2009 Public Works Department Goals

1. Reduce phosphorus to Lake Whatcom:
   • Implement Year #2 of Single Family Retrofit Program.
   • Enhance Stormwater Infiltration for 100 homes.
   • Evaluate City water quality facilities for further upgrades to better target phosphorus. (Council Goal 1)
2. Implement actions of the TMDL Response Plan developed in 2008. (Council Goal 1)
3. Identify, prioritize, and purchase watershed properties utilizing at least 80% of the available budget. (Council Goal 1)
4. Initiate implementation of recommendations of the State Climate Action Task Force. (Council Goal 9)
5. Continue to enhance bicycle network by installing bike lanes on Forest Street and Northwest between McLeod and E. Bakerview Road. (Council Goal 2)
6. Continue to enhance pedestrian network by installing new sidewalks on Northwest between McLeod and E. Bakerview Road. (Council Goal 2)
7. Continue to enhance the commute trip reduction program by increasing transit rider ship by working with WTA on a program to provide discounted bus passes. (Council Goal 2)
8. Ensure that needed infrastructure is in place to serve added densities. (Council Goals 5 and 8)
9. Maintain condition of aging City infrastructure by regular maintenance and replacement programs, e.g. replace 10,000 feet of water and sewer main annually. (Council Goal 8)
10. Proceed with implementation of the Waterfront Redevelopment Master Plan and Development Agreement. Move forward on design of the infrastructure improvements. (Council Goals 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8)
11. Reduce City Vehicle Trips. Review delivery service for other departments and suggest reductions or combined services. (Council Goal 2)
12. Revise Fleet Replacement Plan to encourage use of Hybrids or Electric Vehicles or Bio- Diesel. (Council Goal 9)
13. Expand Green Purchasing Policy to cover all aspects of Procurement. (Council Goal 9)
14. Expand review of chemicals used throughout the City for alternative "Green" products. (Council Goal 9)
15. Increase parking facility rates commensurate with private market to encourage alternative transportation and potentially free up some existing capacity. (Council Goal 2)
16. Explore subsidizing a high frequency shuttle service with WTA to provide cheap long term surface lot parking for employees on the outskirts of the Central Business District to free up hourly parking in the parkade and downtown lots. (Council Goal 2)
17. Seek opportunities for joint public/private development partnerships in the downtown core to construct additional parking supply and work on partnership opportunities with BPDA. (Council Goal 2)
18. Participate in the North West Regional Interoperability Consortium and continue to expand and leverage the City's radio and fiber network to help construct and enhance region wide Public Safety Communications. (Council Goal 7)
19. Re-structure 800 megahertz radios to utilize the lower end of the 800 band to reduce interference with NEXTEL and comply with an FCC order. (Council Goal 7)
20. Continue to implement a fiber optic communication network to expand Closed Circuit TV, traffic signal and communication 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 8)
21. Invest in a Building Information Management System to provide increased efficiency in managing capital facility maintenance repair and operations. (Council Goal 8)
22. Upgrade additional signalized intersections along major commuter routes with Intelligent Transportation System and Transit Signal Priority components to expand more efficient traffic operations and multi-modal programs. (Council Goal 2)
23. Ensure water quality protection of the Lake Whatcom Reservoir by installing back-up power on all wastewater lift stations that are located within the watershed to prevent any overflows due to power loss. (Council Goal 1)
24. Minimize unaccounted for water by completing inspections and repairs of aging pipe networks that have a historical record of leaks. (Council Goal 1)
25. Perform filter flocculation studies on the City's Water Treatment Plant. (Council Goal 8)
26. Initiate a study to determine the most efficient natural gas use practices and procedures for operating the multiple hearth furnaces at the City's Wastewater Treatment Plant. (Council Goal 8)
27. Begin to implement the City's Water Use Efficiency Goals by establishing a Toilet Retrofit Program that converts 100 single family residences within the Lake Whatcom Watershed to High Efficiency Toilets. (Council Goal 1)
28. Implement a new maintenance management system. (Council Goal 8)
29. Expand the implementation of an online mapping application to the public website for public information self service. (Council Goal 8)
30. Continue expanding the department’s radio meter reading system. (Council Goal 8)
31. Reduce fats, oils and greases within the wastewater collection system. Strategy: Implement and monitor a Fats, Oils, Grease control program and evaluate staffing requirements. Update Bellingham Municipal Code to include development guidelines for source controls, enforcement, and inspection requirements. (Council Goal 8)
32. Evaluate de-icing procedures and revise sanding practices within the watershed to reduce phosphorus contributions. Strategy: Analyze alternatives to sanding during storm events and look at de-icing procedures utilizing environmentally friendly active agents. Update deicing and anti-icing routes accordingly. (Council Goal 7)
33. Monitor the storm water collection system scanning program. (Council Goal 1)
34. Continue development of a storm and surface water system-wide maintenance management program to improve maintenance practices and meet Department of Ecology NPDES phase II permit requirements. Strategy: Complete a draft Operations and Maintenance Plan for the Public Works Operations Stormwater Division by year end 2009. Coordinate with Maintenance Management System Master Planning. (Council Goal 1)
35. Annually evaluate CleanGreen operating expenses and revenues. (Council Goal 8)
36. Evaluate recycling alternatives for street sweeping and storm water vactored waste. (Council Goal 8)

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