PCiRoads uses custom equipment for Minneapolis stormwater project
Minneapolis features a busy and lively downtown area that’s home to nearly 57,000 residents along with 216,000 employees each week, per mplsdowntown.com. The city has consistently topped more than $1 billion in new construction permits over the past 11 years … More from our cover sponsor →
While the day-to-day responsibilities of a fleet manager may not be glamorous, their contributions can be incredibly valuable.
While the day-to-day responsibilities of a fleet manager may not be glamorous, their contributions can be incredibly valuable. Take Kathy R. Wellik, CAFM, director of transportation services with Iowa State University and a board member for NAFA Fleet Management Association. … Continue reading →
Cooperative contract brings Christmas in June to Staples Fire Department
by CHELSEA ORNELAS | NJPA Staff | www.njpacoop.org It’s mid-June 2017, and the Staples Fire Station in Minnesota is awash with excitement. “This is like Christmas,” said Donald Brusewitz, volunteer firefighter. Christmas? In June? Firefighters and their families, the mayor … Continue reading →
Concerned about ‘#MeToo’ policy compliance? An Illinois county streamlined sign-offs with an e-solution
City of Norton, Ohio, firefighters designed a form in their Aladtec database that allows them to send changes like owner contact information or building changes right from the field, saving time and process steps. Tracking schedules, swapping shifts and supervisor-staff communication is made easy with the Aladtec workforce management system. Some customers say they pay for the annual subscription in just weeks with time saved by using scheduling function alone. Visit www.aladtec.com to learn more.
Continue reading →Bike-sharing services keep bicycles rolling despite vandals
Cycling to work is the ultimate return to childhood’s happy days. And it saves on gas and vehicle wear and tear while promoting fresh air and the carefree exhilaration you enjoyed back in the day when your bike could take … Continue reading →
Keeping first responders engaged and in the department
The recruitment and retention of qualified firefighters and police officers are essential to maintaining a safe and prosperous community. Unfortunately, it’s becoming more and more difficult to attract and keep qualified employees in both occupations. This stems from several challenges, … Continue reading →
Cities use creative and no-brainer solutions to improve pedestrian safety
According to a report released from the Governors Highway Safety Association, the number of pedestrians killed in traffic in 2016 was nearly 6,000. That’s the highest number in more than two decades. While some of this can be attributed to … Continue reading →
Cities remain active in discouraging pests and maintaining pest control
Pests, such as rodents and geese, have become problems in urban areas that municipalities have been grappling with for years. While pest control tends to fall under the parks department purview, other city agencies are also responsible for pests in … Continue reading →
Municipal airports can bring soaring economic benefits
Municipal airports are often an integral part of smaller communities throughout the United States. While many of them simply contain grass runways or a single hangar, they still provide an invaluable service. Take Mount Pleasant Municipal Airport in Isabella County, … Continue reading →
Saving dogs that save lives
Due to being left in hot vehicles, there were a total of 13 K-9 deaths in 2017. Their preventable deaths weren’t only a blow to hearts everywhere, but also a blow to the departments’ reputation and finances. The technology for … Continue reading →
The good life: Johns Creek, Ga., named one of the nation’s ‘50 Best Places to Live’
With a nationally ranked public school system, premier municipal services, a wide range of housing options and commercial enterprises as well as a diverse population of residents who call it home, it’s no surprise that Johns Creek, Ga., has been … Continue reading →
Downsizing apparatuses and other fire department fleet trends
It is human nature when buying a new car to wish for all the bells and whistles, the more with which to impress your next-door neighbor. And don’t forget after-factory add-ons like a booming stereo, GPS navigation system and maybe … Continue reading →
Communicating vital is key to handling abandoned utilities
The potentıal dangers that lie just beneath the ground can no longer be ignored. As facilities have turned to implementing more and more underground utilities, they’ve begun to encounter not only abandoned utilities but unmarked ones, as well — leading … Continue reading →
Sold! Auctions popular with cities looking to buy and sell fleet vehicles
Auctions can be a viable means for cash-strapped municipal governments to buy and sell used equipment. On the selling side, an auction is a good way to turn idle, surplus assets into revenue. And the purchasing side bears its own … Continue reading →
Hiawatha, Iowa
Not every town has its greeting conveniently baked into its name. But the founders of Hiawatha, Iowa, population 7,212, took advantage of the city’s first syllable and crafted it into the city seal. “Hi” hallmarks the spirit of the friendly … Continue reading →
Got gas? Managing fuel in emergencies
When disaster strikes your city, one thing that could compound the problem is not having enough fuel for emergency responders and public works vehicles. Police, fire and emergency medical personnel have to get to victims quickly and roads need to … Continue reading →
Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum Gatlinburg, Tenn.
Nestled serenely among the picturesque Smoky Mountains lies Gatlinburg, Tenn., its 4,200 residents and the largest collection of salt and pepper shakers in the world. The collection started about three decades ago with a single pepper mill. “We did not … Continue reading →
Push to green municipal fleets
In the push to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and also save money, alternative fuel vehicles are hitting the roadways in greater numbers, with states and cities playing a sizable role in this growth — in part due to the implementation … Continue reading →
How the evolution of mobility will impact municipal fleets
The mobılıty evolution wıll not be as visibly dramatic for municipal fleets as it will be for corporate fleets and personal use, but it will be profound in several less immediately apparent ways. Advances in ride-sharing platforms and autonomous driving … Continue reading →
