
CWT LLC
Starting CWT in 2000, Nathan grew up in the stormwater industry. His journey includes developing stormwater programs for industrial, construction, municipal, agriculture and commercial clients. His experience includes providing compliance audits, training, sampling, treatment design, SWPPP/SWMP development, BMP creation and market introduction, and BMP selection determination across multiple states.
Track 5 - Sponsored by Haley & Aldrich
Wednesday, October 4, 2023, 8:30 AM 0 11:10 AM
Drone Rodeo
Session Overview:
Hands-on drone rodeo, with attendees competing for prizes (drones) and to learn about drone technology to support Public Works Operations & Maintenance (O&M). This drone rodeo will be nearly the same as those in years past, except with an emphasis on application of drones to O&M work.
Session Objectives:
- Pilot a drone on a simply flight path simulating a Public Works O&M need.
- Prepare to develop a drone program for Public Works O&M application.
- Gain appreciation for pros & cons of drone use for Public Works O&M.
Wednesday, October 4, 2023, 1:15 PM – 2:15 PM
Building Better Communities Through Public Participation
Session Overview:
Great infrastructure doesn’t just happen—it’s generated by bringing diverse people and perspectives together to address needs in new ways. This presentation shares how inclusive strategies and techniques for informing and engaging with communities on public works projects build community understanding, trust, and capacity that improve communities through infrastructure investments.
Session Objectives:
- Define the terms used to describe how we interact with the public in inclusive and accessible ways
- Identify strategies and techniques to achieve successful public participation results
- Review examples that help achieve success for projects and improve community wellbeing in a variety of ways.
Chris Hoffman
Principal
Consor
Chris Hoffman, a strategic planning and communications principal at Consor, has 24 years of consulting experience in strategic planning, community engagement, facilitation, project management, and communications in the Puget Sound region. Chris has worked on numerous projects in the transportation, water, wastewater, and parks sectors. Chris enjoys the challenge of working collaboratively with clients and the public on complex and challenging projects to build livable communities.
Jenna Franklin
Senior Associate
Consor
Jenna Franklin, Senior Associate at Consor, has served in senior and executive leadership roles for over 20 years in city and county government, focused on community engagement and strategic communications that forge shared visions and motivate action. She has spent her career working with public agencies planning and managing the implementation of inclusive and multilingual outreach and engagement strategies that build alliances through relational culture with diverse audiences and leaders. Jenna’s equity work has shaped major programs and policies, and she helps agencies build capacity for community-focused innovation and systemic change.
Wednesday, October 4, 2023, 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
From Very Thin to Very Thick…Pavements
Session Overview:
Sometimes you need a little asphalt and other times you may need a lot of asphalt. We will discuss using thin overlays to extend the life of well performing pavements and reconstructing roads using perpetual pavements. Topics will include field testing, design, material selection, construction considerations, and example projects.
Session Objectives:
- Identify the differences and appropriate application for thin overlays and thick-perpetual asphalt pavements.
- Discuss the field evaluation needs, construction considerations, and material selection for both treatment options.
- Review projects that utilized either a thin overlay or perpetual pavement design.
Lindsi Hammond
Principal Pavement Engineer
GRI
Lindsi is a principal and board member at GRI where she manages GRI’s pavement engineering group and equipment. She has 15 years of experience and a master’s degree in pavement engineering from the University of Illinois. Lindsi understands the challenges associated with public agency roadway design projects located in urban and rural environments and is an expert in the implementation of pavement management programs.
Wednesday, October 4, 2023, 4:10 PM – 5:10 PM
Environmental Justice Considerations for Securing Funding
Session Overview:
There is more state and federal infrastructure funding available than ever before, but requirements are dynamic. Applications must not only address environmental justice (EJ) concerns, but direct 40% of project benefits to disadvantaged communities. Are you prepared? Can you effectively use available tools to craft a solid EJ argument?
Session Objectives:
- Define EJ and discuss how Justice 40 and the Washington State Healthy Environment for All (HEAL) Act and Climate Commitment Act (CCA) are advancing EJ and shaping funding availability.
- Evaluate state and federal EJ mapping tools and discuss their applicability in different contexts.
- Identify how this approach to EJ differs from existing approaches under NEPA and steps your organization can take to address EJ as part of project and program implementation (e.g., identifying stressors, demonstrating benefits, engaging communities, and aligning with state and federal EJ strategic initiatives).
Sarah Sieloff
Client Leader
Haley & Aldrich, Inc.
Sarah has over 15 years’ experience in economic and community development, and her work spans the public, private and non-profit sectors. She uses her background in public policy and experience working with and for the federal government to advise clients on rapidly evolving EJ and equity policies, rules and considerations. She has ample experience connecting clients with state and federal funding, and regularly produces grant strategies and applications across a variety of funding agencies and issues.
Heather Good, LHG
Associate Hydrogeologist
Haley & Aldrich, Inc.
Heather has over 15 years of experience in environmental consulting and natural resource management with a focus on brownfield redevelopment. She relies on her technical expertise and knowledge of environmental justice (EJ) regulation, policy, and tools to help clients integrate EJ into their project planning and grant pursuits. Heather has worked for several public works departments for local Washington counties and brings that experience to her work with the public sector.
Thursday, October 5, 2023
Track 1 - Transportation
Thursday, October 5, 2023, 8:30 AM – 9:30 AM
Not Your Father’s Transportation Element
Session Overview:
With the passage of new state legislation, the landscape for transportation planning is shifting rapidly. This session will summarize how it impacts the way we approach transportation planning and transportation elements. This session will provide examples of how communities of any size can meet new requirements and effectively plan for the future.
Session Objectives:
- Identify changes in state law pertaining to transportation planning
- Review examples of how communities are incorporating these requirements
- Discuss ways attendees and agencies are approaching planning differently than in the last cycle
Daniel Dye, PE
Associate Transportation Engineer
Fehr & Peers
Daniel is an associate transportation engineer with experience in a variety of transportation projects throughout Washington. His recent experience includes working with communities to update their transportation elements, planning for transportation investments with WSDOT, updating or implementing transportation impact fee programs, assisting jurisdictions with peer review of development traffic studies, and managing on-call services for agency clients.
Thursday, October 5, 2023, 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
The Practical Engineer: Outside Your Comfort Zone
Session Overview:
To become the best at what you love doing, you need to reach outside your “comfort zone” to gain the supporting knowledge and experience. Utilizing practical applications will keep your project in budget and improve constructability. This guidance will facilitate your opportunity to become an expert in your field.
Session Objectives:
- Identify opportunities for growth and development
- Incorporate efficiencies into project delivery
- Utilize the power of the team mindset
Jadene Kearney
Business Manager, Construction Services Division
HNTB
Jadene has over 30 years of experience in the infrastructure and construction industry, and is skilled in all aspects of project management and delivery. She has a tremendous amount of experience in end-to-end project management of design and construction projects from planning and setup to execution and closeout. She has expertise in leading the main operation of major programs and is a guiding force for knowledge sharing, with an emphasis on all aspects of the project delivery process, including interactive planning sessions, risk management reviews and training of policy and procedures.
Polly Brooks, P.E.
Transportation Supervisor III
Snohomish County Public Works, Engineering Services
Currently a design team supervisor for Snohomish County, Polly has over 40 years of experience in government transportation work. Polly attributes a spectrum of experiences in design, construction management, and survey that provides a well-rounded perspective. She embraces the full quote by William Shakespeare, “A jack of all trades is a master of none, but often times better than a master of one.”
Thursday, October 5, 2023, 1:15 PM – 2:15 PM
Slow Your Roll: Statewide Speed Management Approaches
Session Overview:
National safety experts will review strategies that have been proven to improve speed compliance. We will go over the process for developing countermeasures and approaches to categorize roads, determine a safe target speed and design roads that get drivers to drive the target speed, reducing fatal and serious injury crashes.
Session Objectives:
- Assess the impact of speed on fatal and serious injury crashes
- Determine an approach to countermeasures that can be used to address the issues
- Categorize the state’s roadway system and develop an implementation plan
Mark Bandy, P.E.
Transportation Engineer
Kimley-Horn
Mark brings more than 30 years in local and regional transportation projects, including many years of experience working at the City of Seattle and Washington State Department of Transportation, and in partnering with numerous agencies and municipalities in the Puget Sound area. He specializes in traffic and transportation analysis, special event traffic management, traffic engineering, and multimodal design in urban environments. Mark is well-known in the transportation community for his collaborative approach to creating innovative solutions across policy, planning, and engineering.
Sam Zimbabwe, LEED AP
Transportation Planner
Kimley-Horn
Sam brings 22 years of experience in transportation planning including multimodal policy development; transit, walking, and biking capital investments; and equity initiatives. Having led the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) for three years, he has developed relationships with regional transportation agencies throughout the Puget Sound region such as King County Metro, Sound Transit, and the Washington State DOT (WSDOT). During his time at SDOT, he led a department-wide workforce needs assessment to identify bodies of work and hiring needs and worked with labor unions to identify and develop apprenticeship programs and career development pathways with a focus on equity and underserved communities.
Thursday, October 5, 2023, 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Defining and Quantifying Equity in Traffic Safety
Session Overview:
Communities of color have been disproportionately impacted by traffic crashes. Join us for a discussion to define what is meant by equity in traffic safety and how you can incorporate equity into projects in a meaningful way. Urban and rural community-specific strategies are integral to achieving results.
Session Objectives:
- Determine stakeholders
- Achieve consensus on what equity in transportation means for this group
- Determine the correct data components and how they should be incorporated into the project development process
Darryl dePencier, AICP, GISP, RSP2B
Planner
Kimley-Horn
Darryl has been conducting transportation safety for over 16 years, ranging from long range investment strategies to local roadway safety assessments. Equity is a core foundation of his work, and he has helped many cities and counties with benefits and burdens analyses associated with transportation plans. He is experienced in public outreach and engagement, building consensus, and elevating voices that are all too often drowned out of the conversation.
Thursday, October 5, 2023, 4:10 PM – 5:10 PM
WSDOT Active Transportation Programs Design Guide
Session Overview:
The Safe Routes to School and Pedestrian/ Bicyclist programs have helped make Washington a national leader in pedestrian and bicyclist safety and mobility. This fall, WSDOT will publish a design guide for these funding programs based on national best practices for designing safer and more comfortable walking and biking facilities.
Session Objectives:
- Prepare professionals for how best to apply for WSDOT’s active transportation funding programs.
- Define best practices for Active Transportation infrastructure design within the context of Washington state.
- Discuss possible technical support WSDOT can provide beyond this design guide for the next funding application cycle.
Briana Weisgerber, P.E.
Active Transportation Programs Engineer
WSDOT
Briana is a member of WSDOT’s Active Transportation Division where she provides engineering support to the Safe Routes to School and Pedestrian and Bike funding programs. Prior to her role at WSDOT, Briana conducted analysis and created innovative designs to support safer and more comfortable walking, biking, and rolling facilities with cities and towns across the country.
Track 2 - Sustainability
Thursday, October 5, 2023, 8:30 AM – 9:30 AM
Ensuring Aquatic Resilience: Tires, Stormwater, Solutions
Session Overview:
Requirements to treat 6PPD-Q in road runoff are expected as part of an ESA policy shift and in the 2024 municipal stormwater permit reissuance. This presentation will help stormwater managers understand the current state of knowledge and how to plan/prepare for these policy shifts and provide effective management strategies.
Session Objectives:
- Define the ESA policy shift currently underway that is tied to 6PPD-Q and its impact on local jurisdictions managing capital improvement projects and municipal stormwater permit compliance. How might ESA policy impact project timelines? Which projects will be affected? When will new requirements come into effect?
- Review and discuss Best Management Practices to effectively capture and treat stormwater runoff generated on roadways for 6PPD-Q.
- Discuss how to prepare for and/or plan for these policy shifts and mitigate associated risks on current and future projects.
Jana Crawford
Stormwater Retrofits Project Manager
Jacobs
Jana Crawford has 20 years of experience in the stormwater field in Washington State. Jana serves as Jacobs’ Stormwater Retrofits Lead, advising on and/or managing Jacobs’ portfolio of stormwater retrofit projects and tying in best practices and evolving technology to address both well-known and emerging contaminants such as 6PPD-Q. Prior to joining Jacobs, she spent 17 years working for the Washington State Department of Transportation in the Stormwater Branch and has experience in erosion and sediment control, total maximum daily loads (TMDLs), stormwater retrofit, and municipal permit implementation.
Vismaya Tata
Transportation Drainage Lead
Jacobs
Civil Engineer with 15+ years specializing in stormwater design/ water quality/ flow control/ conveyance on transportation projects. Vismaya has experience with large and small ST and public utilities projects in the Greater Seattle area.
Melanie Vance
Environmental Manager, WSDOT Local Programs
WSDOT
Melanie Vance has over 20 years of experience at both the local and state level with National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) compliance on transportation projects. She started her career at Spokane County Engineering and Roads, then worked in the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) Eastern Region office. She currently manages the Environmental Program for WSDOT Local Programs, and assists local agencies with NEPA on their federally-funded transportation projects.
Thursday, October 5, 2023, 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Sustainable Streetscape and Stormwater Strategies
Session Overview:
Sustainable streetscapes should welcome pedestrians and address stormwater needs and must be affordable and maintainable. Attend this session to learn how implementing sustainable drainage strategies as part of right-of-way improvement projects may offer additional community enhancements such as increased tree canopy, improved flood reduction and traffic calming.
Session Objectives:
- Review built examples of sustainable urban drainage systems
- Identify opportunities to offer multiple community benefits and work across disciplines to improve community infrastructure
- Define critical factors for incorporating sustainable drainage systems in transportation redevelopment projects
Jesse Williams
Water Resources Engineer
Jacobs Engineering Group
Jesse is a civil engineer with experience that includes leading design of stormwater flow control and treatment for transportation redevelopment, stormwater retrofit, low impact development, parks, and urban building sites. Jesse enjoys collaborating with other disciplines and implementing practical sustainable solutions.
Thursday, October 5, 2023, 1:15 PM – 2:15 PM
Gaining Passage: Realizing Fish Barrier Removal
Session Overview:
The Salish Sea region is proactively prioritizing salmon, but where to start when it comes to removing fish barriers? Join Osborn Consulting as we take a deep dive into prioritizing fish passage structures for replacement. From analyzing barriers to implementing prioritization frameworks, we will share lessons learned.
Session Objectives:
- Review how to develop a framework for prioritizing crossings and create a matrix to synthesize data. Populate the matrix with data available from WDFW and other online sources and use GIS tools to visualize high and low priority barriers.
- Discuss criteria used in a prioritization framework to identify high and low priority barriers.
- Evaluate strategies to use the results of the prioritization process to proactively plan for capital projects that will remove fish passage barriers.
Peter Wurden-Foster, PE
Project Manager
Osborn Consulting
Peter is a project manager focused on natural resources with ten years of consulting experience. His experience includes planning and designing fish passable structures and working on stream restoration projects for various clients across western Washington. This experience includes dozens of preliminary and final hydraulic designs for WSDOT and implementing that experience to inform the prioritization of local agency culverts.
Anna Vandermeer, EIT
Project Engineer
Osborn Consulting
Anna has experience in flood risk analysis, stream modeling, and designing fish passable structures as per WDFW and WSDOT requirements. She recently developed prioritization tools for the City of Kenmore’s fish barrier removal efforts. Anna regularly develops habitat improvements, ecological and stream assessments, hydrologic modeling, and structure scour analysis.
Mike Zarecor, PE
Civil Engineer
Osborn Consulting
Mike is passionate about creating holistic habitat restoration solutions that mimic natural systems and stand the test of time. His professional engineering experience and background includes hydrologic and hydraulic modeling, stream restoration and bank stabilization, wetland restoration, and geomorphic assessment. Mike recently supported the City of Kenmore’s efforts to prioritize their fish barrier removal projects.
Thursday, October 5, 2023, 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Integrated Stormwater Retrofit and Roadway Design
Session Overview:
Review of an area wide planning project to address deteriorating streets, localized flooding, and other concerns that resulted in the underperformance of a City of Vancouver industrial area. The project took a basin-wide approach to identify future road alignments, stormwater and infrastructure design solutions, and strategies for funding infrastructure improvements.
Session Objectives:
- Evaluate existing roadway, stormwater, and utility infrastructure and identify needed improvements.
- Develop integrated stormwater management and transportation facility improvements.
- Identify potential grant funding sources to complete project planning and stormwater quality retrofits and prepare supporting documentation for the applications.
Kristi Boon, PE
Senior Engineer
Maul Foster & Alongi
Ms. Boon is a civil engineer with experience in design and project management of new development and brownfield redevelopment projects of varying complexity for municipal, port, industrial, and commercial clients. Ms. Boon has designed, permitted, and assisted with construction administration of roadway, stormwater, and utility infrastructure projects throughout the Pacific Northwest.
Stacy Frost, PE
Principal Engineer
Maul Foster & Alongi
Mr. Frost has assisted clients with all aspects of site development for over 20 years. He works closely with both large and small project teams to develop design concepts and help create development strategies that benefit the community. Mr. Frost’s experience as a professional engineer includes leading the civil design of industrial, commercial, residential, waterfront, and port developments with extensive experience with public-private partnership projects.
Thursday, October 5, 2023, 4:10 PM – 5:10 PM
6PPD-Quinone: Proactive Response to an Emerging Pollutant
Session Overview:
6PPD-Quinone is an emerging pollutant that is making waves in the stormwater community of the Pacific Northwest. This presentation provides a history of the pollutant’s discovery, as well as how the Washington State Department of Transportation has responded and is taking a proactive approach to protect our critical aquatic ecosystems.
Session Objectives:
- Review the research and discovery of the emerging pollutant 6PPD-Quinone
- Discuss how the Washington State Department of Transportation is responding to this new pollutant
- Identify how this pollutant may affect future stormwater treatment criteria and how agencies can take action now.
Sean McCrohan
Water Resources Engineer
HNTB
Sean McCrohan spent most of his early life in the Midwest, getting a degree in Environmental Engineering from Purdue University in 2019. Since then, he has spent the last 5 years as a stormwater engineer in Western Washington doing stormwater design on transportation and transit projects for WSDOT and Sound Transit.
Track 3
Thursday, October 5, 2023, 8:30 AM – 9:30 AM
Crossing the Cascades: From Wagons to Winnebagos
Session Overview:
There are four paved highway crossings of the Cascade Mountains at passes ranging in elevation from 3022 to 5575: the Naches/Chinook/White pass, Snoqualmie Pass, Stevens Pass and the North Cascades Highway. Early settlers needed alternatives to the Columbia River. Each modern pass had its share of drama as Indian trails turned into wagon roads and then to Winnebagos.
Session Objectives:
- Describe innovative construction techniques that have led to our current roadway system over the passes.
- Recognize the massive impact of these mountain passes on Washington’s development as a state.
- Identify key moments in Washington’s construction over mountain passes
Ken Hash
Public Work Director
City pf Longview
Ken has worked in the industry for 44 years including 35 years with WSDOT, 5 years with PBS Engineering and now 4 years with the City of Longview.
Thursday, October 5, 2023, 8:30 AM – 9:30 AM
Crossing the Cascades: From Wagons to Winnebagos
Session Overview:
There are four paved highway crossings of the Cascade Mountains at passes ranging in elevation from 3022 to 5575: the Naches/Chinook/White pass, Snoqualmie Pass, Stevens Pass and the North Cascades Highway. Early settlers needed alternatives to the Columbia River. Each modern pass had its share of drama as Indian trails turned into wagon roads and then to Winnebagos.
Session Objectives:
- Describe innovative construction techniques that have led to our current roadway system over the passes.
- Recognize the massive impact of these mountain passes on Washington’s development as a state.
- Identify key moments in Washington’s construction over mountain passes
Jennifer Hushour
Director of Cultural Resources
WestLand Engineering and Environmental Services.
Jennifer Hushour is an archaeologist with over 20 years of experience in cultural resources management. She is the director of the cultural resources division for the western U.S. at WestLand Engineering and Environmental Services. Jen assists project proponents with navigating the complex regulatory landscape by identifying project challenges, preparing and implementing appropriate scopes of work, coordinating with regulatory agencies and Tribes, and overseeing project staff and field efforts. She has lived in Washington for 10 years and in her free time loves to hike the Cascades and play video games with her kids.
Susann Babaei
Project Manager
SCJ Alliance
Susann has worked in the industry for 13 years. Her career includes 6 years in Virginia and 7 years in Washington. She has been with SCJ Alliance for 5 years.
Thursday, October 5, 2023, 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Advanced Wetland Mitigation Site: Concept to Construction
Session Overview:
Rise up to the challenge of tackling increasing costs of compensatory wetland mitigation! Snohomish County presents its 7-year journey to construct an advance wetland mitigation site to serve 11 transportation projects: property acquisition, baseline studies, permitting/agency coordination, site deconstruction, restoration and enhancement, project costs, credits and savings, and lessons learned.
Session Objectives:
- Review the approach Snohomish County took to fund an advance mitigation site
- Discuss key details in the design, construction, and maintenance of an advance mitigation site
- Identify key details when negotiating credits with Department of Ecology
Darla Boyer
Senior Environmental Planner
Snohomish County Public Works
Darla is a wetland ecologist with more than 34 years of experience conducting stream, riparian and wetland evaluations in the Pacific Northwest. She worked as a consultant for Shapiro and Associates, a tribal stream and wetland biologist for the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission, Skagit River System Cooperative, and the Tulalip Tribes. Currently a Senior Environmental Planner for Snohomish County, Darla served as the technical lead for the development and implementation of the Little Bear Creek Advance Mitigation Site, is overseeing coordination with the agencies, and is tracking the needs and use of mitigation credits.
Oscar Fuentes
Engineer IV
Snohomish County Public Works
Oscar received his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the
Fred Bushby
Construction Project Engineer
Snohomish County Public Works
Fred earned his bachelor’s degree in Construction Engineering Technology from Montana State University. Fred’s career includes over 30 years’ public and private sector experience in estimating and construction phase project management of civil and commercial projects. During this time, Fred has worked on a wide variety of projects, from vertical construction, to bridge and roadway, to habitat restoration and environmental improvements.
Margaret Clancy
Vice President
Environmental Science Associates (ESA)
Margaret is a Professional Wetland Scientist with 33 years of consulting experience in the Pacific Northwest. She specializes in multi-benefit projects that require strategic understanding of planning, design, and regulatory compliance. Margaret has managed a wide range of environmental studies in support of ecological restoration efforts as well as public infrastructure projects involving roads, rail, bridges, ferry terminals, airports, hydroelectric facilities, pipelines, and parks.
Thursday, October 5, 2023, 1:15 PM – 2:15 PM
City of Wenatchee Anaerobic Digester Project
Session Overview:
The City of Wenatchee had planned to build a fourth anaerobic digester at the wastewater treatment plant since the 1990s. Today the digester is under construction and can be seen from the east entrance of the convention center. Come hear the story of Digester #4 from planning to construction.
Session Objectives:
- Discuss the steps to move a wastewater treatment plant project from the planning phase into design and construction.
- Review challenges including permitting, financing, aging infrastructure and maintaining plant operations during construction.
- Identify stakeholders and how to keep them involved throughout the project.
Jessica Shaw
Deputy Public Works Director-Utilities
City of Wenatchee
Jessica has worked for the City of Wenatchee water, sewer and stormwater utilities since 2002. She is certified as a Water Distribution Manager 4, Cross Connection Control Specialist and Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator 3 in Washington State.
Thursday, October 5, 2023, 3:00:00 PM – 4:00:00 PM
Navigating Pasco’s Critical WWTP Improvements through collaboration
Session Overview:
Pasco’ sustained growth had stressed their public works infrastructure, staff, and fund balances. To rise up and conquer these challenges, City, consultant, and regulatory/funding agency staff worked together to expeditiously plan, design, finance, and construct $25+M of critical improvements at Pasco’s WWTP with low-interest/forgivable loans and minimal change orders.
Session Objectives:
- Identify the multi-faceted challenges associated with the project.
- Discuss the planning, design, and financing solutions that were implemented.
- Review the planning through construction challenges and lessons learned.
Maria L. Serra, PE
Deputy Public Works Director – Engineering
City of Pasco
Maria, currently the Deputy Public Works Director for Engineering at City of Pasco, has worked for this agency for the past 10 years in various engineering roles. Maria was born and raised in Argentina, where she graduated from Universidad de Buenos Aires with a Civil Engineering degree. Her professional experience includes private and public sector roles in both Latin America and the United States. Maria lives in rural Eltopia where she enjoys true farm life and best sunsets ever! She is a mother of three and looks forward to days with free time to do crafts and sit back drinking a super cold Coca-Cola.
Craig B Anderson, PE
Principal Engineer
Consor
Craig is a principal engineer in Consor’s Boise office. He has over 30 years of experience assisting municipalities with the planning, design, construction, and financing of water and wastewater treatment facilities across the Pacific Northwest. Craig has a passion for the great outdoors and preserving water resources for future generations.
Thursday, October 5, 2023, 4:10 PM – 5:10 PM
Groundwater Well Shoptalk: to Rehab or Replace?
Session Overview:
Groundwater well rehabilitation can restore well yields and reduce headaches for public works staff facing declining water production. Using real world PNW examples, this presentation covers the various types of rehabilitation methods to remove plugging effects and show the payoffs: increasing supply capacity, prolong well life, and reducing wire-to-water costs.
Session Objectives:
Discuss and define the different types of physical and chemical well rehabilitation methods
Jay Pietraszek
Associate Hydrogeologist
Aspect Consulting LLC
Jay has more than 15 years of experience leading process-based assessments of groundwater quality and groundwater quantity for private and public clients. He has conducted numerous hydrogeologic investigations, including various production well installation and well rehabilitation projects.
Track 4
Thursday, October 5, 2023, 8:30 AM – 9:30 AM
Leadership and the Importance of Mentoring
Session Overview:
Leadership is about combining technical knowledge and wisdom to grow your impact. We must learn from those who came before us and be prepared to pass on our wisdom to the next generation. This presentation will focus on the importance of supporting, collaborating, and mentoring the next generation of leaders.
Session Objectives:
- Recognize that leadership is all about helping others to succeed by support and guidance.
- Understand why leadership is about inspiring others to strive for excellence.
- Learn how to adapt to an inverse of expertise and how to implement reverse mentoring.
Mike Coffey
Technical Expert/Retired Region Director
EnviroTech Services/Alaska DOTPF
Served 37 years with the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (ADOTPF). Served 10 years as Director of Statewide Maintenance and Operations and 2 years as the SouthCoast Regional Director. As part of the senior executive team, provided leadership to 3300 ADOTPF staff across the great state of Alaska.
Thursday, October 5, 2023, 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Facing a Difficult Conversation? Scary!
Session Overview:
A difficult conversation isn’t like a fine wine or a good bourbon, it never gets better with time. Difficult conversation can feel like our reputation, status, intelligence, or something about us is threatened. Learn the seven principles for managing a difficult conversation and simultaneously improve relationships.
Session Objectives:
- Identify seven principles for managing difficult conversations
- Develop skills for having a difficult conversation
- Become a better leader
Jim Peters
President/Founder
Citizen Engineers
Jim Peters has a distinguished track record as a professional transportation engineer and planner, assuming roles as a team leader, chief business development officer, member of the executive leadership team, board member and chairman of the board at a prominent consulting firm in Portland. He has studied leadership over the past 10 years and learned from leadership coaches and leaders at dozens of engineering companies. As the current President and Founder of Traffic Jim, LLC, Jim aspires to be a compassionate leader, continuously striving to make positive impacts with the community, and contributing to designing human-centered cities.
Thursday, October 5, 2023, 1:15 PM – 2:15 PM
Use of High RAP for Local Construction
Session Overview:
In this presentation, topics related to the use of recycled materials in paving will be covered, such as recycled plastics, recycled glasses, etc. The mix design/verification, specification development, construction QC/QA and findings will also be addressed.
Session Objectives:
- Highlight the use of recycled materials for construction
- Develop specifications for such materials
- Review quality control and quality assurance, as well as lessons.
Haifang Wen
Associate Professor and Director of Washington Center for Asphalt Technology (WCAT)
Washington State University
Dr. Haifang Wen at the Washing State University is an Associate Professor of Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and is currently Director of Washington Center for Asphalt Technology (WCAT). He teaches and research pavement design, rehabilitation/maintenance and materials.
Thursday, October 5, 2023, 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Building Better Construction Managers
Session Overview:
Workforce issues have plagued the construction industry for many years. An increased emphasis on infrastructure has organizations responding by focusing on recruiting and retaining qualified professionals for projects and programs. Find out how credentials can help your municipality gain momentum by ensuring they have qualified teams in place.
Session Objectives:
- Explain why working with the right people is important to your project’s success.
- Outline the steps to achieve and identify talent to lead construction projects.
- Discuss training opportunities to develop current and rising talent.
Nicholas Soto, CAE
Vice President, Professional Development
Construction Management Association of America
Leading professional development and fostering the growth of a 17000-member non-profit association, Nicholas Soto is a Certified Association Executive (CAE), serving as the Vice President of Professional Development at the Construction Management Association (CMAA). Nicholas is the past Chair of the Institute for Credentialing Excellence (I.C.E.) Board of Directors, Vice Chair of the Certification Services Council, and a member of the ANSI Certificate Accreditation Program Accreditation Committee (CAPAC). He is also the past Chair of the Certification Network Group (CNG) Board of Directors
Thursday, October 5, 2023, 4:10 PM – 5:10 PM
Unlocking Potential: Empowering New Inspectors for Excellence
Session Overview:
Jenn, Nicole, and Andi bring their diverse experience as construction inspectors/managers to share how to support and empower young professionals in the industry. How we advise new inspectors can leave a lifelong impression of the construction field and change the course of a career. Small agencies and firms are encouraged to attend.
Session Objectives:
- Discuss ways to communicate with your staff and how to foster open and active lines of communication.
- Evaluate the types of interactions that may have unintended negative consequences to young inspector’s perception of their role.
- Identify potential conflict points with contractors and develop ways to respond in the field and on the phone.
Jennifer Saugen, PE
Senior Associate
Perteet Inc.
Jennifer is a transportation engineer with over 19 years of design and construction management experience in Central Washington. She enjoys the process of taking a roadway design and following it into the field to see it to completion. Jennifer has learned from her (and others’) mistakes and leads with intention to mentor and advise the next generation of young designers and inspectors.
Nicole Brockwell, PE
Project Engineer
City of Wenatchee
In her 7+ year career as a transportation engineer, Nicole has worked as both a designer and construction manager for a variety of projects across Washington State. She has led multiple teams of inspectors simultaneously to deliver numerous projects in a single construction season. Her goal is to always make sure her teams are prepared and empowered to work with contractors to deliver the best possible project.
Andi Zontek-Backstrum, PE
Deputy Public Works Director
City of Leavenworth
For five years, Andi worked as a designer and onsite inspector between the public and private sector. She is well versed in the opportunities and challenges that come with being a new engineer tasked with the role of a lead inspector. Now in her role at the City of Leavenworth, Andi is continuing to grow her leadership skills and strives to help others be the best versions of themselves, especially through challenging situations.
Track 5
Thursday, October 5, 2023, 8:30 AM – 9:30 AM
Baking Maintenance into Capital Project Planning
Session Overview:
Incorporating Operations and Maintenance considerations in the earliest phases of a capital improvement project helps ensure that it is properly cared for and financially sustainable throughout its lifecycle. Early O+M discussions inform long-term maintenance funding decisions and offer multi-functional opportunities that can contribute to the successful legacy of the project.
Session Objectives:
- Review techniques to ensure maintenance best practices and financial sustainability is considered during capital planning and design processes
- Identify opportunities to initiate system-wide changes in the context of a specific project
- Develop systems to identify cross-jurisdictional opportunities and efficiencies in the context of the specific project
John Payne
Partner
SiteWorks Landscape Architecture
As a landscape architect, O+M planner and certified arborist, John has managed projects through every phase of the design and construction process. His previous career as an Army leader has instilled in him a firm belief in the power of teamwork to realizing a project to its full potential. John is particularly interested in integrating design, construction, operations and maintenance through early and consistent collaboration amongst designers, builders, operators and maintainers to realize holistic, sustainable and resilient projects.
Thursday, October 5, 2023, 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Work Order Management for Operations and Maintenance
Session Overview:
With a focus in NPDES Municipal Stormwater Permit compliance, this presentation focuses on the City of Wenatchee’s use of a GIS-integrated work order system for operations and maintenance. The presentation will highlight asset management software uses for illicit discharge detection and elimination, record keeping, and utility operations and maintenance.
Session Objectives:
- Discuss work order software applications for utility operations and maintenance.
- Identify elements of developing a successful work order/asset management program.
- Utilize work order software to meet requirements to NPDES Municipal Stormwater Permit.
Kelsey Grover
Stormwater Technician
City of Wenatchee
Kelsey Grover is the Stormwater Technician for the City of Wenatchee. Kelsey holds a Masters of Science in Cultural and Environmental Resource Management from Central Washington University and has an extensive background in ArcGIS usage. Kelsey has been with the City of Wenatchee Water Utilities for approximately six years and works extensively with the NPDES permit and the implementation of the work order/asset management program.
Thursday, October 5, 2023, 1:15 PM – 2:15 PM
How Can we Improve DBE Inclusion on Construction Contracts?
Session Overview:
Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) inclusion requirements or goals are common for construction contracts. Meeting these goals is not always easy. In this panel discussion, we will hear from both agency staff and DBE construction firms on what’s working, what’s not, and what we can all do better.
Session Objectives:
- Review common DBE requirements in construction contracts
- Discuss challenges for DBE inclusion from an agency and construction perspective
- Develop ways to improve the process
Daniel Dye, PE
Associate Transportation Engineer
Fehr & Peers
Daniel is an associate transportation engineer with experience in a variety of transportation projects throughout Washington. His recent experience includes working with communities to update their transportation elements, planning for transportation investments with WSDOT, updating or implementing transportation impact fee programs, assisting jurisdictions with peer review of development traffic studies, and managing on-call services for agency clients.
Stefanie Enochs
DBE Compliance Lead, Eastern & North Central Region
WSDOT Office of Equity & Civil Rights
Stefanie Enochs is the DBE Compliance Lead for the Eastern and North Central Regions of Washington. Stefanie has served in a variety of roles within the DBE Program from DBE certification, supportive services, and contract compliance. In her current position she works administering mandatory and voluntary compliance requirements for DBE, and State- funded Minority, Small, Veteran and Women’s Business programs in accordance with federal laws, RCWs, and WACs.
Josh Mattson
Assistant City Engineer
City of Ellensburg
Josh is the Assistant City Engineer and Capital Project Manager for the City of Ellensburg’s Public Works and Utilities Department. He has been managing the construction of municipal transportation improvement projects at the City with federal funding since 2014. Ellensburg has a successful record of working with primes and sub-contractors to meet and exceed DBE inclusion goals on federally funded projects.
Thursday, October 5, 2023, 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Changing Climate requires increase of Weed Mitigation
Session Overview:
As our hot/dry season gets longer each year, the number of wildfires increases. Expanding our Roadside Weed Mitigation is the most cost-effective way to suppress fires from starting and create barriers for Wildfires spreading across our state. We will show “a Dollar of prevention is worth a Million of cure”.
Session Objectives:
- Define the growing threat of wildfires in the Pacific Northwest.
- Discuss the impact of Wildfires to Agriculture (crop loss), Forests and Streams (habitat and wildlife loss)
- Identify and evaluate a strategy of expanding weed mitigation to reduce both the number of wildfires and the spread of wildfires.
Tracey Kelly
President and CEO
Norstar Industries
Tracey was born and raised in Washington state, graduated from the University of Washington, and maintained a life-long love for our state’s mountains, rivers, and forests. Tracey is President and CEO of Norstar Industries. Norstar has been providing roadside maintenance equipment for more than 40 years.
Thursday, October 5, 2023, 4:10 PM – 5:10 PM
Education and Communication in MS4 Compliance
Session Overview:
During this session you will hear from a local stormwater expert who will highlight and evaluate effective methods for communication and MS4 outreach programming. Attendees will also benefit from an open Q&A and hearing insights into the public’s perception of stormwater pollution and the effects on education efforts.
Session Objectives:
- Review the implications of public perception on stormwater education
- Discuss public understanding of water pollution
- Evaluate communication methods to improve MS4 education and outreach results
Jeff McInnis, P.E.
President
NPDESPro
Jeff McInnis is the president and founder of local software company, NPDESPro, and has been a civil engineer in the South Sound for 30 years. In 2014, Jeff decided to combine his expertise in stormwater system design and penchant for technology to create NPDESPro and has since worked with multiple MS4s in and out of Washington State to help them meet NPDES permit requirements.
