Driving EV adoption through fleet automation
The transition towards sustainable transportation has gained significant momentum in recent years, and electric vehicles (EVs) stand at the forefront of this shift. Organizations across the globe are recognizing the long-term environmental and economic benefits of EVs, and many are … More from our cover sponsor →
Public pension funds: steps for success
In the December issue of The Municipal, one of the stories we published called out some of the difficulties involved in fixing the country’s public pension crisis. We know how big the problem is. The question is now which measures … Continue reading →
Risk-based prioritization: an approach for small- and medium-sized utilities
W ater utilities across the United States face a major funding gap related to buried pipeline infrastructure. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that the difference between what’s needed for infrastructure renewal — the majority of it associated with buried … Continue reading →
Education and networking at ICUEE
The sheer size of the International Construction and Utility Equipment Exposition show, which took place Oct. 1–3 in Louisville, Ky., was striking. By other measures as well, the 2013 show was an outstanding success. More than double the usual number … Continue reading →
Ten things you didn’t know about Martin Luther King Jr.
Sound sharp on Martin Luther King Jr. Day by revealing some of these less-common facts about the civil rights leader! There are close to 1,000 streets in the world named after Martin Luther King Jr. The former Lorraine Motel in … Continue reading →
IACP in Philadelphia
Standing in line to taze an alien wasn’t the only order of business at the International Association of Chiefs of Police 2013 conference, but it was certainly among the enjoyable moments at this year’s annual event. Law enforcement administrators joined … Continue reading →
Proud to serve: Sarasota’s first female police chief
Bernadette DiPino has been police chief in Sarasota, Fla., since Dec. 31, 2012. She began her career with the Baltimore County Police in September 1985. In April 1988, she joined the police department of Ocean City, Md., and she rose … Continue reading →
Automated trash pickup: Houston Co., Ala.
Houston County, Ala., hopes to streamline garbage collection. Beginning in 2014, the county will undergo a 60- to 90-day trial period of an automated trash collection system, similar to that of nearby Dothan, Ala., which includes the purchase of one … Continue reading →
Infrastructure expansion sparks economic development
In Dorchester County, S.C., plans are well underway to spur economic development in the county’s northern half. Dorchester purchased St. George’s wastewater treatment plant and collection system in 2009 with the intent of expanding and updating its operations. It’s hoped … Continue reading →
Takeover remedies S.C. city’s water utility woes
For years the residents of Timmonsville, S.C., have complained. Their tap water was dirty and their sewer backed up constantly. Things got so bad that in June 2013 the U.S. Department of Justice filed a complaint in district court against … Continue reading →
A systems approach to water quality permit compliance
Fairfax County, Va., a community holding a Phase I Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System permit, moved in 2011 to execute a unique compliance methodology. Responding to the comprehensive nature of the permit, the county decided to form a multidisciplinary team … Continue reading →
Asheboro cleans up
They do things in a big way in Texas, and the sprawling Western territory of cattle, cowhands and lone prairies now has another feather to stick in its 10-gallon hat. One of its municipalities, Sugarland, has snared top ranking as … Continue reading →
Public pension funds not out of the woods yet
It’s a new year, and some of the tribulations of 2013 are behind us. But one of the issues that should carry over into 2014 is concentrated attention on public pensions. In the fall Reason Foundation sponsored a series of … Continue reading →
PRECISEMRM® PUTS THE POWER OF FLEET MANAGEMENT IN THE PALM OF YOUR HAND
PRECISEMRM® PUTS THE POWER OF FLEET MANAGEMENT IN THE PALM OF YOUR HAND MERIDIAN, ID, DECEMBER 9, 2013 – PreCise MRM®, a leading provider of advanced GPS devices and robust telematics software, announced today the expansion of their product line … Continue reading →
Public pension funds: not out of the woods yet
In the rush to stem hemorrhaging pension costs, some municipalities are inflicting more pain than may be necessary, say those who have been there. In October, several current and former public officials who have successfully implemented pension reform engaged in … Continue reading →
Indiana city remedies private water utility woes
Water is inexpensive in the U.S.,” said Jerome Devillers, head of water infrastructure and project financing at WeiserMazars LLP, an accounting, tax and advisory services firm in New York. “(But) of course, you’re paying for the service … not the … Continue reading →
Economic development top priority in 2014
The new year brings hopes, challenges and priorities. Some cities are working on major projects, but everyone is trying to make do with the budgets and funding they have to work with. Economic development tops the list of priorities for … Continue reading →
Merry municipal names
Living in a town named for the jolliest time of the year sometimes imparts a measure of magical persuasion, as U.S. Postmaster Don Spiares discovered when he moved to Noel, Mo. “I was a little Scrooge-ish when I first came … Continue reading →
Like a rock – An innovative alternative in concrete
It’s the Chia Pet of concrete application, and it’s revolutionizing the industry. Concrete fabric is a flexible, cement-impregnated material that hardens when hydrated to form a thin, durable, waterproof and fire resistant reinforced concrete layer without the need for mixing … Continue reading →