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Texas Public Works Association Annual
Conference & Equipment Show
Written by Sharon Valiante
The Texas Public Works Association
Annual Conference & Equipment Show, hosted by the Southeast Branch
of TPWA, was held, June 11-14, 2008, at the Moody Gardens Hotel,
Resort and Convention Center, Galveston, Texas. The event saw
well over 400 delegates register and over 100 exhibitors
participate in the Equipment show.
The event kicked off with a Golf
Tournament at the newly renovated Moody Gardens Golf Course on
Wednesday, June 11, 2008, followed by the event’s Welcome
Reception, poolside terrace at Moody Gardens. A special feature
this year for our welcome to the conference was the “Texas Hold Em”
poker contest, which was held in the exhibit area – something new
for the exhibitors to encourage visitation and traffic thru their
area. The contest was well received and most all enjoyed the
excitement of drawing that biggest and best hand! The prize? -
$500 cash! The winning hand was a four of a kind – and, yes, they
all were Aces. With all that excitement behind us, Thursday
morning bright and early, the big breakfast and general session
kicked off the technical part of the conference. That morning’s
guest speaker, Michael Marot, PE, Director of Public Works, City
of Houston, gave a great recount of just a portion of what the
City of Houston was up to in Public Works. From there, it was time
to reel it in and head for the technical sessions. The education
program was a treat with many speakers and presentations to rival
the best of the best educational programs. Intertwined with the
technical sessions, the exhibitors received, entertained, and
talked turkey (biz) with many of the conference delegates and
visitors about their equipment, services and wares. That night,
all were treated to a Family style hamburger, hot dog with all the
trimmings buffet dinner at the Moody Gardens Palm Beach area.
What a treat! It rained a bit, but all enjoyed the event with a
complimentary glass of wine while we waited for the thunder shower
to go its course. After that, Katy bar the door – good food, good
spirits (pun intended here, too!) and good tunes and times were in
store! Not too much party and fun, though, as it was back to the
grind on Friday morning - breakfast, educational sessions and then
the technical tours to cap off the educational program.
And, then – the all waited for
Awards Reception and Banquet on Friday night. What a grand event
with many in attendance. This event was one of the biggest so far
for our area – we received and seated almost 200 at this event and
awarded almost 50 well-deserved awardees. The reception prior to
the banquet also saw two of the local Southeast Branch’s members
receive some national recognition – Eric Dargan – City of Houston,
Public Works and Engineering – Community Service and Scott R.
Elmer, PE, City of Missouri City Public Works – Top Ten Public
Works Leader of the Year – 2008. And, finally, as always to say
farewell and to end a great conference, the Lime Association of
Texas’ Farewell Lime Breakfast hit us on Saturday morning – yes we
have lime sherbet for breakfast, and oatmeal, too!
Please Note: A
Special Thanks to our Platinum and Event Sponsors
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Platinum Sponsors |
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Event Sponsors |
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Bury +
Partners |
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AGC of Texas |
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Freese and
Nichols |
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HNTB |
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Huitt-Zollars |
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Jacobs
Carter Burgess |
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Rush Truck
Center |
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Lime
Association of Texas |
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TYMCO |
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Gold Sponsors |
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Silver Sponsors |
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Chiang, Patel & Yerby |
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Aguirre & Fields |
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Dannenbaum Engineering |
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Binkley & Barfield |
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East Jordan Iron Works |
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Bureau Veritas |
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Fugro Consultants |
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CDM |
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Malcolm Pirnie |
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Cutler Repaving |
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SEM Materials |
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Hanson Pipe and Precas |
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HDR/Claunch & Miller |
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Kimloch Equipment & Supply |
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Golf
Sponsors |
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Neel-Schaffer |
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N. Harris County Regional Water Authority |
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HDR/Claunch & Miller |
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PBS&J |
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Huitt-Zollars |
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S
& B Technology |
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Jacobs Carter Burgess |
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TCB AECOM |
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Rapid Road Repairs Products |
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Transystems |
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Refreshment Underwriters |
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Amani Engineering |
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Geotest Engineering |
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Public Works Praised by
Governor Perry:
In January of this year, a group of
30+ Texas Public Works Association (TPWA) leaders held a workday
at the State Capitol in Austin and met with Governor Perry for a
group photo and to discuss concerns/challenges/projects facing the
Public Works industry. The Governor emphasized the valuable role
that public works infrastructure plays in keeping the citizens
safe, healthy and happy and the essential part that public works
projects play in keeping the State strong and competitive. The
Governor requested that the TPWA group assist him by preparing and
presenting him a prioritized list of public works
projects/concerns/challenges that can be utilized by the Governor
and his staff to evaluate programs that will come before him
during the 2009 Legislative session.
The TPWA board moved forward and
formed a statewide Governor’s Task Force and is gathering
information and input from Public agencies statewide to present a
report to the Governor well before the 2009 Legislative session.
Among the TPWA leaders that had the
opportunity to meet with the Governor in Austin included Missouri
City’s Asst. Director of Public Works, Ms. Sharon Valiante.
Sharon is currently the President Elect for the TPWA’s local
chapter, the South East Branch and will become the President in
2009.

Meet the Rio Grande
Branch Officers

David
Sanchez, Chair; Veronica Castro,
Treasurer; Elvira Alonzo, Secretary; David Ivory,
Co-chair
Past
President Award – Mr. Del Essary
As
President of TPWA, Del Essary brought humor and his mantra
"Just Do Something" to life. Leading TPWA through a busy
and successful year, Del kept the Chapter committed to the
valuable effort of promoting and enhancing the public works
profession. He encouraged and strongly supported the development
of the extensive manpower and fundraising efforts required to
prepare for the 2007 Congress; he strengthened the technical
committee structure to ensure appropriate professional development
for all members; and he oversaw the growth and evolution of the
Participant Magazine. Del showed us all the benefit of focusing on
the possible by "just doing something." TPWA is better
because Del chose to share his time, energy and spirit. In
presenting this Past President’s plaque, the Chapter expresses
deep appreciation for all of Del Essary’s contributions.
Public
Works Leader of the Year – Mr. Mike Hobbs
Mr.
Mike Hobbs is the Director of Public Works for the
City of Sugar Land. Mr. Hobbs has over 27 years of
professional experience in the public works field of operations
and is truly a man of the people. He goes the extra
mile to make certain the citizens of the community are
taken care of. Mr. Hobbs has overseen hundreds of infrastructure
projects throughout his tenure to include parks
and manages what was once a $1 million CIP budget,
when he first began with the City of Sugar Land,
to
a current CIP budget over $30 million.
John
Roark Young Leader Award
-Ms. Kristina Ramirez
Ms.
Kristina Ramirez is the Secretary/Treasurer of the Central
Texas Chapter. She is actively involved in TPWA and
recently was asked to speak at the national APWA convention
in Kansas City. In addition to her valuable contributions
to the Central Texas Branch, Kristina was integral
to the success of the TPWA booth at TML and is a significant
contributor to the upcoming Congress effort. She
performed all of the selfless acts for the benefit of TPWA
while achieving her P.E. designation. Kristina
approaches
all tasks of managing her family, business, and
activities related to TPWA with distinction.
Professional
Manager of the Year Award Transportation -
Ms.
Maria D. Valero
Ms.
Maria Valero currently serves as the Traffic Operations
Division Manager for the seventh largest city
in the U.S. She is responsible for the management of
not only the Traffic Operations Division but for the Transportation
Group’s $7 million budget. Maria has over
9 years of experience with the Department of Public
Works and has served as Facilities Manager,
Construction
Inspections Manager, and Parking and Operations
and Enforcement Manager. She has been successful
in implementing action plans to assist with the
improvement of operations and is a great asset to the
City of San Antonio. San Antonio Director of Public Works
Tom Wendorf presented the Manager of the Year Award
to Ms. Valero.
Professional
Manager of the
Year
Award Solid Waste
- Mr.
James Ballowe
Serving
as the Solid Waste Manager for the City of New Braunfels,
James Ballowe has over 17 years of expertise in the
public and private sector of solid waste management.
Mr.
Ballowe has designed program enhancements to solid
waste management systems to provide significant long-term
savings to communities ranging in size from 10,000
residential units to over 85,000.
Professional
Manager of the Year
Award
Public Fleet -
Mr.
Carl E. Bowker, Jr.
Mr.
Carl E. Bowker, Jr. is the Assistant Director of Public Works
& Engineering with the City of Houston. Mr. Bowker is directly
responsible for the maintenance of fleet for the fourth largest
Public works and Engineering Department in the United States.
He directs and coordinates the maintenance operation for
a mixed fleet valued at over $140 million. Mr. Bowker has instilled
a vision in his team of how a governmental fleet can and should
operate.
The
Bill Hogge Award for Achievement and Excellence in Chapter Service
– Ms. Leah Garrett
Ms.
Leah Garrett has held a leadership position in the Central
Texas Branch for the last five years. Her active and
effective dedication has produced meaningful programming
for the members of the Central Texas Branch,
increased Branch membership, and resulted in an
outstanding fundraising effort. Leah was essential in
helping the Central Texas branch clear over $8,000 earmarked
for public works scholarship funds. All who
have attended the two Central Texas Branch Short Courses
and the 2005 Annual Conference in Waco have felt
the hospitality and contributions of Leah Garrett.
Drahn
Jones Award for
Excellence
in Education -
Mr.
Peter DiLillo
Mr.
Peter DiLillo’s dedication to the advancement of
Public Works has lead to an increase in membership involvement
at Central Texas Branch quarterly meetings. Peter
works to obtain speakers and CEU accreditation for
quarterly meetings, and his hard work and dedication to
excellence are the reason Public Works events have been
a huge success. Peter has provided significant support in statewide education
programs by serving as the
Short Course Committee Education Chair.
Public
Works Project of the Year
Disaster
or Emergency Construction/Repair Less than $2 million
- Emergency
Bridge Replacement on Turtle Creek
Agency:
City of Missouri Public
Works
Department
Consultant:
Pate Engineers
Contractor:
NBG Constructors
When
Turtle Creek Drive began to show signs of distress,
city staff began working toward a solution. In only
35 days, a contractor was hired to assist with the work
needed to make repairs. The Gulf Coast Water Authority
Canal was lowered to allow work in the canal while
a culvert structure was being built on-site. This project
is truly an example of teamwork between the City
Council, which authorized the work to be done, the
City of Missouri City and Pate Engineers, Inc., the contractor
for the project. What is even more remarkable is
the time frame in which they were able to complete the
project.
Richard
Ridings Community Involvement Award - Mr. Eric K. Dargan
Mr.
Eric K. Dargan has served as the Deputy Director
of the Right-of-Way and Fleet Maintenance Division
within the Department of Public Works and Engineering
for four and a half years with the City of
Houston. Among his many volunteer activities, Eric
has launched a City of Houston volunteer effort with
Rebuild Houston, an organization that performs rehabilitation
service on homes selected in low-income areas
owned by senior citizens. He is a passionate person
who is always willing to help others grow to their
full potential. Mr. Richard Ridings presented his namesake
award to Mr. Dargan.
Public
Works Project of the Year Transportation $2-10 million
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City
of Harker Heights Mountain Lion Road Reconstruction
Agency:
City of Harker Heights,
Mark
Hyde Director of
Public Works
Consultant:
Bury+Partners-Public Works, Inc.
Contractor:
Shallow Ford Construction Company
After
determining how road closures would affect the
surrounding elementary, junior high school and neighborhood
residents, five different phases were established
for this project utilizing different traffic control
techniques for each phase of the five different street
closures. Project meetings were held every month
in addition to the daily coordination between the
City of Harker Heights, Shallow Ford Construction Company,
Bury+Partners and Killeen ISD.
Public
Works Project of the Year
Environment
$2-10 million – City of Killeen East Side Infrastructure
Agency:
City of Killeen, John P. Nett City Engineer,
Consultant:
The Wallace Group, Inc.
Contractor:
McLeon Construction, Ltd.
Like
many municipalities, the City of Killeen was faced
with completing several large scale CIP water and
sanitary sewer projects – a very time-consuming task.
To efficiently utilize city staff, consultants, and
contractors, these projects were combined into one
large project under one contract. The East Side Infrastructure
project, traversing through more than 25 tracts
of property, consisted of numerous public forums to
keep the lines of communication open between the City
and the public as needed.
Public
Works Project of the Year Transportation more than $10 million
-
Arapaho
Road, Phase III
Agency:
Town of Addison,
Nancy
Cline Director of Public Works
Consultant:
HNTB Corporation – Jerry Holder
Contractor:
Archer Western Contractor’s, LTD
The
Town of Addison has a reputation for being on the forefront
of municipal planning and the Arapaho Road extension
was no exception. The primary function of Arapaho road
was to provide relief for the heavily traveled Beltline Road,
a congested major east-west thoroughfare. With three pocket
parks included in this project and connection to a trail system
that will eventually connect to an existing Town-wide trail
system, this project was viewed by the Town in terms of enhancing
the existing urban environment for the community and
the many visitors who come to Addison.
Charles
Baxter Outstanding Vendor of the Year Award - Lime Association of
Texas
Lime
sherbet for breakfast? TPWA members can no longer imagine
an Annual Conference without it! Thanks to the Lime Association
we all know that there is lime in oatmeal and that sherbet
is an essential food group.
The
Charles Baxter Outstanding Vendor of the Year was named in
honor of the longtime Lime Association of Texas leader Charley
Baxter. Known as the vendor to count on, TPWA is pleased
to present our Lime Association friends Dorothy Warren and
Executive Director Larry Peirce with this namesake award.
The award is presented with the
deepest appreciation of TPWA.
Mike
Rapplean Receives the 2007 TPWA Manager of the Year Award in Water
Resources

Mike
Rapplean was presented the 2007 TPWA Manager of the Year
Award in Water Resources. The award was presented to Mike
by Richard Boston at the Plano City Council Meeting.
Shown in the photos are Mike, Mayor Pat Evans, and Richard
Boston.
Mike
Rapplean began work as a Street Maintenance Forman with
the City of Plano in 1979. In 1993, Mr. Rapplean began serving
as the Public Works Operations Manager having responsibility
for utility operations, water and sewer pumping, streets,
drainage, and traffic signal maintenance. Mike has been
very proactive in developing a response to the drought that
hit the North Central Texas area in early 2006 and has been
a leader in developing responses to unexpected events.
Gordon Smith honored at the 2007 Texas Public Works Annual Short Course and presented Public Works Professional Certification

Gordon Smith was honored at the 2007 Texas Public Works Annual Short Course and presented Public Works Professional Certification on behalf of the Texas Chapter of the American Public Works Association.
Mr. Smith joins a select group of Certified Professionals who have shown a commitment to the enhanced professionalism of the Public Works field. A committee of peers reviewed his application and the certification was granted based on Mr. Smith’s extensive and impressive work experience and his dedication to public works professionalism exhibited through commitment to personal development through continuing education.
2007 Short Course
- “The Short Course that Delivers”
by Ronnie Bates
The 2007 Short Course Chairman was Ronnie Bates. Education chairs Bobby Balli, and Kent Hickingbottom along with Nancy Beward, and host committee members, Jimmy Foster, Chris Barker, Jeff Ground, Susan Causey, Richard Boston, Jim Amick, all worked diligently to make this year’s short course a success.
The Annual Early Bird Reception was held at Main Event in a very large room with several large TV screens on every wall, so we could watch the Super Bowl. We had over75 attendees and sponsors eat some great food and enjoy the game. The Scholarship Bowling Tournament had 23 participants this year. The funds raised will go to the Texas Chapter Scholarship Fund.
TPWA Chapter President, Inas Aweidah, and Jimmy Foster, Plano Public Works Director welcomed the crowd of over 400 at the Monday morning breakfast. In line with this year’s theme, keynote speaker, Bill Verkest, APWA National President delivered an uplifting speech about the importance and benefits of membership in APWA.
A testament to the success of this short course was the attendance at most of the sessions averaged over 100 in each class, and they stayed all the way to the end of the day! At lunch on Monday we were able to present Gordon Smith with the Texas Public Works Association Certification of Professional Public Works Personnel. Congratulation for completing this program Gordon!
This year’s educational highlights included 54 classes, outdoor demonstrations, and a Confined Space Trailer from TEEX. A special thanks Nancy Beward and Bobbi Balli for obtaining the CEU approval and for convincing the speakers and moderators to participate.
The Texas Chapter APWA sincerely thanks all those who worked to make this year’s short course a success. I believe this short course delivered as promised in the theme.






Governor
Perry signs the 2006 Public Works Week Proclamation

Jason Cosby, Inas Aweidah, Lori Dulnig and Richard Ridings look on as Governor Perry signs the 2006 Public Works Week Proclamation
Meet
the 2006 TPWA Awards Recipients
Marsha
Reed, P.E., Texas Chapter APWA Awards Chairman from Lubbock, proudly presents
the 2006 Texas Public
Works Association Award recipients. The 18 award recipients were honored at the
2006 Texas Annual Public Works
Conference and Equipment Show held in Mesquite in June.
Along with the
presentation of awards at the Annual Conference Awards Banquet, TPWA Past
President Ron Harper, P.E.
and TPWA President-Elect Inas Aweidah, P.E., have traveled across the state to
present
the awards to
recipients at their local City Council meetings.
CLICK
HERE TO MEET THE 2006 AWARDS RECIPIENTS!
Southeast
Texas Branch of the American Public Works Association (APWA) and
Houston/Galveston Post of the Society of American Military Engineers (SAME)
award 2006 Scholarships

July 19, 2006, the Houston/Galveston Post of the Society of American Military Engineers (SAME) and the Southeast Texas Branch of the American Public Works Association (APWA) conducted a joint meeting to award their scholarships for 2006. Together the two organizations awarded $ 19,500. The event featured Mike Marcotte, Director of Public Works and Engineering for the City of Houston, Texas. He was joined by Harold Cobb, President of the Houston/Galveston Post of SAME and Naomi Hines, President of the Southeast Texas Branch of APWA in presenting the scholarship awards. SAME scholarship awardees included Phillip Ho, Senior at University of Houston; Justin Homeyer, Senior at Texas A&M University; Daniel House, Senior at Texas &M University; Justin Loomis, Senior at Texas &M University; James Vester, Freshman at Rice University; Matthew Wellspring, Freshman at Steven F. Austin State University; and David Winslow, Junior at Texas &M University. APWA scholarship awardees included Patricia Wine, Junior at Baylor University; Phillip Ho, Senior at University of Houston; Courtney Pedersen, Freshman at Steven F. Austin State University and Melinda Hamidian, Freshman at San Jacinto Junior College.
Pictured above from left to right are Trent Slovak, President-Elect of the Southeast Texas Branch of APWA; Melinda Hamidian; Phillip Ho; Patricia Wine; James Vester; David Winslow; Daniel House; Justin Loomis and Harold Cobb, President of the Houston/Galveston Post of SAME.
Jimmy B. Foster, P.E.
Director of Public Works, City of Plano, Texas
2005 APWA Top Ten Public Works Leader of the Year
As Director of Public Works for the City of Plano, Jimmy B. Foster is responsible for three divisions (Public Works Operations, Environmental Waste Services, and Equipment Services) comprised of over 300 employees and having combined budgets totaling in excess of $70 million annually. During Foster’s tenure, the City has adopted business plans for the Environmental Waste Services Division and the Equipment Services Division.
Having received numerous awards, the Solid Waste Division is an industry leader in the United States. The Public Works Operations Division has developed a comprehensive water conservation program that has developed a solid foundation of strong contacts, positive public image, and excellent education that has seen a gradual decline in the per capita usage of water in the City.
Foster has lived in, worked in, or visited 57 countries, assisting in the development of humanitarian projects designed to improve the people’s quality of life and to provide hope for a better future. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Texas at Arlington and a Master of Arts degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is a licensed professional engineer in the States of Texas, Oklahoma, Colorado, and Virginia. Foster is currently serving as the Texas Delegate to the House of Delegates, and is the past chair of the APWA International Affairs Committee. He is currently a member of the APWA Finance Committee and the Australia/New Zealand Task Force. He is also involved in providing training and instruction in the public works field and is active in several professional associations and his church.
Public Works Leaders of the Year
This award seeks to inspire excellence and dedication in public service by recognizing the outstanding career service achievements of individual public works professionals and officials. This year the Texas Chapter named three top leaders.
Matthew A. Singleton
Public Works Director, City of Grapevine
Matt started his public works career in the City of Baytown. While working in the Parks Department, after graduation from Stephen F. Austin, he was drafted by Public Works to head up debris removal operations after Hurricane Alicia in 1983. He stayed on and was named Assistant Director. During this period, he was active in the Southeast Branch, serving as president in 1985. He was hired by the City of Grapevine in 1987, and served as Assistant Director of Public Works until his recent promotion to Director of Public Works this year. During this period he became active in the Chapter, serving in various chairs and offices, including Chapter President. He continues to serve the Chapter as Audit Committee chairman, and also serves on several state and national committees. Matt exemplifies the Public Works Professional.
Sharon Valiante
Operational Project Manager, City of Missouri City
Sharon is the person that keeps the city up and running every day. She is the point of contact for all citizen requests for service. Over the years she has fostered and maintains an outstanding report with homeowners associations, individual citizens and the many agencies with whom she must work with to correct the problems that have been identified. Her customer service skills and negotiating abilities are without peer. She continually receives accolades from the many homeowners associations that she works with. Her technical knowledge is also outstanding. She is an extremely fast learner and enjoys the challenge of new technology, processes and practices. She is an extremely valuable asset to Missouri City and I have rarely run across anyone of the caliber of Sharon and the impact she makes on this City and the Public Works profession.
T. C. Webster
Director of Field Operations, Tarrant County
Mr. T. C. Webster has been an aspiration to the public works profession for over 30 years as a consultant, then City of Fort Worth, and presently with Tarrant County Public Works Department. His nomination is a highlight of Mr. Webster’s accomplishments, accolades, and community involvement. One of Mr. Webster’s accomplishments was his invention of the Hydraulic Above Cab Steering Truck used as one of the many fleet vehicles for City of Forth Worth, TX. He designed this truck by adjusting the motor’s instruments and used an exiting bucket waste loader. Inventing this apparatus eliminated five brush trucks from the City’s fleet. At the County Public Works Department, he is known as Mr. Efficient by his efforts to save Tarrant County operational monies! Mr. T. C. Webster is an Ordained Minister at Sagamore Hills Baptist Church, and holds a Doctorate’s Degree in Theology from Trinity Valley Baptist Seminary. He is married to Darlene Moore Webster for over 40 years and has a son
Torian, a UTA graduate.
Naomi Hines
- City of Houston APWA Top Recruiter Honorable Mention ’05 Drive to Twenty-Seven Five
Naomi Hines was named APWA Top Recruiter Honorable Mention, at the 2005 APWA International Public Works Congress and Exposition! Because of the efforts of Naomi along with Membership Chairmen Jason Cosby and Jerry Ortega, the Texas Chapter was named the one APWA Chapter (with membership over 850) to surpass membership recruitment goals. As a result of the 2005 membership drive, APWA has reached the 27,000 member mark. The 27,044-membership represents the highest level of membership in over 10 years.
Nancy Beward: Winner of the 2005 TPWA Drahn Jones Award
for Excellence in Education
Ms. Nancy Beward, City of San Antonio, has won the 2005 Drahn Jones Award for Excellence in Education. Ms. Beward exhibited extraordinary leadership and devoted numerous hours planning and facilitating the work of the Technical Committee chairs in developing the program content of the 2005 TPWA Short Course held in Plano, Texas in February 2005. Her persistence and efforts in mobilizing these resources from all over the State helped make this Short Course the most successful one to date.
There were sixty-six (66) presentation slots to be filled, and they were all filled with quality speakers who were well-prepared and zealous about their areas of expertise. Nancy effectively mobilized the efforts of her team and encouraged the considerable efforts of the committee chairs.
Ronnie Bates: Winner of the 2005 TPWA Bill Hogge Award for Outstanding Chapter Achievement
Mr. Ronnie Bates, Street Services Manager, City of Grand Prairie, has won the Bill Hogge Award for Outstanding Chapter Achievement. Mr. Bates exhibited extraordinary leadership and devoted numerous hours planning and facilitating the details and logistics of the 2005 TPWA Short Course held in Plano, Texas in February 2005. Without his focus and proactive attitude, this Short Course would not have been the most successful one to date.
They say if no one is following, you are not a leader. Ronnie Bates’ leadership of the Short Course was real--not just positional. Ronnie knows the value of team and maximized the contributions of the hard working committee members and as a result, the team moved forward together. He delegated tasks to the team members and kept in contact with them all. He did not direct—he supported. He expressed encouragement, trust, and confidence in all committee members and allowed them to do their jobs. He was simultaneously the leader and subordinate. No task was too big or too small. He worked endlessly on the details - keeping tract of all. He held regularly scheduled effective planning meetings with a master plan that all could easily follow. He let everyone know what their task would be and then got out of the way so they could do their job. He never asked someone to do something he would not do.
Because of his commitment, much of the work took place after work hours, with many emails sent after 7 p.m. Because his family is very important to him, he included his family in the Short Course. His wife manned the registration table and his two sons were available to help with Short Course set up.
North Texas Tollway Authority Maintenance Facility
- 2005 Project of the Year, Structures Category: $2-10 Million
The NTTA Maintenance Facility project was selected as Texas Public Works Association’s
(TPWA's) 2005 Project of the Year in the structures category of $2-10 million level. The theme of the award-winning nomination was “Blending into the Community”. The nomination emphasized the extra efforts the NTTA enlisted during the design process to construct a functional maintenance facility that complemented the surrounding community. The primary consultant for the design was Corgan Associates, Inc. and the general contractor was Ratcliff Constructors.
NTTA Dallas North Tollway Safety Enhancements
- 2005 Project of the Year, Transportation Category: $2-10 Million
The NTTA Dallas North Tollway Safety Enhancements project was selected as TPWA's 2005 Project of the Year in the transportation category of $2-10 million level. The award winning nomination focused on how NTTA studied, identified, developed, prioritized and constructed improvements to increase the safety of the Authority's oldest and most heavily traveled roadway, the Dallas North Tollway. Areas of particular interest included the placement of crash attenuators and safety improvements with respect to fixed objects at exit ramps, installation of roadway safety barrier systems, and signing and striping improvements for better visibility. The primary consultant for the design was the team of Walter P. Moore and the general contractor was Gibson & Associates.
NTTA Dallas North Tollway/SH 121 Interchange
- 2005 Project of the Year, Transportation Category: Over $10 Million
The NTTA Dallas North Tollway / SH 121 Interchange project was selected as TPWA's 2005 Project of the Year in the transportation category of projects over $10 million. The award winning nomination focused on how the NTTA incorporated innovative construction techniques, an aggressive traffic control plan and many environmentally sensitive features into the project. Additionally, the nomination emphasized the partnership between NTTA and TxDOT for funding the project which was the first partnership of its kind in the region. The design efforts were provided by two primary consultants; Turner Collie & Braden prepared designs for the DNT portion of the interchange and Birkhoff, Hendricks & Conway, LLP prepared designs for the SH 121 portion of the project. The prime contractor for the project was Balfour Beatty.
City of Lake Jackson - Wastewater Treatment Plant Expansion
2005 Project of the Year, Environment Category: Over $10 Million
The Lake Jackson Wastewater project stands as an example of excellence in providing residents with a better quality effluent while simultaneously saving the city money. The original budget estimate for the expansion project was approximately $13.5 million. The fact that the actual cost was $12.2 million is even more impressive given that the new facility exceeds the requirements of the City of Lake Jackson’s wastewater permit.
Associated General Contractors of Texas,
Highway, Heavy, Utilities & Industrial Branch, Austin, Texas
Charles Baxter Outstanding Vendor of the Year Award
AGC has worked diligently to provide coalition-building opportunities for public works professionals and contractors. The TPWA President has had the opportunity to sit down at the table and speak with the AGC membership; TPWA members are invited to attend AGC monthly luncheons; all TPWA educational events are publicized by AGC (the result being thousands of dollars of sponsorships that come from AGC members.) Additionally, AGC of Texas offers to host a Board meeting annually at the AGC Trade and Equipment Show. And, year after year, AGC steps up to the plate to underwrite the Exhibitors Breakfast held annually at the TPWA Conference and Equipment Show. AGC is more than deserving of the voiced appreciation of the Texas Chapter APWA.
Marsha Reed
Storm Water Engineer, City of Lubbock
Recipient of Past President’ Plaque
In recognition of years of service, Marsha Reed, P. E., Storm Water Engineer, City of Lubbock, was honored by the Texas Chapter membership. In particular, Marsha’s service as 2004 TPWA President was acknowledged.
APWA awards 30th
accreditation to Texas public works agency
Kansas City, Mo. – The Public Works and Engineering Departments of the City of Plano, Texas, became the 30th public works agency in the United States and Canada accredited by the American Public Works Association (APWA). A formal award presentation will be made by APWA President-elect Bill Verkest during the Feb. 13 City Council meeting.
“This was a team effort, and that became even more evident during the three days of evaluation by APWA,” said Jimmy Foster, City of Plano Director of Public Works. “We have always believed that our operations were exceptional. It’s nice to have our performance, practices and planning affirmed by such an important national entity. It also serves to assure the citizens of Plano that they are receiving the excellent service they deserve. This is, however, only a benchmark. We will continue to improve.”
The Plano Public Works and Engineering Departments began the accreditation process March 5, 2005. A team of public works professionals from California, Arizona, Nevada and Oregon completed a thorough evaluation of operations during their December 2005 site visit.
The APWA accreditation program recognizes public works agencies that go beyond the requirements of the management practices established nationally in the public works industry. On a daily basis, accredited agencies meet or exceed standards of performance in areas such as water, solid waste management, street/sewer repair and maintenance, engineering, building maintenance and vehicle maintenance.
“It’s exciting to complete such a detailed review of an agency’s policies and procedures and then recommend them for accreditation,” said Ann Daniels, APWA accreditation director. “The City of Plano Public Works and Engineering Departments are to be commended for improving operations to enhance their internal performance and assuring their community they meet or exceed national standards.”
The American Public Works Association www.apwa.net is a not-for-profit, international organization of more than 27,000 members involved in the field of public works. APWA serves its members by promoting professional excellence and public awareness through education, advocacy and the exchange of knowledge. APWA is headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri, with an office in Washington D.C.
Fort Worth engineering professional elected APWA President-Elect 2005-06
Washington
D.C.—William A. Verkest, P.E., Municipal Program Manager, HDR Engineering, Inc., Fort Worth, Texas, is the new President-Elect of the American Public Works Association (APWA). Elected by the association’s 27,000 members to this leadership position on the board of directors, Verkest will succeed Bob Freudenthal as President of the association in 2005-06.
A member of APWA for 37 years, Verkest has a multifaceted combination of service in the broad public works field, including civil engineering and management in the U.S. Air Force, public works agencies and the private sector.
Verkest served his local APWA Texas Chapter as chapter delegate and later as president of the North Central Texas Branch. At the national level he has served as director of Region VII, chair of the Finance Committee/APWA treasurer and finance committee member and chair of the membership committee. He has also been a member of the Congress Planning Committee, Urban Forum and Public Works Historical Society. Verkest recently completed his second term as Director of Region VII.
For more information, please contact Becky Wickstrom, (202) 218-6736 or bwickstrom@apwa.net.
Albuquerque engineering professional elected to APWA Board of Directors
Washington, D.C.—R. LeRoy Givens, P.E., Vice President & Senior Project Manager, Bohannan Huston, Inc., Albuquerque, NM, will join the American Public Works Association (APWA) 17-member Board of Directors. Givens will serve as Director of Region VII, encompassing New Mexico, Arizona, Texas and Oklahoma.
For the past 42 years Givens has been regularly involved in the designs and construction administration for more than $1 billion in public works projects, including streets, major highways, wastewater collection, interceptors and treatment facilities, water distribution and major water transmission facilities. He is a registered professional engineer in 12 states, including the states he will represent in APWA’s Region VII.
As a member of the association’s New Mexico Chapter, Givens was appointed membership chairman in 1985 and proceeded through the leadership positions of the chapter including chapter delegate from 1998-2002. At the national level he has been a member and recently chair of the Public Works Projects of the Year Committee. He has served as a proctor on behalf of APWA for the region and state MathCOUNTS competitions since 1999.
For more information, please contact Becky Wickstrom, (202) 218-6736 or bwickstrom@apwa.net.
Technical Innovation Award and Management Innovation Award
The Technical Innovation Award and the Management Innovation Award recognizes an individual, team, or organization for the development, management and implementation of a creative idea, device, process, or system that enhances the goals of public works in serving the public and protecting the environment.
Management Innovation Award
Jim Pierce, P.E.
Assistant Director of Public Works
Town of Addison, Texas
Jerry Holder, P.E.
Director of Capital Projects
HNTB Engineering
Plano, Texas
Jim Pierce and Jerry Holder have jointly developed a bidding technique that has proven to be highly successful in Texas. Known as “A+B Bidding,” this incentive/disincentive bidding technique requires the contractor to identify the number of days to complete a project and then assigns a value to those days, which will be used in determining the lowest and best bid. The assignment of monetary value to the number of days is the innovative portion of this technical process. This innovation has minimized the frustration felt by citizens and staff and has resulted in the more timely completion of projects.
The vast majority of public works construction projects are currently bid using the conventional low-bid technique based on unit prices or lump sum. This is the “A” part of A+B Bidding. The “B” part is the time component. Prior to bidding a project with the A+B technique, the Owner determines the value of each day bid on the project. This daily value information is included in the bid proposal for all Contractors. A mandatory pre-bid meeting is held to make sure that all bidders understand the A+B Bidding process and all questions are answered. The Contractors are informed that a Critical Path Method schedule will be required by the successful bidder at the time of the preconstruction meeting.
The
Management Innovation Award went to Jim Pierce, P.E., Assistant Director of
Public Works, Town of Addison, Texas, and Jerry Holder, P.E., Director of
Capital Projects, HNTB Engineering, Plano, Texas, who jointly developed a
bidding technique that has proven to be highly successful in Texas known as
“A+B Bidding.” Jerry Holder accepted the award from President Bob
Freudenthal.
Professional Manager of the Year Award – Water Resources
The purpose of the Professional Manager of the Year Award in the Water Resources category is to recognize outstanding accomplishments or achievements by individuals providing management in the field of water resources and whose contributions have had a positive impact on the profession of public works.
James M. Parks, P.E.
Executive Director
North Texas Municipal Water District
Wylie, Texas
James M. Parks is the Executive Director of the North Texas Municipal Water District
(NTMWD), which provides municipal services to over 1.3 million citizens in four counties and is currently planning to meet the needs of 2.8 million people by 2050. Parks is directly responsible to the Board of Directors for the day-to-day operation of the
NTMWD, including the supervision of 380 employees. The NTMWD operates the single largest water treatment plant in Texas (770
mgd), 21 wastewater treatment plants (ranging in size from 60,000 gpd to 48 mgd), 3 solid waste transfer stations, and a 60 megaton, Type 1, municipal solid waste landfill.
Meeting with the customer cities of the NTMWD, Parks guided the process of designing two documents which are in the process of being adopted by the customer cities: “Model Drought Contingency Plan for North Texas Municipal Water District Member Cities and Customers” and “Model Water Conservation Plan for North Texas Municipal Water District Member Cities and Customers.” Parks is also serving on the State’s Water Conservation Implementation Task Force, which has developed best management practices for cities, businesses, and industry throughout the State.
The
Professional Manager of the Year Award, Water Resources, went to James M. Parks,
P.E., Executive Director, North Texas Municipal Water District, Wylie, Texas . Parks accepted the award from
President Bob Freudenthal.
Donald C. Stone Award for Excellence in Education – Chapter
The Donald C. Stone Award (established in honor of Donald C. Stone, founder of APWA) recognizes the outstanding and meritorious achievement of individuals assisting in the areas of continuing and graduate professional education for public works professionals. This award, established in 1988, is also intended to recognize APWA chapters for their work in delivering educational opportunities for all levels of persons engaged in the delivery of public works services.
Texas Chapter
The Texas Chapter has long been known for its efforts in offering educational opportunities to its members. The Public Works Short Course provides up-to-date, effective training for the operational level public works employee in five areas including solid waste, transportation, engineering, utilities, and fleet/facilities. The training is generally held in February of each year and is moved around the State to allow for attendance by those who might not otherwise get to travel for this type of unique training opportunity.
The Texas Public Works Annual Conference, held each year in early June, is geared towards more senior level staff such as city engineers, seasoned public works directors and other senior staff. The conference provides an excellent training opportunity as well as the opportunity for participants to learn from their colleagues, both in class and out. Continual Education Units are given for all technical sessions which enhance the attendance and the scope of the sessions taught at the conference. The conference is also the one big fundraiser for the chapter.
The
Donald C. Stone Award (Chapter) went to theTexas
Chapter. Ron Harper, President, and Marsha Reed, Past President, accepted the
award from President Bob Freudenthal.
Texas Chapter – PACE Award
Each year, the Texas Chapter is actively involved in large training programs that are designed to reach hundreds of public works employees by presenting a wide variety of professional topics. The Southeast, South Central, South Plains, Central Texas, Rio Grande Valley and North Central Texas Branches conduct extensive training programs by providing expert speakers, tours of facilities and downloading of teleconferences from APWA as part of their regularly-scheduled meetings. In 2004, the Rio Grande Valley Branch hosted a two-day Mini-Conference to provide educational programming. The Texas Chapter coordinated and delivered the two-day Texas Annual Short Course, and the Annual Conference provided three days of educational programming.
The
Texas
Chapter, represented by Ron Harper, President, and Marsha Reed, Past President,
received the 2005 PACE Award.
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