Virus changes how Public Works operates
Right-of-projects have been hindered due to coronavirus
The Public Works Department for Woodland has remained busy during the coronavirus pandemic, even though it’s created staffing and work challenges.
According to a quarterly report for June through August, released this past week to the Woodland City Council, the department has received 921 service requests and 2,196 work orders for the three-month period.
That brings to 2,967 service requests for the entire year, through August and 5,688 work orders, or 14 requests per day.
The primary service requests received were for water problems (288), and administrative problems (309). The number of work orders centered around water problems (504), fleet issues (481), sewer problems (361), signs and markings (226), and street issues (165).
Fleet & Facilities Division
Fleet Services: Electrical Services received their new Hybrid Aerial Truck and the Water Group received their new Vac-Con truck. Both trucks are fully operational and have been put into service. Fleet Services is currently in collaboration with the Sewer Group to purchase a replacement Closed-Circuit Television Truck that will be equipped with more a reliable camera system that incorporates labor-saving ‘lateral launch’ capabilities that allow crews to gather additional information without multiple setups.
The City should receive the new CCTV truck before the end of the year, according to the schedule.
Facilities Services: The
City Hall Roofing project is over halfway completed; asbestos was found in small portions of the roof area and has already been removed by a specialized asbestos abatement contractor. There were a few areas of the roof that showed signs of water intrusion that are currently being repaired. The project was scheduled to be complete by Sept. 18, 2020. Meanwhile, Facilities Services is preparing a project to paint the exterior of City Hall in the fall after the roofing project is completed.
Right-of-Way Division
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Right-of-Way projects have been hindered. Though most fulltime employees were able to continue working from the office or home, temporary employees were unable to do so, causing a decline in project completion. As we all start working toward a new normalcy, we continue moving forward to completing our goals.
Geographic Information System (GIS): The GIS Group has completed 85% of the creation of new informational maps for Admin, Electrical, Facilities/ Parks, Sewer/Storm, Signs & Markings, and Water. These maps provide all City departments with current Public Works assets and division information.
GIS — Blight: The Blight Group is now working with the Police Department, HOST team, Code Enforcement and Public Works Groups to report graffiti, illegal dumping, trash and debris. Though this project is still in its infancy, we have all been able to start the process of having blight within the City cleaned up quickly and efficiently.
GIS — Sewer/Storm: Working with Sewer, the
GIS Group has completed 90% of the Sewer Tap video verification. All data suspected to be incorrect or incomplete is compiled and sent to Sewer. By the end of 2020, Sewer will have a complete list of problem areas, which will then be verified with underground video. The GIS group has also begun map documentation of Weed Abatement locations for Sewer/Storm.
GIS — Streets: The GIS group has been working closely with Streets to verify and compile information to assist with the Sidewalk Replacement Project. In addition, the GIS group has begun map documentation of Weed Abatement locations for Streets.
Electrical — Community Center A/C 1-4 Replacement Project: The Industrial Electrical Group worked in conjunction with the Facilities Group and Contractors on the replacement of four rooftop A/C units at the Community Center. The plan for removing these units from the existing geothermal loop meant that the units would require a larger electric supply. The installation went off without a hitch and the units are up and running.
Electrical — MSC Electric Vehicle Chargers: Anticipating the arrival of two fully electric Utility vehicles, the Electrical Group completed the installation of charging infrastructure at the Municipal Service Center. Work included a new-metered PG&E service as well as two Level 3 DC fast chargers. The new equipment was brought online in July 2020.
Signs & Markings — Sign Knockdowns: Responded to and repaired 13 knocked down signs this Quarter.
Signs & Markings — Routine Street Markings Maintenance: Completed pressure washing all “SCHOOL” pavement markings (30,250 sq. ft.), as well as 59 “STOP” legends in Area 4 (College St & Cross St area). Currently refreshing the thermoplastic “STOP” bars and crosswalks in Area 4 (College St. and Lincoln Ave. area South of Main St, North or Gibson Rd, East of West St, and West of East St).
Signs & Markings — Routine Sign Maintenance: Replaced 120 faded “STOP” signs in Areas 1 and 2 (South of Kentucky Ave, North of Main St, East of CR 98, and West of East St). They also trimmed 60 trees blocking various signs, and installed the new “Dan Walker Way” overhead signs at the Woodland Community College.
Signs & Markings — Projects: Currently assisting Community Development with the new JAPA parking application, as well as new signage and installation of sensor pucks in front of City Hall. The Signs & Markings Group assisted with the installation of new banner poles on Main St, and the removal of the large Caltrans sign on East St near E Main St. We also installed the water-filled barricades for the restaurant Parklets project.
Streets — Road Maintenance: Continued filling pot holes throughout the City. Repaired 64 utility trenches by removing the temporary material and replacing with permanent asphalt.
Streets — Sidewalk Maintenance: Started and completed Phase One of the Sidewalk Replacement Project. This project removed and replaced almost 6,200 sq. ft. of sidewalk, eliminating 37 known tripping hazard locations throughout the historic district, around schools, and in public parks.
Streets — Miscellaneous: Responded to and cleaned up 61 trash and debris calls. These calls range from having nails or glass in the road all the way to picking up shopping carts that are filled with trash in the Right-of-Way.
Utilities Collections — Sewer and Storm Divisions
Collections staff have been working closely with the Utilities Engineering Division on multiple Capital Improvement Projects, as well as the Community Development Department and Transportation Engineering on various Capital projects such as the sewer & storm infrastructure for the W. Main St & E. Main St road rehab project, Spring Lake Development final & warranty inspections, plan review of multiple sewer lateral lining contracts, and continuing preliminary investigation on multiple upcoming CIP projects. M&O staff is currently working with multiple contractors on the Gibson Rd sewer & water rehab project in preparation for lining the sewer mains along Gibson Rd.