The Public Works Nerds Marc Culver, PE

Join us for Take 2 of the Nerds Unplugged where I sit down with Deb Heiser, Engineering Director for the City of St. Louis Park, MN, and Richard McCoy, Public Works Director and City Engineer for the City of Robbinsdale, MN. We recap the last four episodes and chat about some random topics like college tours, bridge collapses, and infrastructure funding.

I plan to have these Unplugged episodes about once every two months or so. If there is any topic you would like us to discuss, or have a question, feel free to send it in via the podcast website listed below. Thanks for listening!

www.thepublicworksnerds.com

Show Notes:

https://www.pca.state.mn.us/news-and-stories/mpca-brings-cutting-edge-technology-to-minnesota-to-remove-pfas-from-water
 https://www.startribune.com/why-is-the-epa-regulating-pfas-and-what-are-these-forever-chemicals/600357849/
 https://www.epa.gov/sdwa/and-polyfluoroalkyl-substances-pfas
 https://www.pca.state.mn.us/air-water-land-climate/minnesotas-pfas-blueprint
 Baltimore Harbor Bridge Collapse and state by state bridge condition data:
 https://www.axios.com/2024/04/25/baltimore-bridge-collapse-new-channel
 https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2024/04/24/arkansas-bridge-conditions-baltimore
 Mpls Bridge Collapse: August 1, 2007
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/I-35W_Mississippi_River_bridge
AI Generated Episode Description:
Ever wondered about the people shaping our city landscapes, the minds behind the concrete, and the tales etched in our urban forests? Buckle up for an enlightening voyage with Deb Heiser and Richard McCoy, as we raise our glasses to Richard's National APWA Award win and dive into Deb's preemptive strike on pavement management. But hold on, because we're not just talking shop—get ready for a heartwarming detour through personal anecdotes, from navigating college tours to the dynamics of family life. It's a candid peek behind the hard hats, blending professional pride with the connective threads of our everyday lives.

Now, let's saunter down the green path where city forestry meets cutting-edge technology. You'll hear the triumphant story of a new graduate taking root in her city forester career and how cities like Robbinsdale and Minnetonka aren't just standing by as the Emerald Ash Borer looms. Discover the arsenal of tools—from GIS to AI—that's revolutionizing how we safeguard our leafy canopies. And as if that wasn't enough, we're also painting a picture of how public works and park spaces can come together to create vibrant, community-centric spots you won't want to miss.

But we're not shying away from the grittier side of things. Enter the labyrinth of infrastructure challenges, where the battle against time and decay calls for ingenious fixes like pipe lining and live sewer monitoring. Learn how we're calibrating our strategies for a smarter future, balancing the scales of high-tech aspirations with the stark reality of budget constraints. And in the shadow of past tragedies like bridge collapses, we're reminded of the unyielding importance of vigilance in infrastructure maintenance. So, if you're ready to ignite your passion for public works and peer into the blueprint of comm

Episode 8 of Season 2 features Chris Evers, a 2023 APWA Top Ten Public Works Leader award winner. That's why I contacted Chris, but I'm so happy I did for many reasons. First of all, I was finally able to nerd out on pavement maintenance. But I was also able to meet a pretty funny, smart, and gracious person in Chris Evers. And since Chris brought up Stuart Smalley in the podcast, we can call this his Daily Affirmation (for those of you too young to catch the reference, google this hilarious SNL skit). 

Listen in as Chris and I talk about innovative pavement maintenance and touch on Artificial Intelligence and APWA. And speaking of AI, here's the AI generated description of the episode. Enjoy!

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Picture the roads we travel every day as the unsung heroes of our daily lives, a network of paths that connect us not only to destinations but to each other. This week, the Public Works Nerds Podcast is honored to host Chris Evers of Pavement Technology Incorporated, an APWA 2023 top 10 public works leader, as we traverse the landscape of pavement innovation. Chris's journey is one of passion and perseverance, shaping the very ground beneath our wheels with advancements that extend the life and function of our roads. From the complexities of airport pavement maintenance to the role of community in public works, Chris's insights are as foundational as the pavements he champions.

Our conversation takes an exciting turn as we trade tales with public works directors in a roundtable that's as much about the power of collaboration as it is about the strategies that help us weather any storm, including the literal ones faced during Florida's hurricane season. The profound respect and recognition for leaders like Chris is felt in their stories, each one laying the groundwork for a stronger, more connected community. The episode is a reflection of the respect that these leaders command, a celebration of the commitment that extends far from the confines of their job descriptions.

Capping off our journey, we cast a spotlight on the technological marvels reshaping the pavement industry. From the environmental prowess of titanium dioxide in combatting urban heat islands and microplastic pollution to the futuristic intersection where artificial intelligence and robotics meet public works, the future is now. These advancements are not just about maintaining roads; they're about propelling public infrastructure into a new era of safety, efficiency, and environmental stewardship. So buckle up and join us as we ride along the cutting edge of pavement progress with our very own 'Pavement Avengers'.

Show Notes:

https://www.pavetechinc.com/
 Research Triangle Cleantech Cluster 2021 Cleantech Innovation Award Winners

https://www.pavetechinc.com/smog-eating-roads/
 Reclamite
FLCAJ Jan-Mar-May PTI Reprint.pdf
 PTI Maltene Replacement Technology

Pavement Avengers Presentation (part of Florida LTAP Pavement Maintenance Webinar)
The Pavement Avengers – A Pavement Preservation Origin Story (by Chat GPT) - Florida LTAP Center

This episode took some time to get out there! Blame vacations and some tech issues, but I am finally dropping the 7th episode in Season 2 - and its a good one! Super fan and Tree Nerd Hannibal Hayes from the City of Minnetonka, MN joins me to talk about using technology to better manage the urban forest. We go off on some tangents about Emerald Ash Borer and tree species diversity and even birthing calves!

This was a fun episode to record with a true renaissance man, Hannibal Hayes. Sit back and enjoy!

Here's the AI generated description for the episode (scroll to the bottom for some good links in the show notes):

Embark on an enlightening expedition through the lush avenues of urban forestry with our esteemed guest, Hannibal Hayes, Minnetonka's city forester and a connoisseur of all things arboreal. From his formative years on a hobby farm to paving the way in managing a bustling city's canopy of over 40,000 trees, Hannibal's narrative intertwines personal anecdotes with professional prowess. Our latest episode captures his innovative strategies, rooted in horticultural sciences and arboriculture, which propel Minnetonka's green infrastructure towards a more diversified and climate-resilient future.

Delving deeper into the technological forest, we unravel the advancements revolutionizing tree management from AI-infused 3D LiDAR scans to the proficient use of drones. These groundbreaking tools aren't merely enhancing tree inventories; they're redefining the very fabric of urban forestry operations. Discover how these high-tech aids combat threats like the emerald ash borer and foster the meticulous care of our urban jungles, ensuring they thrive amidst the challenges of a changing climate.

We round off our arboreal adventure with a narrative on the transformative journey of fallen trees through Minnetonka's wood utilization program. Hannibal regales us with tales of giving these timber giants new purpose, fashioning everything from benches to Instagram-worthy lumber slabs. So tune in, as we not only explore the intersection of technology and environmental stewardship but also inspire you to join the conversation on social media, where sharing the love for our urban forests has never been more vital.

Show Notes:
City of Minnetonka Natural Resources Division
https://www.minnetonkamn.gov/our-city/natural-resources-3502 
 Greehill Tree Inventory and Analysis Platform
https://www.greehill.com/about
 Minnesota Dept of Agriculture – EAB Information
https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/invasives/terrestrialanimals/eab/index.html 
https://mnag.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=63ebb977e2924d27b9ef0787ecedf6e9
US Dept of Agriculture Information on EAB
https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/planthealth/plant-pest-and-disease-programs/pests-and-diseases/emerald-ash-borer 

This week I'm joined by a Smart Cities team from Raleigh, North Carolina. Jim Alberque is the GIS and Emerging Technology Manager for the City of Raleigh and John Holden is the Smart City Manager for Raleigh. We talk about what does Smart Cities mean for Raleigh and how is the City focusing on different efforts under this umbrella. 

We cover quite a bit of ground from asset management to traffic monitoring systems as well as using LiDAR data for various purposes. 

Raleigh happens to be hosting the Smart Cities Connect conference in May this year, so check out the link below for that conference and perhaps consider attending! 

Below is the AI Generated Description for this episode, which I always enjoy reading but am hesitant to use this as the main description, but enjoy!

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Embark on a journey through the heart of Raleigh as I, Marc Culver, unravel the city's transformation into a beacon of technological innovation with my esteemed guests, Jim Alberque and John Holden. This episode promises to open your eyes to the seamless blend of traditional city management with cutting-edge smart solutions, all while maintaining a keen focus on equitable benefits for every citizen. Learn how Jim's passion for local government and John's savvy in economic development are the driving forces behind Raleigh's rise as a smart city powerhouse.

As we navigate the multifaceted landscape of smart city evolution, we uncover the groundbreaking ways Raleigh utilizes AI and environmental modeling to revolutionize urban management. From traffic analysis that could transform your morning commute to drone delivery systems forecasted to redefine our skyline, Jim and John showcase how data-driven decision-making and innovative asset management systems are setting new standards for future cities. Moreover, their anecdotes about the forward-thinking use of LiDAR technology for urban planning will leave you pondering the art of city innovation.

Finally, we delve into the soul of Raleigh's smart city journey, examining the confluence of public safety advancements with the grassroots ethos of community involvement. Hear how the city's approach to tech adoption extends beyond mere functionality, fostering a spirit of collaboration across agencies and weaving a rich narrative of civic engagement. Coupled with a glimpse into the anticipated Smart Cities Conference in Raleigh, this episode is a masterclass in how technology, when harnessed thoughtfully, has the power to reshape not just urban landscapes but also the lives within them.

Show Notes:

Connected Triangle+ Summit focuses on Smart Cities Movement (Raleigh story on upcoming conference)
https://raleighnc.gov/apps-maps-and-open-data/services/connected-triangle-summit-focuses-smart-cities-movement

Smart Cities Connect Spring 2024 in Raleigh, NC
https://spring.smartcitiesconnect.org/

The City of Raleigh's Smart City Strategy
https://cityofraleigh0drupal.blob.core.usgovcloudapi.net/drupal-prod/COR21/SmartRaleighStrategy.pdf

Strategy and Innovation
A service unit of the City Manager's Office
https://raleighnc.gov/strategy-and-innovation

In this episode I sit down with my hometown Public Works Director, Sean Kershaw. As any public works nerd knows, we are at times over critical of those that serve us where we live, and we most likely have experienced that heightened scrutiny from current and retired public works professionals that live in our communities. It can be good, reaffirming, constructive, and frustrating. I know most of you reading this have been there.

Sean takes this all very well. He is not your traditional public works professional. His background is more diverse and involves a stint as a planner and roles in the non-profit realm. The perspective he has gained through his professional journey is well applicable to public works and our overriding goal of public service. 

I enjoyed learning more about Sean and his background and what has surprised him in this role. Sit back and listen in on this conversation with one of the most sincere, approachable and self-accountable people I've met. 

Show notes:

The proverb Sean and I were searching our grey haired minds for:
Luck favors the prepared mind.

Sean and his husband's Backyard Concert Series Site:
https://grandoakopry.com/

Welcome to the first Nerds Unplugged episode! Deb Heiser, Michael Thompson and Mark Ray join me as a panel of opinionated Public Works professionals talking about random issues related to Public Works.  This is planned to be a monthly or so feature where we recap recent podcast episodes, talk about public works issues in the news and give updates to what's going on in our public works worlds.

For this first episode we are joined by Richard McCoy, Public Works Director and City Engineer with the City of Robbinsdale, MN. Our Australian native colleague talks about his multi award winning Water Treatment Plant project and how things are a little different in Australia.

The panel also talks about the City Engineers Association of Minnesota's (CEAM) Annual Conference which concluded on February 2nd, the day we recorded this episode.

We hope you enjoy this experiment in the episode format. We would LOVE to hear from our listeners on topics to talk about. Let us know if you have a suggestion or want to share something interesting that is going on in your career and/or community.

Below is the AI generated recap for this episode. I figured I would keep it here in the show notes so you can see what AI thinks of this episode. As always, thanks for listening!

NERDS OUT! 


Ever wondered how the seemingly mundane world of public works is actually a high-stakes game of strategy and innovation? Strap in as we take you beyond the orange cones and into the heart of our communities' unsung heroes with Deb Heiser, Michael Thompson, and Aussie newcomer Richard McCoy. Discover why Minnesota's unseasonable warmth isn't just good for your tan but also for street maintenance, and how our playful podcast download rivalry underscores the passion that drives public works professionals across the globe.

This episode isn't just about the concrete and pipes beneath our feet; it's a celebration of the milestones marking the journey of our colleagues, like Mark Ray's exciting new chapter as Public Works Director in Burnsville. As we chat with these industry mavens, we uncover the crucial blend of ethics, culture, and communication that propels our field forward. You'll gain insights into the intricate dance of long-term infrastructure planning, the human touch needed in crisis management, and the cultural shifts that are redefining our workspaces from the inside out. 

Join us for a discourse that ventures into the lesser-seen realms of public works, from the complexity of waste management in the face of changing policies to the surprising efficiency of trash-to-energy processes. Learn how cities like Plymouth are navigating the organics collection conundrum and why Aussie asset management might just be the blueprint for future-proofing our infrastructure. This isn't just talk; it's a masterclass in the art of balancing technical prowess with the finesse of community service. Grab your hard hat and let's get to work understanding the world that works for us.