Public Works Week May 19-25, 2019

 Concord’s Select Board issued a proclamation announcing “Concord Public Works Week” on May 6, 2019. 

Concord Public Works celebrated the American Public Works Association, Public Works Week by hosting the 8^th grade from the Middle School (over 230 students) on May 23.  This was the thirteenth year that the students were included in this event.  This year’s theme was:  “It Starts Here”. 

Anna Trout, Administrative & Special Projects Coordinator and the CPW team spent months in preparation for this event in coordination with Doug Shattuck, the Applied Technology teacher from the Middle School, and the teachers and staff that helped as chaperones for the event.  Planning begins once again for the next year as soon as the event concludes.

Richard Reine M.S.C.E, CA, Director of Public Works and Engineering, thanked all who made the day a success, as the group assembled for a group photo.  He acknowledged that this event was made possible by the hard work of the public works staff, school staff, including the chaperones, who spent a great deal of time and effort to prepare for this event.

This year’s event was a great success, providing a unique opportunity to show students what goes on “behind the scenes” and demonstrated how they can have a positive effect on the environment.

John Arena, Concord Schools Transportation Manager, coordinated the five buses and drivers that brought the students to three different locations throughout the day, which made things run smoothly.  Ned Roos of WIQH (Concord Carlisle High School) radio station – set up some music and a great sound system for the conclusion of the event.

Public Works was showcased by the following events this year:

• Stormwater System Maintenance – CPW’s Highway and Grounds Division including Jeff Koranda, Highway Crew Leader, along with Ken Sherman, Water/Sewer System Maintainer, and others conducted a session including a catch basin cleaning demonstration. Various CPW equipment was set up for display.  Nick Sorrentino, Highway Equipment Operator, showcased his dexterity in using a backhoe.  Tish Hopkins, Cemetery Supervisor, conducted a trivia contest that challenged the students’ knowledge of local issues.
• Stormwater and Water Quality Overview – CPW’s Engineering Division including Chris Olbrot, Town Engineer along with Associate Engineer Tim Wilson,  and Engineers Nate Chin and Stephan Cherduville conducted an educational session at “Junction Park” in West Concord to demonstrate the importance of stormwater management, showing how bio retention works while including some fun activities for the students.
• Hazardous Waste Disposal – CPW’s Administrative Division led by Rod Robison, Environmental Svs. Program Administrator, along with Paul Reinhardt, Management Analyst and Nancey Carroll, Administrative Assistant, entertained the students with an educational skit which pointed out how important reuse is for the environment.  The students were able to come up with their own innovative ideas in a friendly competition. 
• Stormwater Pollution Prevention Videos – Kathi Tew, Administrative Assistant,  showed students the public service announcements that they created in class, demonstrating how to prevent stormwater pollution.  There were 49 great videos this year.  The winning video titled "Storm Water Pollution Prevention" was created by Naomi Miller and Kara Lodanier.  Click Here to View
• Wastewater Treatment Plant – A tour of the plant was conducted by CPW’s Water & Sewer Division, led by Valerie Doerrer, Public Works Engineer with assistance from Woodard and Curran staff.   Alex Wahlstrom, Environmental and Regulatory Coordinator  and Melissa Simoncini, Sr. Environmental and Regulatory Coordinator along with summer intern Emma Burleson provided a presentation on water conservation including a lively water relay demonstrating the importance of conserving this valuable resource.
• Best Management Practices for Turf Grass Maintenance, Tree Care, and Winter Storm Response Operations - Dan Rowley, Highway and Grounds Superintendent, Aaron Miklosko, Assistant Highway and Grounds Superintendent, Sean O’Connor, MCA, Park and Tree Specialist (Aerial), Mick Hone, Park and Tree Specialist, and Colin Flynn, Park and Tree Laborer, conducted a session at Keyes Road where the students learned about turf management and performed hands on pH testing of the soil.  Information about CPW’s snow fighting procedures and tree program were also discussed.

Susan Clark, Administrative Assistant, along with Water/Sewer system Maintainers Chris Kizik and Bob Martin operated the popcorn machine and distributed this tasty snack to hungry participants. There are many other employees that also provided assistance with this great event including Richard Hathaway, Highway Crew Leader, Bob Wockenfuss, Park and Tree Specialist and Highway Equipment Operators Andy Giles, Rich Weaver and Rich Byajuta.