2008 Public Works Department Goals

Administration

Proceed with implementation of the Waterfront Redevelopment Master Plan and Development Agreement, including designing infrastructure improvements. (Council Goals 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8)
Design a new building to house Public Works for a more efficient operation, and to make space available in City Hall to meet the needs of other City departments. (Council Goal 1)

Treatment Plants

Post Point Pollution Control Plant

Initiate a partnership with Puget Sound Energy to analyze new technologies and system components to increase efficiency and reduce power use. (Council Goals 1 and 6)
Implement vulnerability assessment of the City’s wastewater treatment plant, including working with local emergency responders to ensure that facilities are protected under a variety of potential threats. (Council Goals 1, 6 and 11)

Water Filtration Plant

Design and install an under-drain air scour system, which will work in conjunction with new filter under-drains installed in 2007 and allow uniform distribution of air and water to provide the vigorous agitation required for effective filter media cleaning. (Council Goal 2)
Upgrade the water treatment plant’s primary power service by installing a new transformer and generator transfer switch with all associated gear, which will bring a more reliable power source to the plant. (Council Goal 2)

Water / Wastewater Utilities

Water

Minimize unaccounted for water by completing inspections and repairs of aging pipe networks that have a historical record of leaks. (Council Goal 2)
Implement procedures and methods outlined in the 2007 Water Distribution Training Program (WDTP) by building constructive work groups and trainee workshops that focus on core performance measures. (Council Goal 1)

Wastewater

Implement and monitor the Fats, Oils and Grease (FOG) control program to ensure compliance. Evaluate staffing requirements to maintain program once implemented in 2008. (Council Goal 1)

Maintenance Operations

Street Maintenance

Implement a new maintenance management system that will improve scheduling planned maintenance with system priorities and integration with growth and development plans. (Council Goal 1)
Update the Public Works Snow and Ice Removal Operations procedures to reflect city growth and increase the efficiency of Public Works Operations. (Council Goal 1)

Storm and Surface Water Maintenance

Monitor the stormwater collection system scanning program; continue systematic improvements to recondition the stormwater collection system. Evaluate funding adequacy in 2008 as scanning progresses. (Council Goal 1)
Develop a storm and surface water system-wide maintenance management program with procedures for identifying system deficiencies and improve scheduling planned maintenance with system priorities and integration with growth and development plans. (Council Goal 1)

Solid Waste Operations

Evaluate Clean Green operations and determine if site modifications are warranted to increase operational efficiencies. Evaluate material handling practices as a part of the efficiencies analysis. (Council Goal 1)

Purchasing, Materials Management, Fleet, Operations Administration

Fleet Operations

Continue to develop and implement bio-diesel fuel program for city-wide fleet. (Council Goals 1, 2, 4 and 6)

Warehouse

Review all chemicals inventoried for alternative “green products” and work with purchasing staff to find substitute products. (Council Goals 1, 2, 4 and 6)

Administration / Office

Complete procedures and cross train relief reception staff to handle Emergency Operations Center phone duties during emergencies. (Council Goal 11)

Purchasing

Coordinate implementation of Environmental Purchasing Policy with Environmental Educator and Green Team. Report to the Mayor and City Council in April of 2008. (Council Goals 1, 2, 4 and 6)

Supervision and Technology

Technical Services

Implement a new Maintenance Management System as outlined in the department’s information management master plan. (Council goal 1)
Implement an on-line mapping application on the website for public information self service. (Council goals 1, 5, 7, 9 and 11)
Expand the department’s radio meter reading system. (Council goals 1 & 9)
Evaluate the Geographic Information System (GIS) services provided to other city departments and the community to ensure adequate services are provided. (Council Goal 7 and 8)

Facilities Operation

Evaluate effectiveness of Green Clean custodial programs and implement any necessary actions and equipment to ensure new programs are both cost effective and protecting the environment. (Council Goal 6)
Acquire new capital facility equipment and controls for power, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems to implement energy savings identified by the Energy Management Program that was implemented in 2007. Install computer-based system(s) and train Facilities Maintenance staff. (Council Goals 1 and 6)

Transportation Management

Communications

Re-structure 800 megahertz radios to utilize the lower end of the 800 band to reduce interference with NEXTEL and comply with a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) order. (Council Goal 11)
Complete radio system upgrades to provide a City-wide radio network capable of seamless interoperability between differing sites, channels and agencies. (Council Goal 11)

Signals

Upgrade an additional 20 signalized intersections along major commuter routes with Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) components and Transit Signal Priority (TSP) components to expand more efficient multi-modal programs. (Council Goal 7)
Implement a fiber optic communication network to expand CCTV and traffic signal interoperability to all departments involved as emergency response providers for increased efficiency in the event of a disaster or major traffic disruption. (Council Goals 7 and 11)

Parking

If funding allows, begin design and construction of a structured parking facility as identified in the 2007 planning process to locate and explore the potential for joint public/private development opportunities in the downtown core. (Council Goal 3)
Improve communication between the Parking Commission, City Departments and users of the parking system. (Council Goal 9)

Engineering Services

Design and Construction

Complete construction of first phase renovation of the Federal Building utilizing $2.61 Million of federal funds received for that purpose. (Council Goal 3, 6 and 8)
Complete construction of Phase II of the Sunset Drive widening, pedestrian and bicycle improvement project. (Council Goals 1 and 7)
Design and construct sidewalk and bike lanes on Northwest Avenue from McLeod Road to Bakerview Road together with a roundabout at the intersection of Northwest and Interstate 5. (Council goals 1, 7 and 10)
Construct streetscape improvements at the intersection of Bay and Holly Street that distinguish the entrance to the arts district, provide improved pedestrian safety and expand public space. (Council Goal 3 and 5)
Construct pedestrian and bicycle facilities on Fraser Street, completing the corridor between Civic Field and Woburn Street for alternative modes of travel. (Council Goals 1, 6 and 10)

Development

Develop an alternative approach of measuring Concurrency that allows downtown redevelopment and development of urban villages. (Council Goal 7)
Continue to refine the Permit Center to streamline and coordinate the permitting process by close interaction with Permit Center staff. (Council Goal 7)

Stormwater and Surfacewater Utility Services

Stormwater Engineering

Using the updated Stormwater Master Plan, complete the development of a 6-year and 20-year implementation plan for capital projects (50% complete in 2007). (Council Goal 1 and 2)
Modify the Brentwood Water Quality Facility to improve phosphorous control. (Council Goal 2)
Retrofit the stormwater outfalls at Dakin Street and Flynn Street as a part of the Lake Whatcom water quality improvement plan. (Council Goal 2)

Environmental Services

Evaluate Department of Ecology, TMDL report and provide recommendations to Council. (Council Goals 1 and 2)
Evaluate and recommend to Council options for service contracts for watershed properties land management and restoration activities. (Council Goal 2)
Develop Phase III tasks for the Climate Protection Plan. (Council Goal 1)
Expand community outreach programs to include non-traditional audiences and venues. (Council Goal 9)
Seek additional grant funding for implementing the 6-year restoration projects plan. (Council Goal 2)
Seek partnerships and grant funding for implementation of habitat restoration projects in Bellingham Bay. (Council Goal 2)

Watershed Acquisition and Real Estate Services

Lake Whatcom Land Acquisition

Identify, prioritize, and purchase watershed properties utilizing the available Budget. (Council Goal 1)

Commercial Leasing

Achieve an 80% average annual occupancy rate for all leased properties. (Council Goal 5)