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It's our 20th episode! Which is milestone in and of itself. Considering 90% of podcasts don't make it past 3 episodes, we're in pretty good company. I am joined by our first episode guest, Mark Ray, Public Works Director and City Engineer for the City of Crystal, MN. Mark, who is one of the most positive people I know, helps me review the season and highlight several episodes. 

I am very thankful for the loyal following we have developed (all, about 70 of you?) and everyone else who has listened in and given us a shot. Thank you to everyone who is listening. Whether that's one episode or 20!

We are going to take a little break and as we gear up for the next season - whatever we decide that's going to be. We hope to be dropping episodes again in November. In the meantime, go back and check out the episodes you may have missed and continue to help us spread the word! 

Check out the links to our website and our YouTube page below. 

Show Notes:

https://thepublicworksnerds.com/

https://www.youtube.com/@ThePublicWorksNerds

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This week we dive into the intricate world of waste management with Rachel Lindholm, the Sustainability Specialist from the City of Richfield, Minnesota. In this episode we talk about how Richfield implemented organized collection, managed recycling services and started both a drop off and curb side organics collection system.  Listen in as we nerd out about garbage!

Show Notes:
Richfield, MN Organics Recycling Information
https://www.richfieldmn.gov/residents/garbage_and_recycling/organics_recycling.php

MN PCA Organized Collection Process Flow Chart and Information
https://www.pca.state.mn.us/sites/default/files/w-sw1-16.pdf

Eureka Recycling MRF Video
https://eurekarecycling.org/recycling-services/our-recycling-facility/

 

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Join us and we talk with the Officers of the Minnesota Chapter of APWA. We talk about the history of the chapter, the committees, conferences, and their strategic plan. This is a lively and fun discussion with some very dedicated and devoted public works nerds!

Our distinguished guests - President Monica Heil, Vice President Jupe Hale, Secretary/Treasurer Mitch Hoeft, Past President Nick Egger, and Chapter Delegate Chris Petree.

Show notes:
https://www.apwa-mn.org/

APWA MN Strategic Plan
http://www.apwa-mn.org/userfiles/ckfiles/files/APWA-MN%20Strategic%20Plan%20Infographic_2022-23.pdf

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In our 17th episode we talk to two GIS Nerds, Adam Carnow from ESRI and John Shain from Bolton & Menk. In the spirit of the AI movement, which we talk about in this episode, specifically GeoAI, I'm going to let the AI generated episode description say the rest - I usually consider this too wordy to use for the actual episode descriptions and end up writing a more succinct version, but we're going to let you see what the AI machine generated for this episode. Enjoy!

From AI:
Prepare for a riveting journey through the world of GIS as we sit down with industry heavyweights, Adam Carnow from Esri and John Shain from Bolton & Menk. With over five decades of combined experience, these mavens of geospatial analysis provide an illuminating discussion on the disruptive influence of AI in their domain. Discover how AI and GIS are redefining public works, from managing sign installations to tracking homelessness, and explore the far-reaching implications of these advancements for the next 25 years. 

Unearth the advantages of cloud-based GIS solutions as Adam and John delve into Esri's innovative solutions developed in collaboration with agencies. Learn about the remarkable ease-of-use of these tools, their plug-and-play features, and the limitless possibilities customization offers. Understand the crucial role of user feedback in making these solutions more robust and efficient. Also, unveil the profound impact of AI applications in GIS, as we dig into machine learning and deep learning models and their impact in public works. 

The latter part of our conversation takes you through the fascinating world of real-time data and predictive modeling in disaster preparedness. Take a peek into successful AI implementations like Charlotte, North Carolina Water Department's innovative use of cameras for locating water meters. We also reflect on the evolution of Public Works over the past five decades, acknowledging Esri's instrumental role in propelling AI technology forward. This episode promises to be a captivating discussion on GIS, AI, and their transformative impact on public works. Don't miss out!

Show notes:
I wanted to highlight something that Adam said during the podcast because it highlights GIS's prevalence in Public Works, and government operations as a whole:

"GIS is a mission-critical enterprise business system that supports the full range of public works activities."

Six Focus Areas:
·        Operations & Maintenance
·        Streets, Roads, & Bridges
·        Capital Project Design & Engineering
·        Field & Fleet Management
·        Public Grounds & Facilities
·        Emergency Response

Additional links:
APWA Reporter – AI: Friend or Foe? https://apwa.partica.online/reporter/july-2023/marketplace/ai-friend-or-foe

APWA NC Newsletter – Why You Need to Know About GeoAI for Public Works
https://northcarolina.apwa.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/41/2023/06/APWA-Newsletter-2023-June_6-15-23.pdf

NACo Blog: Everything You Need to Know About Artificial Intelligence & GIS
https://www.naco.org/blog/everything-you-need-know-about-artificial-intelligence-and-gis

County Innovates Using GeoAI to Inventory ADA Curb Ramps and Saving Significant Time and Money 
https://www.esri.com/en-us/lg/industry/public-works/stories/county-innovates-using-geoai-to-inventory-ada-curb-ramps-saving-significant-time-money

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In this episode Deb Heiser and I nerd out about the City Engineers Association of Minnesota, a unique organization of municipal engineers. We talk about CEAM's mission, committees and purpose. We also dive into what role CEAM plays in the distribution of Minnesota's gas tax. 

We would love to hear from others about how your state's gas tax is distributed to various agencies within the state. And if there are other unique organization's in your state, let us know! Comment on our website, on YouTube, LinkedIn or social media. Let's get a good discussion going!

Show Notes: 

CEAM Website
www.ceam.org

Minnesota Highway User Tax Distribution Fund (HUTDF) Summary
https://cms4files.revize.com/dodgecountymn/Highway/stateAidBrochure_2023.pdf

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Meet Ross Bittner, Engineering Services Manager from Edina, Minnesota, who has an extraordinary passion for water resources and a knack for innovation.  Ross and I nerd out in this episode about a new Adaptive Level Control System that the City of Edina is using to create additional storage in a stormwater pond in advance of rain events. Listen in as we discuss the details of this system and Edina's program to create flooding resiliency in their community. 

We also talk a bit about how Edina is working to electrify their fleet.

I'm thrilled to have this true Public Works Nerd as my guest for our 15th episode. Enjoy!

Show notes:

Edina Flood Resources:
https://www.edinamn.gov/371/Flooding-and-Drainage

What is my flood risk interactive map: https://edinagis.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=3341ff292cdc423cb52b356dc54e7582

Flood Risk Reduction Strategy: https://www.edinamn.gov/DocumentCenter/View/9367/Flood-Risk-Reduction-Strategy_final?bidId=#:~:text=The%20City%20of%20Edina's%20strategy,people%20that%20characterize%20the%20City.

City of Edina water resource chapter of comprehensive plan https://www.edinamn.gov/DocumentCenter/View/8104/07-Water-Chapter-PDF

Morningside flood infrastructure project page: https://www.bettertogetheredina.org/morningside

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This week we are joined by Nick Egger, Public Works Director for the City of Rosemount, MN. Nick steps back to his time with the City of Hastings, MN and the management of a water contamination event in 2018. Nick talks about how they discovered the contamination, lessons learned about communication, and working with the state Department of Health. We also talk about how the water was treated initially and long term.

We then shift gears to his time at the City of Rosemount where he now gets to help manage the construction of a new Public Works and Police facility and Campus.

Finally, we talk about Nick's time as the President of the Minnesota Chapter of the APWA and how important professional societies are to our industry.

Join us for a fun conversation with a proven leader in the Public Works industry.

Show Notes:

Hastings Water Contamination Event:

News Report:
https://www.kare11.com/article/news/city-of-hastings-confirms-ecoli-in-parts-of-water-system/89-597279358

Star Tribune Article:
https://www.startribune.com/hastings-decides-to-permanently-chlorinate-city-s-water-supply-after-e-coli-contamination-last-fall/510947952/

Minnesota Drinking Water Supply Report
https://www.health.state.mn.us/news/pressrel/2023/water050823.html

Rosemount Public Works and Police Dual Campus
https://www.rosemountmn.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=507 

Rosemount's UMore Park
https://www.rosemountmn.gov/188/UMore-Development

https://psre.umn.edu/Real-Estate/UMore-Park/About-UMore-Park

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In this episode Marc and guest co-host Deb Heiser talk to Paul Pasko from Electro Scan, Inc. Paul talks about using new technologies to assess the condition of water and sewer pipes. We also talk about using trenchless techniques to rehabilitate pipes and how the future of pipe replacement will be finding small segments to replace/rehabilitate versus replacing the entire length of the pipe. 

This is an entertaining episode where Paul shares several stories of his experiences and travels around the world. 

Show notes:

https://www.electroscan.com/

Products referenced:
Swordfish Lead and Leak Detection
https://www.electroscan.com/products/swordfish/
ES-620 Probe
https://www.electroscan.com/products/es-620/
Pica Pipe Assessment Tools
https://www.picacorp.com/Technology/Inspection-Technology

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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)

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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