"Thomas Jefferson said a democracy is dependent on an informed citizenry. I don't care whether it sounds corny or not. It's the truth." -Jim Lehrer
Carefree Truth
Issue #1013, April 22, 2022
Issue #1013, April 22, 2022
Town Engineer, Mark Milstone, thanked Gary Neiss, giving him reams of credit for all the Town's progress. He then explained his role, the accomplishments during the 10 months since he'd been hired, and the goals of the Public Works Department.
He noted that the roadways are the Town's largest and most important asset. It is used by everybody to get to work, to school, to doctors appointments, to the grocery store, etc. If it were to vanish tonight, it would cost upwards of $23.3 million to replace. Responsible maintenance is highly critical.
What didn't make the list on the slide, is that he feels he needs to be a quality engineering resource for the Council, the Department heads, and for town residents. Receiving and answering questions is highly important to him. Also important to him, and not on the list, is the review and comments on proposed subdivisions, as well as infrastructure plans, specifications, and construction estimates. He wants to have a say in what the future of the town will look like and how it gets there.
Vice Mayor John Crane asked about the culvert maintenance program. Mr. Milstone replied that many years ago, an analysis was done of all the culverts within the town, and that might be the second largest resource. Metal pipes corrode over time and need to be replaced. It is time for the analysis to be updated. Some culvert replacement might need to be added to the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). It is highly critical to keep on top of that so the roads don't fall apart. The Town staff is familiar with the culverts, but some consultant work might be needed as well to prioritize replacements.
Councilman Tony Geiger noted that the culverts are "a minefield", since some were installed long ago by the County, before Carefree was incorporated. He has run into that in his neighborhood. Some of them are full of debris, don't work, and are just a mess. Mr. Milstone replied that it hadn't been discussed but needed to be. It could be a huge liability for the Town.
Councilman Stephen Hatcher asked how many miles of road there are in Carefree. Mr. Milstone answered that there are approximately 55 lane miles, so 110 altogether. That equates to 27,000 square yards of asphalt.
Mr. Niess asked the members of the Public Works Department to stand. Herbert took a photo of the 3 of the 4 full time employees (FTE) who were present, while members of the audience applauded.
What didn't make the list on the slide, is that he feels he needs to be a quality engineering resource for the Council, the Department heads, and for town residents. Receiving and answering questions is highly important to him. Also important to him, and not on the list, is the review and comments on proposed subdivisions, as well as infrastructure plans, specifications, and construction estimates. He wants to have a say in what the future of the town will look like and how it gets there.
Vice Mayor John Crane asked about the culvert maintenance program. Mr. Milstone replied that many years ago, an analysis was done of all the culverts within the town, and that might be the second largest resource. Metal pipes corrode over time and need to be replaced. It is time for the analysis to be updated. Some culvert replacement might need to be added to the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). It is highly critical to keep on top of that so the roads don't fall apart. The Town staff is familiar with the culverts, but some consultant work might be needed as well to prioritize replacements.
Councilman Tony Geiger noted that the culverts are "a minefield", since some were installed long ago by the County, before Carefree was incorporated. He has run into that in his neighborhood. Some of them are full of debris, don't work, and are just a mess. Mr. Milstone replied that it hadn't been discussed but needed to be. It could be a huge liability for the Town.
Councilman Stephen Hatcher asked how many miles of road there are in Carefree. Mr. Milstone answered that there are approximately 55 lane miles, so 110 altogether. That equates to 27,000 square yards of asphalt.
Mr. Niess asked the members of the Public Works Department to stand. Herbert took a photo of the 3 of the 4 full time employees (FTE) who were present, while members of the audience applauded.
Mr. Neiss praised them for being the people on the street who give Carefree its curb appeal. They do a lot of chores from maintaining the public buildings and the Rights of Way (ROW), to changing light bulbs, to fixing drainage problems, and a lot of citizens know their faces. He wanted to acknowledge the tremendous job they do.
Mr. Milstone said their work ethic and camaraderie is remarkable. They make his life much easier. When someone pointed out the problem with mistletoe in one of the trees, Mr. Milstone thought someone was putting up early Christmas decorations. He didn't realize it is an invasive species that kills trees. Travis Johnson, head of Public Works, brought him up to speed on it and took care of the problem in the tree. Mr. Milstone wants to implement a regular schedule of trimming maintenance and put the calendar on the Town website, rather than reacting to complaints.
Mr. Neiss reported that a budget item being requested is a lift so the Public Works members could access the electric "gas lamps", rather than doing so by putting a ladder against them, which does not meet OSHA standards. Fixing the lights and doing the holly decorations is a constant project. That is critical to their work. Mr. Milstone was also requesting a piece of equipment for them that would pick up large quantities of trimmed brush from the ground, rather than their picking it up by hand and putting it in the dump truck, to make it a more fluid operation.
Councilman Vince D'Aliesio commented that the skilled labor of this crew is "off the charts". The Public works departments in other municipalities don't build sheds like the one in the Gardens that blends in so well. Other cities and towns contract that work out. Our Public Works Department saves the Town thousands of dollars by doing work like that internally. He thanked them.
Mayor Les Peterson observed that when the Town has a birthday party for someone, the Public Works guys show up and act as 4 comedians. Samantha Gessell added that everyone in the office calls on them to help move filing cabinets and desks, and they are there at the drop of a hat. She thanked them too. She said it brings tears to her eyes to think that there are people who have thrown bottles at them as they are working in the ROW.
https://vimeo.com/699469213
(Lyn's note: I was in Kandace's office one day when Travis came in shaken to the core. He had been out picking up litter on the ROW in front of the Boulders when, within a 1/2 hour period, someone threw trash out of a car window at him, someone tried to hit him with a full water bottle, and 2 different cars swerved at him. One went completely off the street, forcing him to jump out of the way. These shameless pigs do not belong in polite society, although I suspect I'm insulting pigs.)
Lyn Hitchon
Prepared by Carefree Truth
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